New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills: Week 2 Prediction

Oct 12, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) is taken down by Buffalo Bills defensive end Manny Lawson (91) and defensive end Jarius Wynn (92) after throwing a pass during the 2nd half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Patriots beat the Bills 37-22. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

The AFC East is growing in power and at the forefront are the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills. Will the old warhorse retain its spot on top or will the young stallion leave him in the dust?

Injury News

LeSean McCoy expected to play through hamstring issue

Hamstrings are notoriously tricky injuries when it comes to skill position players and the Bills are trying to navigate that issue with LeSean McCoy. Though limited in practice, word is the 27-year old running back plays to be ready and play Sunday against the Patriots barring a setback.

Dominique Easley doubtful with hip problem

With their defensive front already thin on proven players, the last thing New England needs is to lose lineman. Unfortunately they face that reality as second-year defensive tackle Dominique Easley continues to nurse a hip injury suffered in the opener against Pittsburgh. He’s doubtful to play.

Key Matchups

Marcell Dareus vs. David Andrews

Interior pass protection held up well for the Patriots against the Steelers, but they’re about to take a significant step up in competition. Marcell Dareus is one of the best defensive tackles in the business and will be one of the biggest tests all season for rookie center David Andrews. If he fails, it’s going to end badly for the Patriots.

Charles Clay vs. Jamie Collins

The Bills brought in Charles Clay to create more explosive plays from the tight end position. He delivered some of that in the opener against Indianapolis. Now he’ll be needed to attack down the middle against the Patriots. Jamie Collins is their best coverage linebacker and likely be tasked with covering him. Whomever gets the better of the other will determine a lot.

Fantasy Advice

Sit: Tom Brady

More than many teams, the Bills are uniquely suited to play against Tom Brady. They have an outstanding pass rush, particularly from the interior and now a new head coach in Rex Ryan who is notorious for giving the future Hall of Famer fits with creative scheming. Add the fact it’s away from Foxborough and this does not shape up as a good game for Brady.

Start: LeSean McCoy

It’s not yet clear how hobbled McCoy is with that hamstring, but if he’s close to 100% then he must be a start in this game. The Patriots run defense has suffered a sharp decline. Vince Wilfork is gone and their depth took a hit with the Easley injury news. That leaves their front dangerously thin. This after giving up a whopping 5.4 yards on the ground against Pittsburgh, who didn’t even have Le’Veon Bell.

Prediction: Bills win 23-16

Rex Ryan always has his troops ready for Bill Belichick and the Patriots. He’s got a new team and a way better defense than he did a year ago. Brady always has Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman, but that won’t be enough this time.

Next: 2016 NFL Mock Draft: Shocking Quarterback Moves

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