Tom Brady knows he and the Patriots offense needs to be on point against the Seahawks. (Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports)
Buffalo Bills (5-4) at New England Patriots (9-0)
Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET, at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass. – TV: ESPN
*TV announcers: Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden, Lisa Salters
*Keys to the game: Much of the focus will be on the how the Patriots’ offense adjusts minus WR Julian Edelman following the loss of RB Dion Lewis. But the determining factor could be the battle between a pair of units ranked second in the league when the Bills turn to their ground game.
Buffalo wants to batter defenses with RBs LeSean McCoy and Karlos Williams, setting versatile QB Tyrod Taylor up to work off play-action. And with WR Sammy Watkins healthy and stretching the field, the Bills’ preseason game plan is finally starting to pay dividends on the field. However, they run into a Patriots defense allowing only 88.2 rushing yards per game. Some of that is due to opponents throwing frequently while playing from behind, but New England allows a modest 4.0 yards per carry. When the Jets were able to get after Taylor on clear passing downs last week, Buffalo’s offense flat-lined.
The Patriots have several options as they adjust to key injuries to skill players. Leaning heavier on RB LeGarrette Blount rather than a constant diet of short-range passes is an option. So, too, is continuing to spread the ball around to a slew of role players who will be asked to step up. QB Tom Brady should have time, as the Bills’ strong pass rush from the past two seasons has taken a massive step back under coach Rex Ryan with only 14 sacks.
*Matchup to watch – Bills LT Cordy Glenn vs. Patriots DE Chandler Jones: Gordy is a pending free agent in the spring, and his potential pay day will be dictated by how he holds up against elite players like Jones, who is in the defensive player of the year conversation with 10.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
*Player spotlight – Patriots WR Danny Amendola: Brady has been quick to note Amendola is a different type of player than Edelman despite the obvious comparisons due to stature. Regardless, Amendola averages 9.6 touches per game since 2014 when Edelman is sidelined compared to fewer than three when he plays.
*Fast facts: Taylor has a 106.2 passer rating this season. Jim Kelly holds the franchise record of 101.2 set in 1990. … Brady is 24-3 in his career against Buffalo. He is 7-1 in his past eight meetings with 18 touchdown passes, three interceptions, 2,232 passing yards and a 101.0 rating.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
The Patriots’ sudden vulnerability is real and the Bills have the pieces in place to pull the upset. But this is the Bills … vs. the Patriots … at Foxborough, and New England has found motivation to disprove new critics.
*Our pick: Patriots 26-19.
