Three key matchups as Patriots try to clinch a playoff spot
By Fran Brown
It all comes down to Sunday afternoon in Buffalo. If the Patriots win, they are in the playoffs as the seventh and final seed in the AFC. Lose, and they may have to wait to see some results break their way. The bottom line is that somehow, someway, they control their own destiny heading into the final week of the season. Unfortunately, not only are the Bills a formidable opponent, but they are playing for their own playoff positioning of their own and teammate Damar Hamlin. Needless to say, emotions will be high for this one. Here are three matchups I’ll be looking at Sunday afternoon.
Three key matchups for the Patriots in week eighteen
Patriots run defense vs. Buffalo run game
For all of the talk of Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, and the Bills’ passing game, it was the running game that gave the Patriots fits in the first matchup. The Bills ran 37 times for 132 yards and a touchdown as they kept the Patriots’ defense on the field for most of the game. Of course, Allen did have his moments, but the Patriots’ inability to stop the run killed them in this game. Rookie running back James Cook is coming on for the Bills, gaining 203 of his 462 yards over the past four games. That includes a career-high 99 yards on only 11 carries in their last game against the Chicago Bears.
The Patriots, for their part, have been much better against the run over the past four games. In fact, they haven’t allowed more than 97 yards in any of the past three games. Linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley has been really good against the run but has enjoyed the help of Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers in recent weeks. However, the Patriots will need to stop the run game on Sunday afternoon to have a shot.