Buffalo Bills: 3 Bold predictions in Week 16 against the Patriots

Nov 1, 2020; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) passes the ball while being pressured by New England Patriots linebacker Shilique Calhoun (90) and defensive end Deatrich Wise (91) during the fourth quarter at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

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ORCHARD PARK, NY – SEPTEMBER 27: A.J. Epenesa #57 of the Buffalo Bills hits Jared Goff #16 of the Los Angeles Rams as he throws the ball during the second half at Bills Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Orchard Park, New York. Bills beat the Rams 35 to 32. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /

A.J. Epenesa breaks out in primetime

The rookie season hasn’t gone the way second-round pick A.J. Epenesa, or the Buffalo Bills would have liked. In 12 games, Epenesa has nine total tackles and 1.5 sacks.

However, the coaching staff has been giving the rookie more playing time as of late and he has 34% or more of the defensive snaps the past four weeks. This is a significant increase from the first eight games when he broke that mark only once.

The fact that the Buffalo Bills have locked up a playoff spot could mean some players, like Epenesa, could get more playing time to give veterans a break but also these younger players more playing time.

dark. Next. Keys to victory in Week 16 for the Buffalo Bills

There were some questions about who could start but according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, it appears Cam Newton will still get the start. This could actually help Epenesa as Newton has been sacked three or more times in three of the last four games.

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