New England Patriots: Week 8 Preview and Prediction

The New England Patriots will head into Orchard Park, NY for their annual AFC East clash with the Buffalo Bills on Sunday afternoon.

Just three weeks ago, Buffalo claimed a 16-0 victory over the Patriots in Foxboro. This however, was while New England leaned on their third string quarterback, rookie Jacoby Brissett. Things are different now. The greatest of all time, Tom Brady, is back in action and has been tearing the NFL apart. Tight End Rob Gronkowski is finally healthy, and once again looks unstoppable. The Patriots are heavy favorites this week, but the team and its fans should not look past Buffalo to the upcoming bye week.

Bills safety Aaron Williams is out for the year, and may have to call it a career. Last week, Dolphins receiver Jarvis Landry blindsided Williams, who is now dealing with a neck injury. Making matters worse, he underwent neck fusion surgery during the off-season and acknowledged the odds then that he would play again were “50-50.”

Oct 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) spikes the ball after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports /

When New England Has The Ball:

More from New England Patriots

On the Patriots offense, tight end Martellus Bennett sat out Friday’s practice. He’s listed as questionable on the team’s injury report with an ankle injury. Also listed as questionable are Julian Edelman (foot), and Malcolm Mitchell (hamstring). Bennett’s status for Sunday’s game is up in the air, but Edelman and Mitchell are expected to play. Even if Bennett can’t go, New England’s offense should be alright. With Tom Brady back under center this time, expect a high scoring affair. Rob Gronkowski and Edelman will likely remain Brady’s top targets, while James White should continue making plays out of the backfield.

This will be Brady’s fourth game back from suspension, and fans are hoping that he continues his high level of play. Now qualified in all passing stats, he’s clearly leading the QB pack. Of those that have attempted at least 50 passes, TB12 is first in completion percentage (75.2%), third in yards per game (334.7), and is first in passer rating (132.6). His passer rating is 15 points higher than the next qualified QB, Jimmy Garroppolo, and is nearly 20 points higher than number three Matt Ryan. Simply put, Tom Brady is tearing up the NFL at age 39. He’ll likely continue that this week on his way to the bye week.

When Buffalo Has The Ball:

The Patriots defense looks to have one less Buffalo weapon to worry about. Running back LeSean McCoy is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s matchup with a hamstring injury. The star back did not practice all week. In his first game against New England this year he had 108 total yards and a touchdown in the 16-0 win. Mike Gillislee and Reggie Bush will likely split the running back role.

Tyrod Taylor’s mobility will now become the Bills top weapon. His ability to gain positive yards in negative situations saved the Bills in week 4, and the Patriots will need to make this a priority. Defensive ends Rob Ninkovich, Chris Long and Jabaal Sheard will need to set the edge and contain the pocket. Following suit, the athletic linebacker tandem of Jamie Collins and Dont’a Hightower will need to follow up to prevent long runs from Taylor.

Next: Patriots Are Favored Heavily Against Bills

Prediction:

New England should have no problem winning this game, and they’ll have only themselves to blame if they do. Penalties will need to be non-existent and the offensive line needs to give Brady just enough time. If they accomplish those two goals, they’ll be 7-1 heading into the midpoint of the season.

37. 47. Final. 13. 16

The Patriots and Bills face off Sunday October 40th at 1 pm on CBS.

Home/New England Patriots