Here are three X-Factors for the Buffalo Bills to defeat the New England Patriots this week.
The Buffalo Bills will be taking on the New England Patriots this week, looking to remain undefeated in the new season.
Buffalo comes into this game with a record of 3-0, sitting atop the AFC East, while New England sits at 1-2, coming off a blowout loss. The Bills are trying to reclaim the division from the Patriots this year, making this game crucially important to that goal.
Here are three of the biggest X-Factors for the Bills to take down the Patriots at home this week:
1. Replacing Christian Benford
Buffalo will be without top cornerback Christian Benford in this game, and this could make life tough on the Bills' secondary. Benford allows this defense so much more freedom, and without him, there could be some trouble.
New England may try to test the Bills' secondary without Benford, and this is where others are going to have to step up. If the Bills' front can pressure the quarterback well, it could take some of the pressure off the secondary in this game.
So far this season, Benford has 16 total tackles and three pass deflections for the Bills.
2. Defense Gets to Drake Maye
Through the first three weeks of the season, New England quarterback Drake Maye has lost seven turnovers. Maye has thrown six interceptions and lost one fumble, basically giving the ball away multiple times a game.
For the Bills, if they can generate pressure on Maye, it will likely result in them having a chance to grab turnovers. Buffalo needs to get Maye out of his rhythm from the opening kick, setting themselves up well.
Something has been off with the Patriots quarterback this season, and the Bills need to take full advantage. New England's offense as a whole has been very poor this year, and Buffalo doesn't want them to wake up on their account.
3. Josh Allen Limiting Turnovers
Last week, Allen committed three turnovers in the win against the Chargers, which isn't typical for him. This included him throwing two interceptions and losing one fumble, but somehow the Bills were able to win the game.
However, against the Patriots, Allen will need to clean things up and keep hold of the ball. Most of the team, the Bills won't be able to overcome three turnovers, and they were able to steal a win last week.
But this week, Allen will try to get back on track, limiting the turnovers against New England. The veteran quarterback knows that he got away with this a week ago, and this could be the key to Buffalo taking down the Patriots.
