Patriots at Bills: Preview, prediction, odds and pick

We’re getting ready to see the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills collide in Orchard Park, New York. Which team will prevail in this contest?

Talk about domination? That’s an understatement when it comes to the hex the New England Patriots has over the Buffalo Bills. Bill Belichick’s team owns a 29-4 record in this rivalry dating back to the clubs’ second meeting back in 2001. The Pats have also won five games in a row in the land of superior chicken wings.

Last week, New England made it seven straight wins following that 2-2 start and has held each of those victims to 17 points or less thanks to a 35-17 conquest of the Miami Dolphins. Meanwhile, the Bills snapped a horrific three-game skid by besting the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, 16-10.

Does Sean McDermott’s team have a realistic chance of surprising Tom Brady and company? Beating the Patriots has once again become a formidable task.

Odds

Line: Patriots (-8.5)

Over/Under: 48.5

It’s a road game for the defending Super Bowl champions and the Pats are still 8.5-point favorites (via the staff at OddsShark). Of course, Belichick’s team has won 13 straight regular-season road contests as well. The over/under is a brisk 48.5.

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You get the sense that the Buffalo Bills’ defense will come forth with its best effort in quite some time as the club looks to keep alive its shaky playoff hopes. But the New England Patriots have perfected the art of the AFC East for more than a decade and in particular this divisional adversary. Eventually, the lack of a sustained pass rush could cost McDermott’s squad in the end.

Pick: Patriots 28, Bills 20