The New England Patriots<\/a> (4-11) have nothing to lose, and they’re playing like it. They take on the Buffalo Bills<\/a> (9-6) in Week 17 as Josh Allen and company have a playoff berth on the line.
Bill Belichick avoided earning a career record for most losses in a season with a 26-23 road win over the Denver Broncos last week. Bailey Zappe threw for a season-high 256 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. The defense recovered two fumbles.
The Bills escaped the lowly Los Angeles Chargers and won 24-22 on a last-second field goal. They started the game down 10-0. Allen threw for 237 yards, a touchdown and an interception. He also scored two rushing touchdowns.
Last time the Patriots and Bills faced off, New England won 29-25 for an upset and Belichick’s 300th regular-season win<\/a>. Mac Jones was the quarterback for the Patriots and he threw two touchdowns. Allen also scored two touchdowns and threw a pick.
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NFL MVP race:<\/strong>Brock Purdy implodes, Lamar Jackson rises in Ravens’ rout<\/a>
Browns vs. Jets<\/a> | Cowboys vs. Lions<\/a> | Ravens vs. Dolphins<\/a> | Bills vs. Patriots<\/a> | Bears vs. Falcons<\/a> | Texans vs. Titans<\/a> | Colts vs. Raiders<\/a> | Jaguars vs. Panthers<\/a> | Giants vs. Rams<\/a> | Eagles vs. Cardinals<\/a> | Buccaneers vs. Saints<\/a> | Commanders vs. 49ers<\/a> | Seahawks vs. Steelers<\/a> | Chiefs vs. Bengals<\/a> | Broncos vs. Chargers<\/a> | Vikings vs. Packers<\/a>
Buffalo has hit a stride and Josh Allen is playing pretty steady football, despite the usual turnover. But the Patriots have become far more competitive lately with Bailey Zappe under center. New England\u2019s defense is very good against the rush and Bill Belichick, historically, had forced Allen into inefficient performances. I like New England to cover.
Josh Allen said last week that the Bills are approaching games as if their backs are against the wall. Buffalo\u2019s played much better since Joe Brady took over as offensive coordinator. The Bills are making a playoff push, while the Patriots are just playing for pride.
The Patriots may have spoiled Denver\u2019s chance to make the playoffs last weekend, and have a chance to play spoiler again against the Bills. But Josh Allen and Sean McDermott know getting past this hump will get them one step closer to the postseason. Buffalo finds a way in a nailbiter.\u00a0
Yes, the Patriots played spoiler in their last matchup, but the Bills are at home and are playing with more confidence. Buffalo isn’t putting the entire burden on Josh Allen’s shoulders and have done a great job getting their run game going. They march one step closer to a playoff berth.
New England shocked Buffalo earlier this season, but this Bills team seems to have figured itself out with three-straight wins. Buffalo makes it four with its defense limited New England from doing much.
You can view the full list of USA TODAY’s NFL expert predictions here<\/a>.
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