Patriots vs. Bills Preview: Strange Spoilers?

The Bills desperately need a win on New Year's Eve in Buffalo to clinch an AFC playoff berth, while the New England Patriots are in the unfamiliar role of spoilers.

The Patriots are potentially playing the final road game of Bill Belichick's illustrious career in New England Sunday in Buffalo. The AFC East division matchup on New Year's Eve features two teams headed in different directions. 

The Bills are fighting for a spot in the postseason, while the Patriots are already eliminated from playoffs with an eye on the 2024 NFL Draft. 

After three straight wins, the Bills are one victory and some help away from their fifth straight postseason appearance. Historically, Buffalo gets hot to end the season. Since 2020, the Bills have the best record in the league in January/February regular season games at an impressive 17-2. 

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However, the Bills can't overlook the Patriots, who pulled off the upset in the first meeting between these two teams. New England beat Buffalo, 29-25, at Gillette Stadium on Oct. 22 and will be looking for a series sweep of the Bills for the first time since the 2019 season.

Quarterback Bailey Zappe and the Patriots offense look to keep the positive momentum, following the team’s 26-23 victory over the Denver Broncos on Christmas Eve. Zappe went 25 of 33 for 256 yards with two third-quarter touchdowns.

New England looks to get after quarterback Josh Allen, who has a touchdown pass in 23 consecutive games (longest active streak in the NFL.) The Patriots also face the challenge of slowing James Cook, who currently ranks third in the league with 1,038 rushing yards.

With Belichick potentially a lame-duck coach and with no public comments on his status from owner Robert Kraft, the Pats finish their road schedule before hosting the New York Jets Jan. 7 at Gillette Stadium.

Mac Rallies Patriots to Shocking Upset of Bills

RECORDS: New England Patriots (4-11) at Buffalo Bills (9-6)

ODDS: New England is a 11.5-point underdog vs. the Bills

GAME TIME: Sunday, December 31st, 2023 at 1 p.m. ET

LOCATION: Highmark Stadium - Orchard Park, NY

TV/RADIO: CBS, 98.5 FM THE SPORTS HUB

THE FINAL WORD: “Bailey’s continuing to improve,” Belichick said of Zappe during his Tuesday appearance on WEEI’s The Greg Hill Show. “He’s moving in the right direction.” 

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