W2W4: New England Patriots vs Buffalo Bills
By Hal Bent
Summary & Game Score Prediction:
Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
If only it were 1982 and running the ball and stopping the run were the most important part of an NFL game, then I could pick against the Patriots on Monday night. After the performance of cornerbacks Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan last week against Eli Manning and wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Rueben Randle, it is hard not to expect them to slow down Tyrod Taylor and wide receivers Sammy Watkins and Robert Woods.
On offense, the Patriots will no doubt miss Julian Edelman and Dion Lewis. Lewis had 138 yards rushing and receiving against Buffalo in week two and Edelman added 11 catches for 97 yards and 2 touchdowns. New England will lean on Brandon LaFell, Rob Gronkowski, and Danny Amendola to carry the load. Aaron Dobson and Scott Chandler are going to need to step-up their performances as well.
New England has the advantage of playing at home against Buffalo and should be able to still move the ball and score against Rex Ryan’s defense. The Patriots’ defense is much improved and should make the difference in what should be another close game on the heels of New England’s last-second win over New York. It may be closer than New England would prefer, but it should be victory number ten.