Bills at Patriots
The Buffalo Bills waged a surprisingly gritty battle with AFC-leading Houston before falling 21-9 last week. In the end, however, Buffalo was held without a touchdown for the third time in the past four games. That anemic offense won’t do against the high-powered New England Patriots who have re-ignited their attack.
Two weeks ago in London, Tom Brady threw for four touchdowns and made things look easy in a 45-7 rout of St. Louis. While Buffalo has lost four of five and once again seems to be headed to playoff extinction, the Patriots appear to be returning to Super Bowl form. New England has already beaten the Bills 52-28 this season and has won 17 of the last 18 games in the series.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Patriots -11, O/U 51
ABOUT THE BILLS (3-5): Buffalo has assured coach Chan Gailey that he will be back next season. The same assurances have not been relayed to defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt. Under Wannstedt, the Bills rank 31st in the NFL against the run and have allowed five 100-yard rushers on the season. Injuries are also a factor as cornerback Terrence McGee and right tackle Erik Pears were placed on season-ending injured reserve this week. High-priced DE Mario Williams had one sack in his return to Houston and once again was not much of a factor.
ABOUT THE PATRIOTS (5-3): Brady and the Patriots have revved things up by scoring 180 points in their last five games. New England has its share of injuries but TE Rob Gronkowski was monstrous against the Rams despite a hip problem. His bookend at tight end, Aaron Hernandez, is still questionable with an ankle injury. New England is first in the NFL in points (32.8 ppg) and total yardage. Brady is 19-2 against Buffalo with 49 TD passes and wasn’t fazed with his team trailing 21-7 in the third quarter in the first meeting of the season. He threw three scoring passes in the second half and the Pats forced four turnovers.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Buffalo has been outscored in the fourth quarter 90-28 this season.
2. The Patriots recently acquired CB Aqib Talib from Tampa Bay but he will sit out Sunday while serving the final game of a four-game suspension.
3. Patriots RB Brandon Bolden was suspended four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy. He ran for 134 yards against the Bills in September.