MNF PREVIEW: BUFFALO BILLS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

BY ADAM GREENE

A few weeks ago the Buffalo Bills usurped the New England Patriots as Kings of the AFC North. Now, as they host their conference rivals on Monday Night Football, they can make sure they end the season as losers too. 

The Bills have clinched the AFC North and a home playoff game, but depending on what happens in the Kansas City Chiefs vs Atlanta Falcons game Sunday, could still have a shot at homefield advantage and a first round bye. Even if they don’t, you know there’s no chance they won’t take the Patriots seriously.

BUFFALO BILLS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (+7, O/U: 46)

Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, Mass.

Kickoff: Dec. 28, 8:15 p.m. EST

Broadcast: ESPN/ABC

THE HISTORY

As two of the founding AFL franchises, the Bills and Patriots have met up 121 times since 1960. New England has a staggering 76-44-1 advantage in the all time series which is kind of surprising considering the run Buffalo had in the late 1980s and early 1990s. But, hey, that’s what 20 years of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick can do to a team.

The Bills won their first meeting this year 24-21 which just so happened to be their first victory over the Pats since 2016 and just their fourth since 2011. Josh Allen finished 11 of 18 for 154 yards and an interception. Devin Singletary rushed for 86 yards and Stephon Diggs caught six passes for 92 yards. Cam Netwton threw for 174 yards in the loss and rushed for 54 and a touchdown. Damien Harris had 102 yards and a score on the ground.

BUFFALO BILLS (11-3)

The Bills come into this one the winners of four straight and with a playoff ticket already punched. How much they have to play for over the last two weeks has a lot to do with how the Chiefs perform, but that’s easier math for a team that’s been good a while. When you’ve gone through the ringer for a decade plus, you want to pile up wins, regardless of everything else going on. Last week in a 48-10 win over the Denver Broncos, Josh Allen threw for 359 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. Zack Moss rushed for 81 yards. Stephon Diggs caught 11 passes for 147 yards and Cole Beasley had eight catches for 112 yards.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (6-8)

Last week was the end of an era for New England as a 22-12 loss to the Miami Dolphins ended their historic playoff appearance streak. Cam Newton threw for 209 yards and added 38 on the ground. Sony Michel rushed for 74 yards and Jacobi Meyers caught seven passes for 111 yards.

THE PICK

Regardless of what happens with the Chiefs, I don’t see Buffalo taking their foot off the gas. Not with Josh Allen playing at an MVP level (he’s not in the race this year, but be on notice for 2021). For the first time in a long time New England is just looking forward to free agency and the draft. For that, the rest of the NFL delivers a sigh of relief. Bills 33, Patriots 16

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