Patriots vs. Bills Week 17: How to Watch, Betting Odds, Playoffs vs. Draft
The Patriots and Bills meet in a rematch of Week 7 that saw New England beat Buffalo, 29-25. That seems ages ago as the Patriots now find themselves at 4-11 while the Bills are still clawing for a playoff spot at 9-6.
There are no less than 14 total scenarios that would give Buffalo its fifth consecutive postseason appearance with a win or tie against New England on Sunday. But don't expect the Bills to be doing a lot of scoreboard watching or be distracted by the fact this could be the last time they face Bill Belichick as the coach of the Patriots.
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“The one thing I’ve learned in this league is to expect the unexpected,” Bills center Mitch Morse said.
“Until I see that, he’s been one of the most frustrating guys to play against because he’s such a masterful mind on the defensive front,” Morse added. “I have the utmost respect for what he’s done, and what he’s continued to do.”
And if they need a reason not to overlook a four-win division opponent, Buffalo needs to only look back at the Week 7 loss.
“The fact that we lost Game 1 tells you we’ve got to put our best stuff out on the field or we’re not going to win this game,” quarterback Josh Allen said. “They know that. We know that.”
Buffalo appears to have figured things out since its midseason struggles. After losing four of six, the Bills have now turned things around and have won four of their last five to hold the No. 6 seed.
“They’re playing well, and doing it at the right time for them. Three weeks ago, everybody was talking about how much trouble they were in,” Belichick said. “Then they rip off three straight wins, and here we are.”
New England is finishing what will be its worst season under Belichick. While he still has his defense playing well, the offense continues to struggle since Tom Brady's departure in 2020.
WHAT: New England Patriots (4-11, 3-4 Road) at Buffalo Bills (9-6, 6-2 Home)
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, 1 p.m. ET
WHERE: Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY (71,621)
TELEVISION: CBS | FuboTV (Free trial here)
RADIO: 98.5 The Sports Hub
TICKETS via SI TICKETS
Betting via SI SportsBook
SPREAD: Patroits +14.5
TOTAL: 39.5
MONEYLINE: Patriots +580, Bills -901
