In terms of mismatches on paper, the New England Patriots vs. the Buffalo Bills game is easily at the top of the list on this week’s slate of games. The Bills enter the game as a two-touchdown favorite and have the second-highest point spread in the NFL this week, behind only Green Bay over New Orleans.
How to watch Patriots at Bills
From the Patriots’ perspective, there’s not much to be excited about at this point in the season beyond the development of rookie quarterback Drake Maye. And even that has been a little rocky due to issues protecting the football (nine interceptions and two fumbles, though he has not lost any of the fumbles).
The Patriots rank 31st in points per game and 23rd in points per game against. They seem to be getting worse as the season progresses under first-year head coach Jerod Mayo, who has developed a bad habit of deflecting blame after losses.
New England has lost four games in a row and now goes on the road to Buffalo to play one of the best teams in football.
Speaking of, while the Bills have had some defensive issues the past couple of weeks, their offense is clicking on all cylinders. They are second in the NFL, averaging 31.2 points per game, and have scored at least 30 points in eight consecutive games.
Quarterback Josh Allen is playing like an MVP, running back James Cook has topped the 100-yard mark and averaged over seven yards per carry in two of his past three games, and the wide receiver group is coming together. Already owning an 11-3 record and playing the Patriots twice and Jets once over their final three games, the Bills have a great path to the No. 2 seed in the AFC.
New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills odds
Expert picks for Patriots vs. Bills
Free, daily sports updates direct to your inbox.
Free, daily sports updates direct to your inbox.
Read more about NFL Week 16
Who is the most important non-QB for every division leader as NFL playoffs near?
Where will Sam Darnold play next? A Kirk Cousins trade? Setting stage for 2025 QB carousel
Woody Johnson’s Jets: ‘Madden’ ratings, a lost season and ‘the most dysfunctional place imaginable’
NFL Power Rankings Week 15: Vikings, Seahawks move up, plus breakout player for every team
(Photo of Josh Allen: Mike Mulholland / Getty Images)