Few would have projected when the NFL regular season schedule was released that the matchup between the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills would take place with the top spot in the AFC East up for grabs, but after both teams opened their year with consecutive sports betting wins, that is the case heading in to this Sunday.
New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills
Sunday September 25, 2011 – 1:00 PM ET
Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York
NFL Betting Lines: New England Patriots – 9
While the Patriots have looked completely dominant with their offense leaving nothing to chance, the Bills provided one of the most improbable comeback wins in NFL history by setting a league record with touchdowns on all five of their second-half drives in a 38-25 win over the Oakland Raiders. New England won’t allow Buffalo that chance if they fall behind this week, as the two sides prepare to clash at Orchard Park.
NFL Betting Preview: New England Patriots
The outlook for the Patriots this season is simple: Score on every possession or risk losing by at least two touchdowns. New England has won each of their first two games by 14 points, including an impressive 35-21 victory over the San Diego Chargers this past Sunday, and it has everything to do with the league’s No. 1 pass offense. Quarterback Tom Brady is on pace to shatter Dan Marino’s single-season record for passing yards with 940 through his first two contests, and he has also thrown seven touchdowns. The offense continues to conceal a leaky defense although the Patriots have made progress on that side of the ball. Despite giving up a ton of yards, New England did force four turnovers against the Chargers, and that helped make the difference in the win.
NFL Betting Preview: Buffalo Bills
The Bills have been one of the biggest
sportsbook promo surprises this season, and it isn’t so much that they have clinched consecutive wins as it is how they have done it. Led by running backs Fred Jackson and CJ Spiller, Buffalo has compiled a league-high 308 rushing yards through two contests. But it isn’t just the running game that has been so impressive, as quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has thrown for 472 yards and seven touchdowns. The Bills will have a tough time slowing down the Patriots this week, but do have the weapons to keep this one close. Turnovers will be a key factor, and Buffalo can’t afford to be on the wrong side of that battle.
NFL Betting Preview: Outlook & Pick
While the Bills will need another miracle to knock off New England at home, they do have enough talent to keep this game close. While the Patriots’ offense has been dominant, their defense hasn’t been that great and that could open the door for Buffalo to keep it close until the end.
NFL Betting Pick: Buffalo Bills + 9
