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New England Patriots vs Buffalo Bills: Game 15 Preview and Prediction

By Hal Bent

ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 3: Jerry Hughes #55 of the Buffalo Bills attempts to sack Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots as he throws the ball during the first quarter on December 3, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 3: Jerry Hughes #55 of the Buffalo Bills attempts to sack Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots as he throws the ball during the first quarter on December 3, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots: Rob Gronkowski apologizes to Tre'Davious White
ORCHARD PARK, NY – DECEMBER 3: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots and Micah Hyde #23 of the Buffalo Bills attempt to catch the ball during the third quarter on December 3, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

WHY THE PATRIOTS WILL WIN:

  • The Gronk Show

Overlooked from the Week 13 first match-up against the Bills was a standout performance by New England tight end Rob Gronkowski. He caught nine passes for 147 yards (all statistics from Pro-Football-Reference.com unless otherwise noted).

However, his day was overshadowed by the stupidity and ugliness of his unnecessary and dirty hit on Tre’Davious White resulting in his well-deserved suspension.

The Patriots’ offense clearly missed Gronkowski against Miami. They struggled on third down, but he returned last week with nine receptions for 168 yards. Buffalo mixed their coverages on Gronkowski in the first game this season with man-coverage and zone-coverage mixes.

He saw a steady dose of linebacker Preston Brown, safeties Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer and cornerback Tre’Davious White. The Bills had the most success with the smaller Hyde and White hanging onto Gronkowski to slow him.

Look for Buffalo to try and suffocate the Patriots’ passing attack by smothering Gronkowski with the athletic duo of Hyde and White.

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