It's a must-win game for the New England Patriots in Week 8 against the Buffalo Bills. The Patriots have struggled much of the season, even during their two wins. They've failed to find the right amount of chemistry on offense while leaving more to be desired from their defense, especially following a blowout in Week 7 at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers.
While a victory against the Bills is attainable, the Patriots won't be able to let off the gas for even a second on Sunday. This Bills squad is carrying serious momentum into Week 8. They own an embarrassing seven-game losing streak to New England and are in threat mode to maintain their spot atop the AFC East division. Their MVP candidate field general in Josh Allen will be looking to turn in another insane performance as they continue their dominance following a shaky win against the New York Jets in Week 7.
The Patriots, on the other hand, will likely have a recap following Sunday's bout that gives a few “good” takeaways for the future followed by horrendous observations that simply can't repeat themselves. Their in the midst of competing with the 3-3 Miami Dolphins for the second spot in the AFC, a notion to how the season has progressed so far for them.
In good nature, we look at four bold predictions that could occur in Week 8.
4. Patriots allow more than 30 points
The Patriots will be without their current DPOY Stephon Gilmore this Sunday due to injury, though it could be due to his constant circulation in trade rumors. Even so, they rank 12th in points allowed on defense, while ranking 17th in yards allowed. It's an insane step down from their No. 1-ranked defense at the end of the 2019-20 season, which could be attributed to multiple factors.
Even so, Allen wasn't able to convert any of his 30 completed passes into scores for the Bills against the Jets in Week 7, which is far from the offensive identity they've posed in the first six weeks of play. In normal nature, he'll look to return to form against the Patriots and their fragile defense on Sunday in efforts to revitalize the offense.
The Patriots will somehow continue to search for answers on defense in the midst of Allen's dominance.
3. Newton turns things around
If it's not this week, many pundits will fail to care when Newton does return to full form. The Auburn University standout has struggled mightily since returning from being sidelined with COVID-19. Following his nauseating performance against the 49ers on last Sunday, many spectators wondered if it was time to write the Patriots off, seeing as how their No.1 talent on the team can't seem to live up to the hype.
This is more of a “pushing all the poker chips” in take than anything else. Newton must perform to the standard that enticed the Patriots to sign him last offseason. He's failed to throw for more than one touchdown in any game this season, while throwing five interceptions in his last two games.
The 31-year old star will hit the reset button, however, and throw for 300-plus yards and total four touchdowns against the Bills. It's frankly one of their few chances at winning.
2. Edelman out, Byrd in
Julian Edelman has made the Bills' defense a victim of his downfield prowess time after time. His injury comes at a fortunate time for the Bills, seeing as how it'll sit him out for Sunday's game. Even so, the Patriots can't afford to hang their heads in Edelman's absence. Byrd has been successful as well amongst the wideouts for New England this season. He's tallied 233 yards while catching 18 of his 28 targets.
Both Edelman and Byrd have found trouble in finding the endzone this season, however, as both pass catchers haven't scored even one touchdown through Week 7. As such, Newton will likely be looking for Byrd more times than none on Sunday. The 27-year old receiver is averaging 12.9 yards per reception from 18 completed targets this season, tying him for 47th place in the league. In short, Byrd will have to turn out a miraculous performance with Newton to aid the Patriots on offense. They currently rank 29th in points scored in the league, which simply won't cut it against a Bills defense that just limited the Jets to four yards in the second half of Week 7.
Byrd will finish the outing with 150 receiving yards for two touchdowns.
1. Patriots come through in a nail-biter
While most would count the Patriots out of Sunday's contest, the Bill Belichick-infused system shouldn't be disregarded. It's highly unlikely that the Patriots repeat the same literal mistakes that saw them bow down in a blowout to the 49ers. Their defense will leave much to be desired on Sunday, which has suffered heavily in prior weeks to opposing quarterbacks.
Newton may also find himself in a pinch early, but the on-record statements from both him and Belichick suggest that this club is far from reassembling their tactics mid-season. Halfback Damien Harris–the second leading rusher on the team behind Newton– should be available as well following his ankle injury, giving Newton another option from the backfield. New England will have to come out swinging early to remind the Bills of the deficit they faced early on against the lowly Jets, and then look to capitalize off that momentum.
This 2-4 club will improve to 3-4 as they chase behind the Dolphins for the second spot in the AFC East.
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