The Patriots have alternated between wins and losses early this season to start off the Mike Vrabel era, but they are coming off their most impressive victory of the season. New England dominated the Panthers at home last time out in a 42-13 victory, improving to 2-2 on the season.
But next up are the Bills and Josh Allen in an AFC East divisional matchup in Buffalo. The Patriots also get the Sunday Night Football game as the national audience will see the Vrabel-led squad for the first time this season.
The Bills have remained perfect this season at 4-0, winning their last three games by double-digits. They did struggle some against the Saints last time out, but they’ve looked like a Super Bowl contender through the early portions of the season.
Every week, a MassLive sportswriter will pick the result of the upcoming Patriots game, and I’m tasked for this Week 5 divisional battle.
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This is one of the hardest games on the schedule for the Patriots, though at least it won’t be a cold-weather game later in the season. The Bills and Patriots have split the season series over the past two years, with each team winning at home. The Bills have won the last three games in Buffalo with the Patriots winning there most recently in 2021. (Remember all the hype that victory brought? Seems like forever ago.)
The Patriots impressed in their win over the Panthers, which was much-needed after losing at home to the Steelers the week before in a turnover-filled game. Quarterback Drake Maye also continues to look like a solid second-year pro. Maye putting together an impressive game Sunday is an opportunity for the Patriots to start taking some strides in terms of perception.
If the Patriots are able to put together a massive upset, that would register on national radars. But with this current roster and with it still being Year 1 under Vrabel, the Patriots likely don’t have enough juice quite yet to make that much noise. The Bills end up being too much, this sportswriter predicts.
The Patriots will need to play clean football for a shot at the upset, as well. They also need to show some life by staying competitive against the Bills on the road. Getting blown out on Sunday Night Football can put a damper on all the momentum Vrabel is trying to build through the early portions of the season. So, some competency in primetime can go a long way to flipping the perception of the organization.
Final score prediction: Bills 31, Patriots 17
BETTING: For Sunday’s game against the Bills, Patriots moneyline is listed at +300 over on FanDuel. Our comprehensive FanDuel Sportsbook review will help you learn how to navigate their site. For all of the best Patriots Week 5 odds, check out our expert analysis.
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