New England Patriots vs Buffalo Bills: Game 15 Preview and Prediction
By Hal Bent
The New England Patriots are coming off their biggest win of the 2017 season. They had a thrilling 27-24 win over the AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers in a battle for getting into position to lock-up home-field advantage in the AFC through the playoffs.
Of course, that win means little if the Patriots do not take care of business and close out the last two weeks of the regular season against their AFC East rivals the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets.
Buffalo is coming off a dismantling of the Miami Dolphins who were flying sky-high after defeating New England 27-20 on Monday night in Week 14. The Bills jumped out to a 21-6 halftime lead. Miami put up some scores in garbage time but the outcome was never in doubt. Buffalo intercepted Jay Cutler three times in the second half on their way to their eighth win.
The Patriots need to continue their winning ways to stay ahead of Pittsburgh and Jacksonville for the the race for the top seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
A stumble along the way could result in New England losing their bye week and hosting a game on Wild Card weekend and having to go on the road in the Divisional round due to Jacksonville holding tie-breakers over the Patriots.
To start with, New England has to hold serve this Sunday at home against the pesky Bills. Buffalo needs to win out to have a chance at the Wild Card and their season could be over with a loss in Foxboro.
There are a number of factors that will go into whether the Patriots will win or whether the Bills will pull the upset. Who needs to step up for New England on Sunday and what one of the hidden factors that could impact the game? Finally, what will be the outcome? We predict it all here for you in our slideshow!