NFL Monday Night Week 16 : New England Patriots vs Buffalo Bills Prediction and Analysis

This is the first time that Bill Belichick-led New England Patriots failed to make the NFL playoffs since 2008. Of course, the exit of Tom Brady is a major factor behind that development but an exodus of Patriots opt-outs due to the COVID-19 crisis also contributed to their dismal outing this season.

By contrast, Josh Allen guided the Buffalo Bills to their first divisional title since 1996. Here’s a detailed look at both teams, along with injury updates and Week 16 Game Day predictions.

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NFL Preview

New England Patriots looking to pull off consolation win on Monday night

After a tough outing without their former commander-in-chief Tom Brady in 2020, the Patriots have a lot to reflect upon in the coming months. Veteran quarterback Cam Newton was always going to be a ‘calculated risk’. This is exactly why the Pats handed him a short-term one-year contract.

But as it seems, coach Belichick will stick the 2015 NFL MVP as they gear up for a crunch encounter against their divisional rivals. The home team will be gutted by missing out on the AFC East title this season. A win on Monday night against the Bills will ease the pain the New England locker room for sure. But with TE Jordan Thomas ruled out and a total of 20 players listed as ‘questionable’, the Patriots will have to dig deep for a win.

Buffalo Bills will look to rest some of their key names in this Week 16 clash

Arguably, Josh Allen is having the best season of his short NFL career with the Bills in 2020. The former University of Wyoming star has already thrown for 4,000 yards with 30 passing touchdowns this season. He is currently fifth or sixth in the race for the NFL MVP award race behind the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers.

An impressive display on Monday night at the Gillette Stadium in Boston will undoubtedly put him in contention for major individual honours. He will need some help from WR Stefon Diggs who is also having a strong season while playing under head coach Sean McDermott.

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NFL Preview: New England Patriots vs Buffalo Bills Team Updates

New England – Out

TE Jordan Thomas – Not injury related

Questionable

C David Andrews – Calf

LB Ja’Whaun Bentley – Shoulder

DL Tawshawn Bower – Ankle

DL Adam Butler – Shoulder

LB Shilique Calhoun – Knee

LS Joe Cardona – Ankle

DL Byron Cowart – Back

OT Jermaine Eluemunor – Ankle

K Nick Folk – Back

DL Lawrence Guy – Shoulder

RB Damien Harris – Ankle

OL Justin Herron – Ankle

CB J.C. Jackson – Knee

LB Anfernee Jennings – Shoulder

CB Jonathan Jones – Neck

G Shaq Mason – Calf

WR Donte Moncrief – Thigh

DE John Simon – Hamstring

WR Matthew Slater – Knee

RB J.J. Taylor – Quadricep

Buffalo – Out

TE Reggie Gilliam – Knee, Hamstring

Questionable

S Jaquan Johnson – Ankle

OT Ty Nsekhe – Groin

Patriots vs Bills Prediction

New England Patriots 23 – 37 Buffalo Bills

It’s really not going to be much of a match-up between the Patriots and Bills in Week 16. The former are dealing with major injury struggles and some below-par displays from star players.

Their 6-8 record speaks for itself and last week’s loss to Miami Dolphins ended their playoff hopes. Unless Cam Newton and Co. bring their ‘A’ game on Monday night, they will not get a win. Make sure you don’t miss out on this game.

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