The New England Patriots have a first round playoff bye and home field advantage locked up, while the Buffalo Bills just can’t catch a break. Buffalo will officially miss the playoffs for a record 15th straight season, but can still finish the year at a solid 9-7 with a win over their hated rivals. To do that, however, they’ll have to finally get off the schneid and win in New England.
While the Pats are in and the Bills are out, the two will butt heads in Week 17 with pride on the line. Patriots tickets are still a strong $212.39 ($111 to get in), despite the threat of the starters sitting early, but this divisional clash won’t be lacking intensity as the Pats look to close the year at 13-3. Fans looking for premium Gillette Stadium seating can find luxury boxes from SuiteHop available for $10,000. New England Patriots suites typically begin at $10,000, but can be up to $20,000 depending on the event.
Bills head coach Doug Marrone made a gutsy move in his second season, as he gave up on project quarterback E.J. Manuel and turned to veteran Kyle Orton. The move worked out for a while, but with a loss to the Oakland Raiders in Week 16, Buffalo’s slim playoff hopes were officially dashed. The Bills may not be able to get back into the playoffs for the first time in over a decade, but they at least boasted an elite defense all year and watched explosive weapon Sammy Watkins develop.
The reality for the Bills is they have two key building blocks: Watkins and their elite defense. Neither really shook the Patriots in their first meeting in New England, however, as Tom Brady carved up the Bills for 361 yards and four touchdowns. That may not be necessary in Week 17, though, as the Pats may rest their starters by halftime. Orton didn’t match Brady the first time around, but if he wants to get Buffalo over the hump and build momentum toward 2015, he’ll need to have one of his best performances of the season.
It’s another year out of the playoffs for Buffalo, but they can at least take a little bite out of a divisional rival and end the season on a high note. There’s definitely a lot of optimism surrounding the team today and the fan base would gladly welcome a winning record in 2014.
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