Patriots Preview: Week 16 vs Buffalo Bills

On Monday night, the 6-8 New England Patriots host the 11-3 Buffalo Bills.

Date: Monday, December 28, 2020
Game Time: 20:15 EST
Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
Network: ESPN
All-time record: Patriots lead series 76-44-1

How The Patriots Win

The Patriots will come up against a difficult task in stopping Josh Allen on Monday night. The Bills have been on a hot streak heading into the postseason, and to be frank, I don’t think the Patriots have a great chance of winning this game.

However, looking back a few weeks to the first time these two teams met earlier this season, the Pats had a chance to win, if it wasn’t for Cam’s fumble late in the fourth quarter.

If they win, they’ll need to shut down Stefon Diggs, and with Stephon Gilmore missing through injury, J.C. Jackson or Jonathan Jones will need to step in and cover Diggs on Monday night.

The ground game will important as always, if the Pats can shorten the game whilst moving the ball consistently, it will improve their chances of winning. Sony Michel will look to lead the backfield again if Damien Harris is unable to go.

Newton is in now what could be the final two games of his time in New England, I hope he goes out on a couple of better performances, and they need him to throw the ball. The passing game is a key here, Jakobi Meyers or anybody, just get them the ball Cam, it’ll also give the run a better chance of working.

Finally, keep hold of the ball, last time these two teams met, a fumble cost the Patriots victory. Secure the ball.

TSM’s 5 Keys To Victory-
-0 Turnovers
-Shutdown Diggs
-Establish the run
-Shorten the game
-Newton please throw it

Familiar Faces

Former Patriots

Coaching Staff
OC Brian Daboll (2000-2001, 2002-2006, 2013, 2014-2016 – Won Super Bowl XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX, XLIX and LI)
OL Coach Ryan Wendell (OL 2009-2015 – Won Super Bowl XLIX)

Former Bills

Players
CB Stephon Gilmore

Broken Records

Here’s some records that could fall tomorrow evening.

QB Cam Newton
-Cam Newton has scored 11 rushing touchdowns in 2020. With one more rushing touchdown, he will tie former Patriots QB Steve Grogan for the Patriots team record for most rushing TDs in a season by a QB.
RB James White
-Needs two touchdown receptions to tie Larry Garron (26) as the most all-time in Patriots history for touchdown receptions by a running back.
S Devin McCourty
-With his next interception, Devin McCourty (28) will tie Ron Hall, Roland James, and Fred Marion for third all-time in Patriots history with 29 career
interceptions.

Score Prediction: Bills 30-20 Patriots

Just with how hot the Bills are at the minute, I can’t see the Patriots getting the W on Monday evening. They win it by 10, but the Pats get a few scores to make it interesting.