JEFF ALLEN GAME PREVIEW: BUFFALO at NEW ENGLAND
The 3-0 New England Patriots look to continue a magical start to the 2016-2017 season as they host the
1-2 Buffalo Bills in an AFC East divisional game. The Pats have overcome Tom Brady’s enforced “deflategate”
suspension and a myriad of injuries to be perfect under almost impossible conditions. Off a home loss to the
Jets and an air of all is lost, the Bills summoned up a second wind in flogging Arizona last week to give their
season a second life. A win here would be huge for Rex Ryan’s crew who have the Rams, 49ers and Dolphins
on deck. It’s conceivable that the Bills could be 5-2 when they meet New England in the rematch on October 30.
The game opened New England 6.5 and 43 1/2. There has been little action on this game side or total thanks
in large part to the uncertain status of so many key players. Weather calls for possible light showers and a game
time temp in the mid-60s for this 1:00 PM EST kickoff on CBS.
The Bills defense took the heat after the loss to the Jets but bounced back to force five Arizona Cardinal turnovers
including four Carson Palmer picks. The problem has in fact been the league’s No.30 ranked offense. Tyrod Taylor
has just 523 yards passing after three games. Shady McCoy is doing his best as the Bill’s lone option out of the
backfield. Tayylor has 125 rushing yards himself with no other back on the roster having more than 20 yards. Top
wide out Sammy Watkins has had limited practice time this week and will be a game time decision.
New England will have to do it with smoke and mirrors this week. Both Jimmy Garoppolo (shoulder) and rook
Jacoby Brisette (sprained thumb) have done limited throwing this week and Belechick is yet to name a starter.
The New England defense has been outstanding an comes off a 27-0 whitewash of the previously unbeaten
Texans while allowing just 284 yards in the process. The stop unit will only be better when LB Rob Ninkovich
comes off suspension with Brady.
Not much to say about this game from a betting standpoint with so many unknowns. This would figure to be Rex
Ryan’s chance to finally beat Belechick. The Bills are 15-7 ATS their L22 division games but “The Hoodie” is an
almost imaginable 23-2 straight up in his L25 versus the Bills and is pretty much on a free roll here with the Browns
and the return of Tom Brady on deck. Don’t expect any Pat to be put unnecessarily at risk in this one.