Gimme Friday Five: 5 things to keep an eye on as Bills host Pats
1. Will Devin Singletary play?
The Bills rookie running back has progressed in practice this week - he was limited on Thursday and Friday. He is listed as questionable for Sunday. Frank Gore has carried the load for Buffalo with Singletary out - leading the team with 164 yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground.
The Bills, who rank 5th in the league for their run game, will need all the help they can get - New England has the top rushing defense so far this season.
2. Will Josh Allen break through the Patriots defense?
It's not just the run game that the Patriots are best at stopping.
They are tops in pass defense as well.
In fact, New England's defense hasn't let up an offensive touchdown through the first three games of the season.
Allen will need to play a clean game - so far this season his three passing touchdowns are matched by three interceptions.
3. Who will step up to stop Tom Brady?
The Buffalo defense has given up 47 points this season, with 34 of those coming the second half - prompting comebacks by Josh Allen and company.
Brady has been perfect so far this season with seven touchdowns and no interceptions. The Patriots rank second in the league for total team offense with 934 yards.
Defensively - the Bills are led by safety Jordan Poyer who has 22 tackles and cornerback Tre'Davious White who pulled in two interceptions last week against the Bengals.
The Patriots ground game isn't as dangerous - with 291 yards in three games as a team.
Could the defensive line bring the pressure? Could this be rookie Ed Oliver's time to shine?
4. Who will be the breakout star this week?
Speaking of a time to shine...a different Bills player has stepped up every week to make headlines:
Week 1-John Brown
- 7 receptions, 123 yards, touchdown in 17-16 win over the Jets
Week 2- Josh Allen
- 19/30 passing, passing touchdown; 21 yards rushing, rushing touchdown in 28-14 win over the Giants
Week 3- Dawson Knox
- 3 receptions, 67 yards, touchdown, epic stiff arm seen around the league in 21-17 win over the Bengals
5. #BillsMafia Impact
Could this be the most anticipated game at New Era Field in almost a decade? The feeling in Western New York is palpable as fans countdown to kick off on Sunday. Bills Mafia was noticeably present on the road at MetLife Stadium the first two weeks of the season and out in full force in the home opener against the Bengals.
Sunday marks the latest the Bills and Patriots have met as undefeated teams - ever.
