The Patriots host the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium. Buffalo is 6-1 in their last seven meetings against the Patriots. Part of the reason Buffalo has had so much success is they pose match-up problems for the Patriots, especially on the perimeter.
Here are the top five match-ups to watch in today’s game.
Stefon Diggs vs. Jonathan Jones: Jones has struggled at times against Diggs especially when he lines up at X. Look for the Patriots to double Diggs in certain situations to help Jones who can match-up against Diggs from the 20 to the 20.
Josh Allen vs. The Patriots Core Defenders: The Bills will run Allen both on designed runs and they will give him the freedom to run when things breakdown. The Patriots will try to spy him as much as they can but unless it is the right situation, it will not be effective.
Buffalo Tight Ends vs. Patriots Safeties: Buffalo’s tight ends can present match-up problems especially vertically on seam and corner routes. Patriots safeties will need to stay disciplined with their eyes and they will have to make sure they maintain hip position and stay in phase.
Mac vs. Buffalo’s Cornerbacks: The Bills are thin are corner but that won’t stop Buffalo from being aggressive and playing an coverage. Jones has to be willing to challenge Buffalo’s corners. They have struggled at times this season, especially in the red zone.
Coaching Match-Up: Sean McDermott has gotten the best of Bill Belichick recently but a lot of that is due to the fact that the Bills have been the better team on the field. Belichick and offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien can certainly out coach the Buffalo staff but it may not matter, the Patriots just don’t match-up and they haven’t in years against this team.