Buffalo Bills: Keys to victory in Week 16 against New England Patriots
Win the Third Down Battle
As mentioned in the slides before, third downs will be a crucial component of who ultimately wins this game. Throughout this season the Bills have been excellent in regards to converting on third downs. They actually rank 1st in the league with a conversion rate of 50.9% of third downs on 165 attempts. On defense, the Bills rank 19th allowing conversions on third downs at a rate of 41.8% on 165 attempts as well.
On the other hand, the Patriots are around the middle of the pack in terms of 3rd down conversion rate on offense and defense. The Patriots offense ranks 19th in the league converting 3rd downs at a rate of 40.7% on 162 attempts. The Patriots defense currently ranks 18th in the league allowing 3rd down conversions at a rate of 41.5% on 164 attempts.
For an AFC East Rival game, this game will likely be as strategic and physical as they come with both teams being familiar with how the other likes to attack and defend. This is what makes 3rd down so important for the Bills to win in Week 16.
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With the way Josh Allen has been finding his answers on 3rd down, in Cole Beasley and Stefon Diggs, the offense is less of a concern heading into this matchup. However, the Bills defense needs to hold their own on 3rd downs in Week 16 in order to get themselves off the field and get this red hot Buffalo offense back on it.