Two key matchups to keep a close eye on for Bills vs. Patriots in Week 16

Keep your eye out for these matchups.

After the massive statement win in Detroit in Week 15, the Bills begin their three-week stretch of divisional opponents with a home game against the New England Patriots this Sunday. While the Bills are still chasing down Kansas City for the top seed in the AFC, the Patriots have lost their last four games and are in line for a top-five pick in next years’ draft.

With these two franchises in very different places, a 14-point spread and Sean McDermott playing a rookie quarterback, this game has all the makings of a potential blowout. With that all being said, the Patriots were able to steal one from the Bills last year with a Mac Jones game winning drive. Never underestimate your opponent.

In order to keep the train rolling, the Bills need to win these key matchups on Sunday in Orchard Park.

Bills DL vs the Patriots OL

Despite giving up 42 points to the Lions last week, the defensive line showed up in a big way. They were able to make the Detroit offense one dimensional and get pressure on the quarterback. It started with holding the Lions’ running back duo to just 35 yards on 13 carries. This forced Jared Goff to throw it 59 times and he was harassed throughout. The Bills sacked Goff three times and hit him 10 times.

The Bills need to win the matchup against this Patriots offensive line on Sunday as well. Containment and pressure are going to be the key words for this unit. The game plan starts with Rhamondre Stevenson. Shutting down the run game early will help make the Patriots offense one dimensional and put the ball in Drake Maye’s hands.

Then comes the containment of Maye. In his first season, Maye has shown the potential to be the next long-term starter in New England. He has that escapability factor and is able to extend a play or beat you with his legs. For those that haven’t seen it, go watch the final play in regulation against Tennessee earlier this year.

The Bills need to get pressure on Maye quickly, but they also need to make sure they keep him in the pocket. With New England’s somewhat weaker receiving core, establishing pressure on Maye will create a headache for head coach Jerod Mayo and potentially create some turnovers.

Bills OL vs the Patriots DL

On the other side of the ball, the big guys up front for Buffalo have been a talking point around the league. Sunday’s game presents another opportunity for this unit to dominate. The first opportunity comes in the run game. The Patriots have given up over 100 yards on the ground in 9 of their games this year. Getting the running game going with James Cook, Ty Johnson and Ray Davis will keep the Bills in control and will keep the Patriots defense on their heels.

The other half is keeping Josh Allen protected and upright. Allen is one of the best in the league when it comes to dealing with pressure, but he really hasn’t had to worry about that. The Patriots have only generated two sacks in the last four games, while Allen has not been sacked once over that same span, a trend that the Bills will look to continue.

Winning in the trenches has been something that the Bills have preached for years, and has been an area of success for them. Sunday should be no different. Winning these matchups will keep this game in their control and can help to make the two touchdown spread a reality.