The Buffalo Bills moved ever closer to winning their second consecutive AFC East title after beating the New England Patriots on the road in Week 16. The Bills are the first team to win at Gillette Stadium in two consecutive seasons since the Indianapolis Colts accomplished that feat in 2005 and 2006.
The Bills are looking to keep the momentum going in Week 17 when they host the Atlanta Falcons. Who will prevail in this critical NFL matchup? Here's a breakdown of the Falcons vs Bills clash.
Atlanta Falcons installed as +14 underdogs
Atlanta's playoff hopes remained very much alive after the Falcons recorded a thrilling 20-16 win over the Detroit Lions in their NFC showdown in Week 16. The Falcons are currently in 10th place in the NFC standings with a 7-8 record. They trail the San Francisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles, who hold the last two wild card spots in the NFC, by just one game heading into Week 17.
The Falcons will look to make it two wins in a row when they face the Buffalo Bills this coming Sunday. For the Falcons to grab the all-important victory, Matt Ryan will need to deliver the goods against the Bills. He completed 18 of 24 passes for 215 yards and a touchdown in the win against the Lions.
Kyle Pitts benefited from Ryan's highly efficient play, catching six passes for 102 yards in Week 16. Pitts made history with that performance as he broke the franchise record set by Tony Gonzalez for receiving yards as a tight end. It is crucial for the Falcons to keep the game close against the Bills. Atlanta is 7-2 this season in one-possession games, including four victories by no more than four points.
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Buffalo Bills enter Week 17 as -14 favorites
The Buffalo Bills gained sweet revenge on the New England Patriots in Week 16, recording a 33-21 win over their division rivals in their showdown at Gillette Stadium. It was a big win for the Bills, who moved to the top of the AFC East standings with just two games remaining this season.
For the Bills to preserve that division lead in Week 17, they will need to get another solid showing from Josh Allen. He completed 30 of 47 passes for 314 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in the win against the Patriots. Allen also ran for 64 yards on 12 carries in that contest.
Allen managed to produce that kind of performance even without wide receivers Cole Beasley and Gabriel Davis, both placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. In their absence, Isaiah McKenzie stepped up big time, nabbing a career-high 11 catches against New England. He recorded 125 receiving yards and a touchdown in Week 16.
Allen and McKenzie will look to dissect an Atlanta secondary allowing 244.0 yards per game through the air this season.
Writer's Prediction
Buffalo wins and covers the spread.
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