Patriots vs. Bills Point Spread: NFL Week 17 Odds, Prediction
The 4-11 Patriots are eliminated and still alone at the bottom of the AFC, while a three-game win streak by the 9-6 Bills has them back in the playoffs and their eyes still set on clinching the AFC East possibly next week.
But a New England win would not only spoil Buffalo’s late season dream, but give New England a stunning season sweep over Buffalo. These teams met back on October 22 where the Patriots won 29-25 as a home underdog of over a touchdown.
Kickoff at Highmark Stadium Sunday goes at 1 p.m. EST, and again the Bills are a large favourite at -12 on the point spread and the over-under at 41 on the NFL odds.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
The Patriots upset win in Week 7 versus the Bills was their first win in five games against Buffalo, and also the first time they’ve covered in their last five times playing the Bills. Buffalo’s recent success over New England is a direct factor of Tom Brady vacating this one-sided rivalry, as New England’s still 16-4 in their last 20 trips to Buffalo.
The Bills are 6-2 outright on home field this season and have seen six straight home games finish under the total. New England comes in the second last week of the regular season as the league’s lowest-scoring team (14.1 points per game) and have put up 20 points only once since their win against Buffalo two months ago. And that was last week when New England defeated Denver 26-23.
New England Patriots
Bailey Zappe and the New England offence looked competent last week, which is a big improvement from weeks past. The production on offence — 26 points and nearly 300 total yards — got New England a dramatic 26-23 with over the Broncos that ended with a 56-yard field goal from Chad Ryland. Zappe went 25 of 33 for 256 yards and two scores in the win, cementing himself likely as New England’s starter for these final two showings.
It’s been a year of disarray on offence in New England, so any little victory this group can get should be celebrated. Whether it’s Zappe’s performance last week, Demario Douglas becoming the first pass-catcher to reach 500 receiving yards this season, or Ezekiel Elliott looking like his vintage self on a 15-yard touchdown reception.
Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen is an elite quarterback, and a history-making one too as he became the first player in NFL history with four consecutive seasons of 40 combined touchdowns in last week’s win at Los Angeles. And Allen had a large contribution in that win with three total touchdowns.
But Buffalo’s been versatile over this three-game win streak. The week prior Allen completed seven passes for 94 yards and the Bills won by 21. Running back James Cook stole the show in that win with 221 scrimmage yards, only to have 70 yards on 20 touches last week. Receiver Gabe Davis stepped up with four grabs for 130 yards and a score last week. Point is, Buffalo has weapons throughout their roster, and if they play consistent they’re as good of team as anyone.