The Patriots face a tough Division game this afternoon against the Buffalo Bills, and her'es a quick look at our picks and predictions as they look to avoid losing 3 in a row.
PatsFans.com Staff Predictions:
WEEK 3: New England at Buffalo
 | Ian Logue Prediction: NE 27-21 If history is any indication, the Patriots first meetings against the Bills aren't exactly easy match-ups and I expect this one to be difficult. Buffalo is averaging 29 points per game on the offensive side of the ball (tied for 6th in the league) and are in the middle of the pack defensively in yards allowed. With it being a road game I give the Bills the edge, but it would be great to see a spark from the Patriots offensively to hopefully get themselves back on the right track. Offensive Player of the Game: Rob Gronkowski Defensive Player of the Game: Steve Gregory |
 | Bob George Prediction: NE 33-20 With real officials in place, the defense should be able to relax and not worry about bogus holding and interference calls. Patriots will be ready for the Bills this time, and should avenge the loss at Orchard Park last year. Patriots will have a little added sense of urgency in this game, in that a loss drops them to 1-3 and an unthinkable three-game losing streak. Offensive Player of the Game: Wes Welker Defensive Player of the Game: Patrick Chung |
 | Derek Havens Prediction: NE 38-16 The Patriots get back on track in Buffalo after a rough start to the season. The pats show the division title still goes through New England. Offensive Player of the Game: Brandon Lloyd Defensive Player of the Game: Devin McCourty |
 | Russ Goldman Prediction: NE 31-21 I think the Patriots will pull away in the second half and will have too much offense for the Bills. Offensive Player of the Game: Rob Gronkowski Defensive Player of the Game: Devin McCourty |
 | Steve Balestrieri Prediction: NE 31-24 I think this is a close game but I think Tom Brady can attack the Buffalo linebackers most especially with Rob Gronkowski. I think this time around the young Pats defense gets a stop when they need one. Offensive Player of the Game: Rob Gronkowski Defensive Player of the Game: Brandon Spikes |
 | Christine Roy Prediction: NE 24-10 The Patriots need to get out of this rut they've found themselves in. Each week the offensive line needs to do a better job, the secondary gives up huge gains and Josh McDaniels makes some questionable calls. In Buffalo on Sunday I expect we will see a revived team that makes strides in each of those areas. Looking up at the Bills in the standings is not some place they want to be and that should prove to be motivation enough come game time. Ryan Fitzpatrick will struggle with the pressure from the Patriots front seven and that will be the key to their inability to win this game. Offensive Player of the Game: Brandon Lloyd Defensive Player of the Game: Chandler Jones |
 | Ryan Hannable Prediction: NE 30-24 Seeing the Patriots lose three games in a row just seems unfathomable in the Belichick and Brady era. Although the team lost last week in Baltimore there were still some positives coming out of the game and the Patriots proved they can still be considered one of the best in the AFC. The game will be closer than most people anticipate, but I like the Patriots in a one-score game. Offensive Player of the Game: Rob Gronkowski Defensive Player of the Game: Devin McCourty |
 | John Morgan Prediction: NE 27-24 Buffalo's offensive line has been very good so far, opening lanes for whoever is running the ball; the Pats OL on the other hand has had trouble in that department and has also struggled to keep Tom Brady upright. The Pats offense has been kept in check when opponents are able to apply pressure with a four man rush, something the Bills have been able to accomplish; conversely the Pats have not been able to generate an adequate pass rush, causing their defensive backs to have to maintain coverage for far too long. Logically the team that controls both lines of scrimmage should win - but I think the Pats will be able to make just enough plays to win a tough game, exploiting the mismatches that Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski and Brandon Lloyd will have against Buffalo's secondary. Offensive Player of the Game: Wes Welker Defensive Player of the Game: Vince Wilfork |
 | Dave King Prediction: NE 28-21 This game takes a weird turn of events as New England gets off to a quick start by picking off Ryan Fitzpatrick in the opening drive and going up 14-0 in the first quarter. Buffalo is unable to move the ball on the ground with Spiller out and Chandler Jones takes full advantage of their one-dimensional offense by sacking him twice. The Bills rally in the fourth quarter but it is too little too late and the Patriots prevail propelled by the arm of Tom Brady and the hands of Rob Gronkowski. Offensive Player of the Game: Rob Gronkowski Defensive Player of the Game: Chandler Jones |
This is an archived article originally published on
September 30, 2012.
Content reflects the editorial context of its original publication date.
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