The Buffalo Bills will host the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium in WEek 16.
For this AFC East battle between Sean McDermott’s Bills (11-3) and Jerod Mayo’s Patriots (3-11), it will be the games, within the game, that will make all the difference.
Here are three key matchups to watch during Sunday’s Bills-Pats contest:
OL Spencer Brown vs. DE Keion White
Imagn
White has had a bit of a breakout second season in New England. White is tied for a team-high in sacks with five and has the most tackles for a loss with seven.
White will likely lineup across from Brown. The Bills’ right tackle has had a positive season himself, but has dealt with a neck injury, which occurred late in Week 15’s win over the Detroit Lions.
WR Keon Coleman vs. CB Jonathan Jones
Imagn
The Bills showed in Detroit that their offense can still play at a high level without contribution from Amari Cooper. Buffalo’s No. 1 receiver did not have a catch against the Lions but will still probably draw coverage from the Patriots’ top defensive back in Christian Gonzalez.
That leaves Jones, a veteran, likely seeing plenty of Coleman, a rookie. Can the first-year pro help Buffalo get more production from their receivers this week?
DE Von Miller vs. OL Demontry Jacobs
Imagn
Miller is one of the best to do it. Meanwhile, Jacobs is the worst-grade offensive tackle in the NFL currently in Pro Football Focus‘ grading system.
Miller could take the game over on passing downs.