Analyzing the New England Patriots 3 potential playoff matchups
By Max Bozicas
New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills
These two teams are very familiar with each other, as they split their two matchups on the season. Both teams would likely love to play each other again to prove who the best team in the AFC East really is, regardless of who wins the division.
The Bills handed the Patriots their worst loss of the season the last time they played, as Josh Allen made the Patriots defense look silly and the Bills defense clamped the Patriots passing game.
The Bills have one of the best secondaries in the NFL, but are susceptible to giving up chunks of yardage on the ground. The Patriots would need to play much better defense and control the clock with the run game in order to beat Buffalo for a second time.
Isaiah McKenzie, Buffalo’s fifth string wide receiver, straight up smoked Myles Bryant out of the slot in the Bills win over New England. With Buffalo’s receivers all healthy again, it would be interesting to see if McKenzie plays a similar role knowing the advantage they have with him against Bryant.
Next. Mac-Attack leads Patriots to blowout victory. dark
Stefon Diggs got the better of Jackson the last time the two faced off. Jackson also dropped an interception and whiffed on a fourth down tackle. Jackson would need to step up and play much better in order to help slow down Buffalo’s passing attack.
At the end of the day, the New England Patriots will have their hands full regardless of who they end up having to go against in the Wild Card round. It’s going to take all three phases playing at their best to get a playoff win.