It’s going to be a fun matchup this weekend between the Bills and Patriots, both teams who could very well see each other in the playoffs if they both make it. New England beat Buffalo in their first game back in Week 5, and now have the chance to dethrone the Bills as AFC East champs with a win this Sunday.
As for Buffalo, they are riding a two-game win streak against AFC North teams which includes a comeback win last week against the Bengals. If they want any shot at winning their sixth straight AFC East title, they must win in enemy territory.
One of the biggest reasons why the Patriots got the Week 5 win over the Bills was because Buffalo had to play a different game due to their mistakes and letting New England control the game for most of the time. Up until that game, running back James Cook had rushed for 100+ yard in three of their first four games.
Against New England back in Buffalo, Cook had 15 carries (his second lowest amount up to that point) for 49 yards (also second lowest up to that point). He was a non-factor in the receiving game as well. Buffalo has to find a way to get him more involved, but will they be able to?
Bills must get James Cook more involved vs. Patriots
In games where Cook runs for over 100 yards, the Bills are 6-1. Their only loss with that stat from Cook was against the Texans where Josh Allen was beaten down by Houston’s ferocious defense. A lot of people like to just jump to the conclusion that the Bills need to be Josh Allen dependent to win. That’s not always true.
If the Bills get the rushing attack going early on and it stays alive, the offense becomes nearly unstoppable to stop. While New England has shown that they can adjust, the Bills have to make it a priority to not steer away from the run game.