Three keys to victory for the Bills vs. the Patriots

The Bills can potentially clinch a playoff spot in Week 17, and that begins with getting a win over the New England Patriots. Buffalo let the first matchup between these two teams slip away in New England, but this is how they can avenge that loss and get one step closer to a potential deep […]

Jarrett Bailey
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The Bills can potentially clinch a playoff spot in Week 17, and that begins with getting a win over the New England Patriots. Buffalo let the first matchup between these two teams slip away in New England, but this is how they can avenge that loss and get one step closer to a potential deep run in January.

Lean into Josh Allen's running ability

The Patriots rank 20th in the NFL in defensive EPA per dropback, but rank second in defensive EPA per rush. While Buffalo has found success in the run game as of late, the Patriots are by far the best run defense they've faced this year. That means more designed runs for Josh Allen should be thrown into the fray in order to get some easy yards on the ground. Having to account for No. 17 is going to be the Patriots' top priority as is. If Allen gets a few solid carries early, it will force New England's hand to load the box or keep a spy on him, leaving more room for opportunities elsewhere. He ran for 81 yards against the Eagles- expect to see a similar attack.

Make Bailey Zappe beat you

The Bills should pressure the absolute daylights out of Zappe. He has the third-fewest big time throws in the NFL, per PFF, and the Patriots don't have any elite playmakers out wide that warrant conservative defensive looks. Press their receivers, send five and six rushers at Zappe and make him adjust. Getting DaQuan Jones back for this game is the perfect opportunity to pin your ears back and bully a bad offensive line, and force a lower-tier quarterback into making mistakes.

Protect the ball

Turnovers are what killed Buffalo in the first matchup. Allen threw an interception on the Bills' first play from scrimmage and that put Buffalo down 10-0 early. Plus, Buffalo had trouble finishing drives. They had a 13-play drive end with a field goal, a 12-play drive end in a missed field goal, and a 13-play drive end in a turnover-on-downs. If they protect the ball, establish drives, and finish them strong, they'll win- simple as that.

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