A lot will be at stake in the Week 13 edition of Monday Night Football. The Buffalo Bills host the red-hot New England Patriots. The Bills were expected by many to be at the top of the AFC East right now, but that has not been the case lately. The Patriots are currently on a six-game winning streak that has allowed them to control the AFC East division. They are also the second seed in the AFC playoff picture right now.
On the other hand, Buffalo has had its struggles this season. They have had some baffling outcomes against weaker teams this season. The losses against Jacksonville, Houston, Indianapolis, and Pittsburgh had everyone doubting whether the Bills are a Super Bowl contender.
The Monday night game against New England will be the perfect opportunity to remind folks that they are still a serious threat in the conference. For Buffalo to succeed against New England, their defense must make things uncomfortable for Mac Jones in the pocket. Jones is the key to the Patriots’ success, but if he is forced to make a few unnecessary throws, the Bills may capitalize and win.
An area where the Bills need to affect the Patriots is their inability to stop the run. Their rush defense is averaging 115.8 rushing yards per game. However, running the football is where the Bills have struggled, dating back to last season. If they can get their rushing attack going against New England, they might be able to dictate the game’s flow. As for the Patriots will need to figure out ways to rattle the Bills’ number one ranked defense. It’s an arduous task, but the Pats can get it done.
The way that New England has defeated teams this season is simple. Their offense takes advantage of potential leaks in opposing defenses. Once they find those leaks, they dominate for all four quarters. However, with how the Patriots’ defense has been playing lately, their offense only needs to do enough to maintain their lead. Will it be that way against the Bills on Monday?
Outside of Justin Herbert in Week 8, the Pats defense has not faced an elite QB at the position like Josh Allen during their six-game winning streak. New England must take away passing threats such as Stefon Diggs, Emmanuel Sanders, Dawson Knox, and force Allen to beat them differently. It will be a long night for the Bills if the Patriots can accomplish those things.
Predicted Outcome
No one forecasted that the Patriots would be back in the Super Bowl contending discussion before the season. Yet, here they are. We expect those conversations to continue after their matchup with the Bills. New England will advance to a record of 9-4, but it will not be an easy victory. Patriots win by four.
Patriots 24
Bills 21
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