Preview
The Bills have dropped two straight games and have been outscored in that same span 57 to 18. They are rolling out backup quarterback Derek Anderson, who just came off a three interception outing, due to Josh Allen’s elbow injury. The Bills might have to start Chris Ivory at running back in light of a LeSean McCoy head injury. They were an offense that had trouble scoring points before these injuries, and now have to deal with them at the two most important positions on that side of the ball. On the other hand, the Patriots have Tom Brady under center for what seems like his 100th straight game. They are rolling on offense; Brady is building a rapport with Josh Gordon, White has looked great, and the team should get Gronk back for this battle. While the Patriots defense hasn’t looked fantastic, the Bills offense should be no threat with their lack of offensive production.
Players to watch
There won’t be many players to mention on Buffalo’s side of the ball. The offense will rest heavily on the shoulders of Derek Anderson and Chris Ivory, two backups that have that designation for a reason. On defense, Tre’Davious White will look to limit no.1 WR Josh Gordon, who has slowly but surely been building a rapport with Tom Brady. Brady will be the key to this game, as he will need to find Edelman and Gronkowski, quite a bit with White on Gordon. Hopefully James White can shoulder the load running the ball with Sony Michel out, as he is primarily a pass catching back. As for the Patriots defense, everyone has a chance to have a field day with Anderson under center.
Keys to the game
New England Patriots
Get after Derek Anderson
Take advantage of inevitable mistakes
Finish out drives (TDs not field goals)
Keep Tom upright
Buffalo Bills
Keep Brady off the field
Limit turnovers
Protect Anderson
Establish the run & chew clock
Injury list
New England Patriots
Jacob Hollister, TE - Hamstring (Out)
Eric Rowe, CB - Groin (Out)
Brian Schwenke, C - Foot (Out)
Sony Michel, RB - Knee (Out)
Marcus Cannon, OT - Concussion (Out)
Geneo Grissom, DE - Ankle (Out)
Trent Brown, OT - Anke (Questionable)
Josh Gordon, WR - Hamstring (Questionable)
Rob Gronkowski, TE - Ankle/Back (Questionable)
Dont’a Hightower, LB - Knee (Questionable)
John Simon, DE - Shoulder (Questionable)
Deatrich Wise, DE - Ankle/Knee (Questionable)
John Simon, DE- Shoulder (Questionable)
Will Tye, TE- Undisclosed (Questionable)
Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen, QB - Elbow (Out)
Taiwan Jones, RB - Neck (Out)
Trent Murphy, DE - Knee (Out)
LeSean McCoy, RB - Concussion (Questionable)
Aaron Green, RB - Undisclosed (Quesionable)
Top 5 Fantasy Players
Tom Brady, QB (NE)
James White, RB (NE)
Julian Edelman, WR (NE)
Chris Ivory, RB (BUF)
Rob Gronkowski, TE (NE)
Prediction
Sadly, this should be a snoozefest for the viewers come Monday. The Patriots are just far and away the better team in this one. They have a better offense, defense, and special teams, while the Bills are decimated by injuries on the offensive side of the ball and will not be able to find any rhythm to score. I would not be surprised if Anderson was pulled at some point for Nathan Peterman, and I could easily see this game being over by halftime. The Patriots will continue to roll against a divisional opponent on the road, and win.
Final Score: Patriots 37, Bills 13
Written by: George Haraktsis