Line: Bills -4.5
Opening Kickoff: The Bills will look to start the process of dethroning the Patriots atop the AFC East. New England has absolutely dominated Buffalo through the years, even before the Belichick era in New England.
Last season, the Patriots earned their 27th series sweep of Buffalo with a 16-10 win at Buffalo and a 24-17 home win. It was the third straight year the Patriots swept the Bills.
Today’s meeting will be the 121st meeting between the two teams. The Patriots hold hold a 76-43-1 lead in the series and have won 35 of the last 40 games between the teams , dating back to 2000.
The Bills could signal their arrival with a win today. They have had this game marked on their calendars for a while. It could get ugly today Patriots fans.
Here are three offensive and defensive keys for the Patriots.
3 Offensive Keys
1. Get Newton off to a good start: Cam Newton needs to play well today if the Patriots are going to pull off the upset. I would use him in as many ways as possible. I would run him 10-12 times and I would get the ball out of his hands as quick as possible.
2. Gadgets: Former Patriots assistant Brian Daboll will have plenty of tricks in the bag for his former team. The Patriots need to do the same. They must find a way to manufacture offense. Using trick plays is a good way to do that so look for a couple today from the Patriots.
3. All hands on deck in the passing game: With Edelman and Harry out, the Patriots are thin at receiver. That means it’s all hands on deck in the passing game. Look for Dalton Keene, James White and Rex Burkhead to be used a lot more as receivers as the Patriots try to find ways to get some production out of the passing game.
3 Defensive Keys
1. Pressure Allen: The Patriots cannot allow Josh Allen to be comfortable in the pocket. They must bring inside pressure and sugar rush him on the outside. Hit him and make him uncomfortable.
2. Contain Allen on breakdowns: The Patriots cannot allow Allen to run around and extend plays. It is tough to do with the amount of man they play. The front seven must do a good job of keeping him in the pocket.
3. Secondary must play well: It will be hard with no Stephon Gilmore but the secondary needs to play well against a talented receiving corp. Buffalo will present problems with Stefon Diggs and Cole Beasley. Jason McCourty and company must rise to the occasion.
Final Prediction: Bills 28 Patriots 13: The Patriots are undermanned and while I think they will play tough and compete, it won’t be enough. Buffalo is healthy and they have been looking forward to this game for a long time.