Henry Roldán
In this coming Sunday’s AFC East divisional matchup between the Patriots vs Bills, there is a lot at stake and little room for error.
New England again clinched the AFC’s third wild card with a 21-23 win over the Dolphins, while Buffalo’s game was suspended after an unfortunate moment involving Damar Hamlin.
It’s worth remembering that in Week 13 the two teams met, with the Bills winning 23-10.
Without further ado, at JefeBet we bring you the best preview of the stellar match between New England Patriots vs Buffalo Bills.
Predictions and Betting Preview for the New England Patriots vs Buffalo Bills NFL Week 18 Game on January 8 2023
- Where: Highmark Stadium – Orchard Park, New York.
- When: Sunday, January 8, 2023 – 1:00 PM E.T.
Odds provided by BetMGM.
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Betting on the New England Patriots
The Patriots have it in their hands to seal their postseason berth with a win over the Bills, which won’t be an easy task knowing that they will have to do it on the road.
New England will have to rely on its good defense to stop Josh Allen and give its offense a chance to pull the game out. The Patriots’ defense conceded the sixth-fewest points on the season, and their 5.0 yards allowed per play is the third-lowest figure in the league. They may suffer against Allen because they struggle against passes, but on the ground they are one of the league’s best defenses, allowing the second-fewest touchdowns (seven) and recovering 27 fumbles, the second-highest total in the NFL.
As we have already mentioned, the problem comes at the moment of attack. The Patriots only topped 30 points once this year and have scored just 268 first downs, the fifth-lowest total in the circuit. Regarding passes, their quarterbacks have thrown just 16 touchdowns and have been intercepted 11 times, while on the ground they share sixth place for fewest ground TDs with 12.
Betting on the Buffalo Bills
The Bills are going through a tough time away from the gridiron, and we will have to see how this affects their performance against the Patriots.
Hoping all goes well with Daman Harlin, Buffalo needs to win to maintain their place as the best team in the American Conference over the Chiefs. Of course, what Josh Allen can do on offense will be key for this game.
The Bills have scored 423 points this campaign, fifth-most in the NFL, while averaging 6.2 yards gained per play, the second-best average in the league. Regarding passes, they are third in TDs with 32 and on the ground they have the second-best yards per rush average with 5.3. Additionally, in the red zone they are the tenth-best team with an efficiency of 60.7%, but at times this has not been enough to compensate for their 24 turnovers, the third-highest number in the championship.
On the defensive side of the ball, Buffalo has not been out of sorts either, and in three of its last four games, opponents have not scored more than 13 points against them. Within the league, they are among the top eight teams that concede the fewest total rushing and passing yards, as well as the fewest rushing and passing touchdowns. Moreover, as well as losing turnovers, they also recover them, registering 24, the sixth-highest number in the league.
JefeBet Prediction
Under normal conditions, this should be a sure win for the Bills, as they’ll be playing at home and with a much more complete team in all areas than the Patriots.
However, the tough moment the team is going through and the fact that New England must get a win will undoubtedly make this matchup closer than usual.
Prediction: Patriots Spread (NE 20 – BUF 26).
