Will Drake Maye get into a shootout and give Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills a game at Highmark Stadium?
The chances of that happening are slim given that the New England Patriots defense will have to find a way to stop Allen and the Bills’ defense from stampeding all over them in upstate New York. But, if Maye can get the ball down the field and use his legs at opportune times, it could be a game closer than many would think.
With the Bills vying for the No. 1 seed in the AFC, the Patriots sneaking up on them with the upset of the year would not only make the season for Jerod Mayo and crew, but perhaps change the energy surrounding the future of the team. A future that obviously begins with Maye, who is showing the league and fellow QB’s like Allen that he is the real deal.
“I think their quarterback is going to be really good for a really long time,” Allen said, via Masslive.com. “He’s making some unbelievable plays, extending and from the pocket. I’ve got a lot of respect for him and his game."
Will the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft get the best of the Bills’ defense and throw for over 200 yards in this game? No matter what the record of each team, these AFC East matchups always tend to be more competitive than expected. With QB’s like Allen and Maye, it could be a fun afternoon in Buffalo.
New England Patriots vs Buffalo Bills game details: How to watch, betting odds
Date: Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024 | Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
Location: Highmark Stadium
TV: CBS | Live Stream: Fubo TV (try for free)
Betting Odds: Bills -14; over/under 112 (via DraftKings)
Drake Maye passing yards prop over/under odds vs. Bills
Drake Maye odds for passing yards in the Week 16 matchup over 204.5: -120 (Bet $10 to win $18.33).
More on Drake Maye:
Key factors:
- Maye has thrown for over 200 yards in his last 4 games. Unfortunately, the Patriots have lost those games, but when he is getting the ball out and getting it down the field, the team has been competitive in two of those four losses.
- The Bills’ defense has given up over 40 points in the last two games. The Patriots don’t have the playmakers to light up the scoreboard but should lead to a solid game passing for Maye if the offensive line is not awful.
- The Patriots more consistent pass catchers are the tight ends. The Bills have struggled covering pass catching tight ends so both Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper could be in for a big game.
- The Patriots will try to control the game with the run game, but they will have to rely on Maye’s arm to get points on the board. If Rhamondre Stevenson can find success against the Bills’ front, that could open up play action opportunities for Maye to get the ball downfield.
Prediction: It’s hard to imagine the Patriots’ defense limiting Allen and a Bills’ offense that has racked up over 80 points combined the last two games. The Bills should eventually pull away, but the spotlight will be on Maye who will show the current AFC East kings that there is a new quarterback in the division. He’ll throw for close to 300 yards with 2 touchdowns in this game.