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It’s Week 8 of the 2020 season, and the Buffalo Bills have one of their most anticipated matchups of the season. Head coach Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots come into Orchard Park, ready to end a three-game losing streak. Can the Bills finally defeat the Patriots? get all my thoughts in this week’s edition of Four Downs.
Getting the monkey off our back
The New England Patriots have dominated the Buffalo Bills over the past two decades, winning 34 of 39 games over the past 20 years. The Bills certainly will not reverse that trend with one game, but Sunday’s matchup feels like it could be the start of a shift for Buffalo fans.
There are too many painful memories to bring up for Bills fans, as we have been tormented by Tom Brady and the Patriots. The Bills were competitive in both losses to the Patriots in 2019, and Brady’s departure to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has fans feeling a bit more optimistic. With that being said, no fan wants to feel too confident going into Sunday’s game, despite the Patriots’ record of 2-4.
With a win on Sunday the Bills would improve to 6-2, and fans can begin embracing a mindset that the team is the favorite to win the AFC East. A loss certainly does not sink Buffalo’s season, but a victory would certainly fuel the optimism for fans that this could be the year. Now that Brady is gone and the Patriots are struggling, the time is now for the Bills to become the AFC East favorites.
Hyde looks unlikely to play
Micah Hyde is in the concussion protocol and is unlikely to play for the Bills on Sunday. While this would certainly be a loss for Buffalo, I am curious to see what Dean Marlowe could do for the Bills if given the start. Marlowe had an energetic sack on Sam Darnold in Week 7, and he could have a chance to continue his strong play against the Patriots.
Podcast of the Week
One of my favorite listens this week was the Shout! podcast with Matt Parrino and Ryan Talbot. In their most recent episode, the guys chatted with Eric Wood on a number of topics. Matt and Ryan always have a great rapport with their guests, and Eric is certainly no exception. If you have not had a chance to catch this episode yet I would highly recommend you do.
Prediction - Bills 21, Patriots 14
Sunday’s game is not going to be pretty, thanks to some blustery weather conditions in the forecast for Orchard Park. Josh Allen has a more successful day running the football than throwing, and is able to make enough plays to get the victory. The defense, led by an increase in snap count from Matt Milano, continues to look good against Cam Newton and a struggling passing offense.