Joe: 52-38, Pats. As I’ve said all week, the Pats are in my head. I just don’t think the Bills are ready to take the next step to beat them. They need a couple more guys on the defensive side of the ball to really contain Brady. This isn’t really about the Bills but more so about how the Pats are awesome. They hardly ever turn the ball over (only 10 turnovers last year), and Brady has eaten the Bills secondary alive. In 18 career starts against the Bills, Brady has over 4,100 yards passing and 39 touchdowns. And yes, his record is 17-1 in those games. Yikes! I don’t see the Pats really shutting down the Bills offense, but I just think the Pats offense is just better. Look for a back and forth game, but the Pats will eventually take it over in the 4th quarter.
Mark: 42-31, Pats. I want to pick this game with my heart, but after our defensive performance last week, I don’t think we can hold off Brady and his weapons for long. But our offense will continue to put up points against the Patriots’ D, which is also weak. I think the Bills will keep it close through three quarters, but it won’t quite be enough as the Pats will then pull away with some late scores. But expect another fun game to watch with the Ralph as loud as it’s been in years.
Brandon: 34-24, Pats. And the streak lives on! At least for now, anyway. Given our history facing the Pats over the last decade, I don’t think there’s any reason for us to expect to beat New England until the Bills actually come out and prove that they can do so. I fully expect Tom Brady to come out and continue to play in the same fashion he has so far this year. The Bills pass D wasn’t very encouraging last week against Oakland and if McKelvin and Co. can’t stop Campbell and Moore, they don’t stand a chance against Brady and pick a receiver. In addition, I think to beat Brady you have to pressure him, and the Bills have lacked any sort of pass rush thus far. I don’t think that will change against a top notch O-line. I do think that Fitzpatrick will be able to keep the Bills in it and make the game watchable, but in the end Belichick and Brady prevail once again. Depressing, I know. But it’s encouraging to think the Bills are presumably gaining ground on the Pats.
Shelby: 34-30, Pats. Even with the past two exciting weeks that the Bills have had, I don’t think that they can handle their nemesis just yet. Unfortunately, I think they’re going to lose this one. Of course, they can win if they would like to. I’d like to see Tom Brady get crushed. I hate that dude. Just thinking realistically based on the talent that team has.
Rob: 36-31, Bills. The Bills have finally started earning the respect they deserve in terms of their offensive play led by Ryan Fitzpatrick, Fred Jackson, Stevie Johnson and David Nelson. The Patriots, who have posted ridiculous stats over the Bills in recent years, are facing a new defense. In terms of players, the Bills have three new defensive starters in the front seven (Barnett, Dareus and Merriman). The Bills’ secondary has been inconsistent, but with Pats TE Aaron Hernandez sidelined, it will be a bit of an easier task in terms of game-planning. Accounting for Welker and Branch will be key, but the Pats have a suspect secondary that could be exposed. Fitz spreads the ball around well and with the various mismatches against Devin McCourty, Dowling and the weak safety position, Fitz should have a field day.
Chris: 35-31, Bills. I chose the Bills to win in Weeks 1 and 2, so what the heck, why not pick them in the biggest, most meaningful game in the last 10 years? (semi-kidding) The Patriots secondary isn’t really good to begin with, and since they are being plagued by injury, Fitz should be able to make them pay. Plus, Fred Jackson always runs well against New England. Brady will be Brady, but the crowd gives the Bills the final edge.
Mike: 35-28, Patriots. The Patriots really haven’t shown an ability to stop anyone yet, so I think the Bills will put up some points – but Brady and Co. are on another planet right now.
Brian: 37-24, Patriots. I keep replaying this in my head and can’t seem to find a way for the Bills to control Brady. Not to mention the Pats ran for 200+ yards in each match-up last year. I hope I’m wrong and I think it stays close, but the Pats score a late TD to go up two scores for the win. This is a huge measuring stick for this team, and I’m excited to watch it. If the Bills are going to win, Merriman needs to get after Brady often and Barnett needs to keep #87 in check. Time to see just how good our LBs are.
Alex: 42-38, Bills. I think the Bills are going to win another close one. Everyone is favoring the Patriots, but I think the Bills newfound confidence will help them win. The fact is, the Bills have one of the best offenses and the best rusher (Fred Jackson) in the league right now. Despite having an equally powerful offense, the Patriots I think won’t be ready for the new version of the Buffalo Bills.
Matt: I’m a complete tool and don’t like predicting games (By Joe P.)
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