Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots (-4.5)*
Sure, the Patriots don’t need to blow out the Bills, but when has that ever stopped them?
While the Peyton Manning-led Colts of the early 21st century were notorious for resting their starters in weeks leading up to an already-clinched playoff berth, the Patriots generally did no such thing. In fact, the Patriots are 4-0 in their last four season finales, with the smallest margin of victory a modest two touchdowns.
Buffalo may have made large strides this season and, while they came close to a playoff berth late in the season, were never a competitor in the AFC East race. While a win on Sunday would give the team its first winning season since 2004, New England, typically dominant in the division – the Patriots haven’t lost three division games since the league went to a four-team format prior to the start of the 2002 season – will look to hold down a rival and protect its home turf.
In addition, the Patriots had no problem scoring against the Bills’ top-five defense when the two teams met in October. New England’s 37 points were the most allowed by the Bills all season.
The Patriots win by ten and beat the spread.
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