Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - The Buffalo Bills will look to start to 2025 season 5-0 when they face the New England Patriots on "Sunday Night Football" at Highmark Stadium.
In order to do that, here are my three keys to the game, plus notes and stats:
1.) Win third down!
Both teams enter the game top-10 in the NFL in third down percentage on offense. Buffalo is seventh at 42.0%, while New England is 10th at 41.67%.
On defense, the Patriots rank 19th in the league, giving up a 39.13% conversion rate, while the Bills are 25th, allowing 42.0%.
The Bills need to maintain something close to their normal average on offense, but do a much better job defending on third down than they have been overall, especially against a New England offense that's been good in that situation.
2.) Take advantage of Patriots' secondary
The Patriots are giving up 7.73 yards per-pass this season, which is fourth-most in the NFL. They've also given up 16 pass plays of 20 yards or more. Only the Dallas Cowboys have given up more (17).
New England also has the sixth-highest QB rating against their defense (104.2).
Josh Allen and the Bills should have chances for some bigger plays through the air, and need to connect when they become available.
Be sound on coverage units
New England is averaging 28.9 yards per-punt return, which is tops in the NFL. They are also eighth in the league averaging 26.5 yards per-kick return.
That 28.9-yard average is all Marcus Jones, who was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week this past week. New England running back Antonio Gibson is fourth in the NFL averaging 29.3 yards per-kick return.
The Patriots will be aggressive and look for a big return in special teams to get an edge in this game. The Bills can't let that happen.
Related
NOTES AND STATS:
