The Patriots may be short on talent and trailing in the standings, but this matchup against the Bills should present the Patriots some areas where they can press an advantage and come away with a victory in Amherst, N.Y.
First, a check of some keys stats on both sides of the coin for the Bills.
AREAS OF CONCERN
Bills have an excellent third-down offense: Buffalo is near the top of the league in every third-down category. They are first (by a wide margin) in 3rd and 10+ at 42.1 percent (league average is 21.2). Third and long (over 6 yards), the Bills are first at 45.9 percent (29.1 avg.). 3rd and medium they are 5th at 58.8 percent (45). And they are second overall at 52.4 (42.8).
It starts on first down: The Bills average 6.39 yards on first down (5.64 NFL), which is good for sixth.
AREAS FOR PATRIOTS TO EXPLOIT
Terrible rushing defense: Opponents rush for 4+ yards against the Bills 51 percent of the time. Average is 44.6.
Awful third and long defense: Bills are 30th and 31st in third and long conversions allowed, and 3rd and 10-plus.
Bills give up big pass plays: The Bills have allowed 25 pass plays of 20+ yards, which ranks tied for 25th.
Bills love to pass on first down: They run the ball just 37.8 percent of the time on first down, which is the lowest in the league (average is 50.7).
Second down is an issue: The Bills' defense allows second down conversions 41.8 percent of the time, second-worst in the league (35.3).
They don't blitz well: When the Bills blitz, QBs have a passer rating of 132.9 (league average is 96.3). That's 31st in the league.
Opponents string drives together: The Bills have allowed 20 drives of at least 10 plays (30th). Average is 14.
The let up before halftime: Bills have allowed 52 points right before halftime. League average is 30.
They drop passes: Bills have the No. 24 catch rate in the league.
THREE THOUGHTS ON THE BILLS' DEFENSE
