We are less than 90 minutes from kickoff between the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots. For the next two weeks, the Bills are in Buffalo and will finish out their regular season schedule within the AFC East. This is the first meeting between the Bills and Patriots this season, and yet Buffalo has had the division locked up since Week 13.
On the other sideline, the Patriots are on a four-game losing streak and head coach Jerod Mayo could very well be coaching for his job over these next three games. While Buffalo still has a small chance at earning the No. 1 seed in the AFC, the most important thing for them is to stay healthy over the next three weeks. The last thing they need are major injuries heading into the playoffs.
The Bills were as healthy as possible throughout the week, and avoided ruling players out throughout the week. Unfortunately, the Bills’ final inactive list features a lot of defensive players who are key starters. Just like last week, Buffalo’s defense will have to utilize their next man-up mentality.
Bills vs. Patriots final inactives
Bills inactives
-WR Curtis Samuel
-S Damar Hamlin
-S Taylor Rapp
-CB Rasul Douglas
-LB Matt Milano
-OL Tylan Grable
-DT DeWayne Carter
For the second straight week, the Bills will be without their starting safety duo in Hamlin and Rapp. It looks like we will see more of Cam Lewis, Kareem Jackson, and Cole Bishop. All three of them were impressive last week against the Lions.
With Milano being ruled out, Bills fans will see a familiar name in Dorian Williams who was Milano’s replacement at the start of this season.
Patriots inactives
-S Jabrill Peppers
-QB Joe Milton III
-CB Marcus Jones
-RB Jamycal Hasty
-OL Tyrese Robinson
-OL Lecitus Smith
For the Patriots, they already ruled out cornerback Marcus Jones earlier this week and will also be without safety Jabrill Peppers. If the Bills decide to go with a passing attack early on, Buffalo could easily put this game out of hand earlier than expected.
Kickoff from Orchard Park is at 4:25PM on CBS for fans to watch.