Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots
We don’t want to be arrested by what happened in Week 13, but one has to appreciate what the Patriots have done since Week 6 of the season. That was the last week any opposing quarterback scored more than two touchdowns on the Patriots. They’ve effectively wiped out the quarterback (and passing game) from factoring into the game. Carson Wentz, Ryan Tannehill, Matt Ryan, and yes, Allen in Week 13, were made insignificant.
The Bills are expected to have new wrinkles and tricks up their sleeves. This is an NFC East battle for the division after all. To be fair, Allen bounced back in consecutive games, for a combined 518 yards, five touchdowns and two picks since that first game against the Patriots. Still, there’s this feeling that New England is already in their heads. Just like in Week 13, we wouldn’t sit Allen down, but just temper expectations. The Patriots defense should be respected, but Allen will score more than 15.0 points. How much more, is harder to say.
Quick Hits
Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs have business to take care of and Newton is just another hurdle to leap over. That’s not to say that the Bucs don’t look vulnerable but defensively, Newton is overmatched here. He hasn’t looked good as a dropback passer and while he has managed two top 5 finishes in the five weeks that he’s played, he’s also been bad in his other two starts. Tampa made mince meat of Taysom Hill, the last running QB they faced, and outside of Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts, they’ve been a tough nut to crack.
