We have a huge division showdown this coming Sunday out in Foxborough between the New England Patriots and the Buffalo Bills. The Patriots were victorious against the Bills in their first matchup back in Week 5, and have ripped off 10 consecutive wins since Week 4. They have the lead in the AFC East and if the Bills lose this matchup, they should easily lock up the division afterwards.
Buffalo is coming off a huge comeback win against the Cincinnati Bengals, giving them momentum going into this game while the Patriots had the week off. The Bills need to carry this momentum going into enemy territory that can be a hostile environment.
Going into this game, we had the chance to speak with Musket Fire Site Expert, Sara Marshall, where we were able to gain some valuable insights going into this highly anticipated matchup.
Week 15 Bills vs. Patriots insights
1.) There is no denying the Patriots have been nearly unstoppable this season, however, each team has some sort of weakness. What is New England's biggest weakness that is concerning going into this matchup against Buffalo?
"Besides major injuries on their offensive line, which might change slightly this week if Jared Wilson is able to suit up, is probably their run defense. What began as one of the best parts of their defense at the start of the season, holding opposing running backs to 50 or less yards for a good stretch of the year, has now turned into allowing RBs to run for 100+ yards over the past month.
That could be a dangerous situation for them going against a player like James Cook."
2.) Stefon Diggs has only had one 100+ yard game since his Week 5 dominance against the Bills. Do you expect him to be Drake Maye's go-to guy again in another revenge game for him?
"I’d like to think so, since that was what happened the last time these teams matched up. But I have a feeling the Bills are going to be more prepared for that to happen, so I assume they’ll try to double team him a bit more to ensure that he doesn’t run all over them again.
I think we might see a bigger game from a guy like Kyle Williams, who has the speed to confuse defenders, or maybe even Hunter Henry, who is on par to have the best season of his career."
3.) Who is a very underrated defensive player for New England that Buffalo should be game planning for and why?
"Defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga.
He was a free agent signing that virtually no one talked about, but has consistently been one of the best players on the Patriots’ defense this year. He was injured last game, so he wasn’t able to play against the Giants and he was sorely missed. It doesn’t help that Milton Williams is on IR, either, but Tonga’s help in stopping the run and just blocking in general will be huge with his hopeful return this week.
On top of that, the Patriots have used him on offense, too, as another offensive linemen. They could do that again this week, especially since they’re struggling to get their run game going, and that won’t be easy for the Bills’ defense to prepare for."
4.) Do you believe this game will go down to the wire once again, or will it be over well before the clock expires?
"Based on where both teams are at this point in the season, I think they’re both hungry in different ways and this will come down to the wire. The Patriots can lock up the division if they beat the Bills this week, while Buffalo will want to make sure that doesn’t happen and force the division title to come down to Week 18.
It’s definitely going to be a good game, and a solid test for what the Patriots can look like coming out of a bye. Historically, a Mike Vrabel-led team doesn’t lose after having a week off, so it will be interesting to see if he can keep that streak going!"