{"id":78280,"date":"2019-12-19T06:44:05","date_gmt":"2019-12-19T11:44:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonprofootball.com\/?p=78280"},"modified":"2021-05-30T20:43:54","modified_gmt":"2021-05-31T00:43:54","slug":"new-england-patriots-bold-predictions-week-16-buffalo-bills","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2019\/12\/19\/new-england-patriots-bold-predictions-week-16-buffalo-bills\/","title":{"rendered":"New England Patriots Bold Predictions: Week 16 vs Buffalo Bills"},"content":{"rendered":"

The New England Patriots<\/a> can take home another AFC East crown with a victory over the Buffalo Bills, but this won’t be an easy win. The Bills are one of the NFL\u2019s biggest surprises, featuring an elite defense and a developing Josh Allen<\/a><\/strong>. Sean McDermott<\/a><\/strong> and company put up a fight the first time these two teams met, so let\u2019s take a look at some Patriots bold predictions heading into Week 16\u2019s divisional showdown.<\/p>\n

New England Patriots vs Buffalo Bills Bold Predictions<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Tom Brady Sets Passing Touchdown Record<\/h3>\n

For what feels like the millionth time, Tom Brady<\/a><\/strong> is knocking on the door of history. Brady came this<\/em> close to matching Peyton Manning<\/a><\/strong> atop the all-time touchdown record list in Week 15, but ultimately couldn\u2019t get the job done. Drew Brees<\/a><\/strong>, on the other hand, passed both Brady and Manning and currently owns the record with 541 touchdowns.<\/p>\n

Brady\u2019s going to need to throw four touchdowns to get the record, and by God he\u2019s going to do it. The Buffalo Bills have an elite defense and have given Brady fits for the majority of the past two seasons. However, you can\u2019t fool Brady forever, and the greatest quarterback of all time will add yet another accomplishment to his constantly-growing list of records.<\/p>\n

N’Keal Harry Scores Two Touchdowns<\/h3>\n

If Brady is going to throw four touchdowns, somebody\u2019s going to need to catch them. N\u2019Keal Harry<\/strong><\/a> won\u2019t haul in every touchdown, but he should get his hands on two of them. The first-round rookie had the best game of his career against the Cincinnati Bengals, recording two receptions for 15 yards and a touchdown to go along with two carries for 22 yards. The overall numbers are a little underwhelming, but the box score doesn\u2019t tell the whole story. Brady and Harry connected on a beautiful deep pass, but the play didn\u2019t count thanks to a Julian Edelman<\/a><\/strong> false start. Additionally, Harry and Brady almost connected on a dig route, but a defensive lineman got in the way of a throwing lane.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/twitter.com\/DLPatsThoughts\/status\/1207106026387980290?s=20<\/p>\n

N\u2019Keal Harry isn\u2019t a complete receiver by any means, but he can be a strong red zone presence and a true threat in the open field. Josh McDaniels<\/strong> is one of the best in the league at scheming guys open and should be able to get N\u2019Keal Harry in space. Additionally, Harry appears to be gaining Brady\u2019s trust, particularly in the red area. If McDaniels can scheme up some red zone plays for Harry like he did with Cordarrelle Patterson<\/a><\/strong>, or if Brady just chucks a few passes in Harry\u2019s direction, then he should come away with a few touchdowns.<\/p>\n

Rex Burkhead Rushes For 100 Yards<\/h3>\n

Last year at this point, the Patriots looked lost on offense and had just lost Josh Gordon<\/a><\/strong> for the year. In order to find a new identity on the fly, New England turned to Sony Michel<\/a><\/strong> and the Power-I formation. That plan isn\u2019t going to work this year, as Michel needed an elite interior offensive line and James Develin<\/a><\/strong> to be effective. Michel\u2019s preferred style of play<\/a> is dependent upon good blocking, and the Patriots just can\u2019t provide that this year.<\/p>\n

Rex Burkhead<\/a><\/strong> is capable of making guys miss in space and appears to be the better option for early down carries. When healthy, Burkhead is easily the most elusive and dangerous runner in New England\u2019s backfield. Last week, Burkhead recorded just six carries but managed to pick up 54 yards and a touchdown. As New England heads into their stretch run, they might try to see if they can replicate 2018\u2019s success with Rex Burkhead.<\/p>\n

Main photo:
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>