AFC East opponents are battling for prime playoff position here on Sunday in Week 16. The New England Patriots host the Buffalo Bills as double-digit favorites as they look to clinch their AFC top seed spot and earn home-turf advantage throughout the NFL playoffs. The Bills? They are going for their first playoff appearance in 18 years. Both teams have something serious to play for this Christmas Eve day.
The Buffalo Bills are would be in the playoffs if the season were to end today. The Bills are the 6th seed in the AFC right now. Buffalo recently beat the Dolphins in New York, 24-16. The win help keep the Bills in playoff contention. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor returned from a knee injury to throw for 224 yards and one touchdown. The Bills has 328 yards of total offense in the win against the Dolphins.
LeSean McCoy was the difference for Buffalo. The star running back rushed for 50 yards and a touchdown. He also had four catches for 46 yards and one touchdown.
Look for the Bills to keep their offensive attack balanced this week against the Patriots. Buffalo had 268 yards of offense against New England in the first game.
Defensively, the Bills rank 21st in points allowed. Giving up 21.8 points per game this year. The Buffalo secondary played excellent last week against the Dolphins. The defense had three interceptions and allowed no passing touchdowns. Buffalo limited the Dolphins to 349 yards of total offense last week. They allowed 435 yards in week 13 against the Patriots and had no interceptions.
The Bills are going to have a ton f pressure on their shoulders on the road in Foxborough. Buffalo needs to keep winning to stay in playoff contention. The Patriots need a win to stay alive in a first round bye.
The New England Patriots are the top team in the AFC right now after beating the Pittsburgh Steelers, 27-24. The game was an instant classic going all the way down to the final seconds of the game.
Tom Brady guided the Patriots to the 51st comeback win of his career in last weeks win. Brady threw for 298 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Brady was decent against the Bills defense in week 13. He passed for 258 yards and no touchdowns.
Look for Brady to be more efficient this time around against the Bills. He should be able to spread the ball around easily in this one.
Defensively, the Patriots are a much improved unit. The defense is allowing 19.6 points per game this year, ranking the Patriots sixth in points allowed this year. Look for the defense to limit the Bills offense in the passing game this week. If Buffalo is going to win, it will have to be through McCoy
Writer’s Prediction
This game should have a playoff type of feel to it. Both teams are division foes with a lot on the line. Tyrod Taylor and the Bills don’t know how to handle pressure like this . The season is on the line in New England. The Patriots will destroy the Bills in this matchup. Rob Gronkowski better have his head on a swivel in this one. Pick: Patriots (-12)
