Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots: 3 final thoughts ahead of kickoff

The more physical team will win

When the media asked Sean McDermott how he feels his defense has handled similar physical challenges against opponents so far this season, he refused to answer the question.

When the Bills faced off against the Tennessee Titans, Buffalo surrendered 146 yards on the ground. And when the Colts traveled to Buffalo, they rushed for nearly 270 yards. Both teams were physical up front and their run games gashed the Buffalo Bills in crucial moments of each game.

The Patriots are a similarly built team when compared to the Colts and the Titans, so the question presented to coach McDermott was fair. However, on Monday, the Buffalo Bills return their defensive anchor, Star Lotulelei; a stout run-stuffer in the middle of the defense. His welcomed return to the lineup will be a key component of Buffalo’s run-stopping effort.

There’s no question the Bills will have to be as physical as they’ve been all year. And the weather in Orchard Park may take the air out of the football, causing both teams to rely on their physicality to score points.