The New England Patriots (3-11) and Buffalo Bills (11-3) are set to clash this Sunday, December 22, 2024, at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. This highly anticipated matchup kicks off at 4:25 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on CBS and available for streaming on Paramount+.
The Bills enter the game as heavy favorites, currently positioned with -1600 odds on the moneyline, compared to +900 for the Patriots. The spread shows the Bills favored by 14 points, and the over/under is set at 48.5 points.
After clinching the AFC East, the Bills aim to solidify their position heading toward the playoffs. Josh Allen has been pivotal for the Bills, showcasing impressive stats this season with 3,395 passing yards and 25 touchdowns. His contributions on the ground, with 11 rushing touchdowns, underline his versatility and threat level against any defense. The Bills average around 31.8 points per game, the second-best scoring average in the league, highlighting their offensive prowess.
On the flip side, the Patriots are struggling, currently on a four-game losing streak. Despite the uncertain state of their season, they continue to show resilience. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye, gaining ground experience, has passed for 1,898 yards with 12 touchdowns, but the team’s inability to protect him has been glaring. The Patriots' defense is also facing challenges, with issues stopping both the run and pass, which could spell trouble against the dynamic Bills offense.
This Week 16 matchup carries extra weight, not just for playoff positioning but also for pride, as these traditional rivals meet once again. The Bills have dominated the series recently, holding a 4-1 record against the Patriots over their last five encounters, scoring 158 points compared to the Patriots’ 100.
According to betting trends, the Bills have performed well against the spread, achieving a 9-5-0 record this season. Their consistency at home is evidenced by their unbeaten streak against the Patriots at Buffalo since 2021. The data suggests the Bills will not only likely win but could cover the hefty spread of -14.
Factors contributing to this optimism for Buffalo include their notable average victory margin of 17.3 points at home this season. Remarkably, they’ve scored 30+ points consistently, as evidenced by their last matches where they averaged high scores against formidable foes. Conversely, the Patriots’ best days were as early as Week 10, when they last won against the Chicago Bears.
Examining the matchup, there are compelling areas of focus. The Patriots need to find ways to score against the Bills' defense, which has had ups and downs this season. Even with the Bills allowing over 40 points to the Rams and Lions, their offense remains overpowering.
Recent injury reports also paint a different picture of both teams’ readiness. The Patriots will be without key players like RB Jamycal Hasty and S Jabrill Peppers, compounding their challenges. The Bills, too, are managing their injury list closely, but their overall depth carries them through difficult times.
Expert predictions lean heavily toward the Bills covering the spread. Sports analysis models, simulating performances based on vast data, continue to support Buffalo as their cornerbacks position themselves against the Patriots’ offense. That said, the Patriots still possess talent— if Maye can connect with his targets like Rhamondre Stevenson more efficiently, there could be surprises.
This matchup provides viewers with excitement for both sides—whether it’s the Bills hoping to maintain momentum heading to the postseason or the Patriots seeking to salvage respectability for their season. Crowds are expected to be electrified on Sunday, ready to witness if the Bills can continue their roll or if the Patriots can conjure up their old magic for at least one more game.
Catch all the action live on CBS or stream it on Paramount+. The Bills face the Patriots, with enthusiasm high for dramatic conclusions and playoff reverberations!
