Buffalo Bills: Keys to victory and final score prediction for Week 8

Stop the Running Game

Although Cam Newton had a tough week last week, there is still a strong chance that he will remain the starter for the Patriots going forward. Additionally, the entire Patriots offense may be somewhat underwhelming relative to prior standards, but they are excelling in one area and that is running the football. With the addition of Newton this offseason, the Patriots have been running more read-option and run/pass options than ever before.

To this point in the season, the Patriots rank 3rd in rushing attempts, 4th in total rushing yards, and 6th in yards per rushing attempt. Conversely, the Patriots rank 28th in total passing yards and 23rd in net yards gained per pass attempt. These rankings make it clear that the Bills should find success by getting up early on the Patriots, forcing them to lean on their passing game rather than their efficient ground attack. However, if the Bills are unable to get an early lead on the Patriots, the threat from Newton and a bevy of Patriots running backs could pose a serious threat to this Bills defense.

With Patriots receiver N’Keal Harry leaving last week’s game after suffering a concussion, it is uncertain if he will be active for this Week 8 matchup against the Bills. Without Harry, the Patriots will be even slimmer than they already are at the receiver position. Thus, they should want to lean on their running game even more than usual in Week 8.

Furthermore, the Bills have struggled against the run this year, ranking 21st in total rushing yards allowed, 22nd in total rushing touchdowns allowed and 23rd in yards per rush allowed. Last week the Bills run defense made Frank Gore look young and spry again with 11 rushes for 60 yards. In Week 8, the Bills will have to prepare for three different styled running backs with the Patriots committee of James White, Rex Burkhead, and Damien Harris.