The Patriots and Bills get their two meetings in a span of four weeks, unfortunate for a Buffalo team that will need help down the stretch to make the playoffs. The Bills have managed to beat the Patriots twice in the last four seasons and five meetings ... Last year's win, of course, was during Tom Brady's suspension. That suspension is over.
Prediction: Patriots, 30-24
The Bills were impressive in winning at Kansas City, but their defense isn't good enough to beat New England – even at home. Look for a monster game from Tom Brady as the Pats continue to dominate the division.
Prediction: Patriots 34, Bills 17
This is a horrible matchup for the Buffalo Bills. They don't do a lot creatively on offense, and the running game hasn't been great as of late. Now, against a team like the New England Patriots—who are better at breaking down film than anyone—Buffalo is likely to add some new wrinkles to the offense. Still, the Bills aren't going to carve up New England's defense.
The Patriots defense is playing great right now. It's shutting down opposing offenses and has allowed just 13.14 points per contest over the last seven games. People have to get over what they saw at the beginning of the year because this is a totally different defense.
I like the Bills defense, and Buffalo is well-coached by Sean McDermott and defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier. However, it isn't the most talented group in the game, and it lacks the cover corners necessary to play a lot of man-to-man coverage. You have to sprinkle in at least a little man defense against the Patriots because Tom Brady will dissect the zone over the course of four quarters.
The Bills always fight hard against the Patriots, but fight isn't going to be enough.
Prediction: Patriots 34, Bills 20
MDS's take: The Patriots are cruising toward another AFC East title, and this is the victory that will put the division out of reach.
MDS's pick: Patriots 35, Bills 21.
