With a New England Patriots Week 16 game against the Buffalo Bills, many will tune in to watch this highly anticipated matchup. Ahead of the Bills-Patriots game, we'll be making our Patriots Week 16 predictions.
Bill Belichick's team has had a bounce-back season after missing the playoffs last year. They are now in a tight divisional race with the Bills and hold a one-game lead entering this game. This game will be pivotal for the rest of the postseason race and who will win the AFC East. Both teams are very talented, and their last matchup came down to the wire, with New England coming out on top with a 14-10 victory.
For more insight on the Patriots' Week 16 matchup against the Bills, listen below:
It was an old-style football game in their first matchup with snow coming down. The Patriots' game plan was evident: run the ball and play great defense. They accomplished this as Mac Jones only threw three passes in the game. While the play style will likely be different in this game, it is primed to come down to the wire again.
That being said, here are four bold predictions for the Patriots' Week 16 game against the Bills.
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New England Patriots Week 16 Predictions
4. Mac Jones throws a touchdown
While this may seem like a no-brainer, Jones did not accomplish this in their first game. Given it was due to weather conditions, New England still may go with a similar game plan to be successful. Overall, Jones has had a great rookie campaign, throwing for 3,168 yards along with 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He has also come in and helped the Patriots get to a 9-5 record.
The play-action pass could be used more frequently in this game as the Bills will likely expect the run. This could lead to a red-zone threat like tight end Hunter Henry hauling in a touchdown pass.
3. Matthew Judon gets multiple sacks
The Patriots were active in the offseason, and one of their best additions was pass rusher Matthew Judon. Judon has been sensational, posting a career-high 12.5 sacks with three games to go. He wreaks havoc on opposing quarterbacks, and Josh Allen will have to prepare for constant pressure.
He had one sack on Allen and two quarterback hits in their previous matchup. His success should continue this week due to his sheer talent and ability to make the right play.
2. Patriots dominate in the run game
It was evident in the first game that the Patriots wanted to run all over the Bills. They rushed 46 times for 222 yards and a touchdown. Even when Buffalo was expecting it every play, New England played more physical and with power, creating holes for the running backs.
The Patriots should have similar success with their multiple running backs, which will set up the play-action pass for their rookie quarterback.
1. Patriots win in a close game
Although both teams are very talented, Belichick seems to always have a great game plan to counter the opponent. It will likely be a close game as Allen and the Bills aren't going to go down easily. They have a highly talented offense and a good defense to back them up. New England will want to keep it a defensive battle, because a shootout would likely go the Bills' way due to their quick-strike ability.
Ultimately, the Patriots will be able to pull out the victory and move one step closer to the AFC East title.
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