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Week 17: Bills vs. Patriots
 at 
Sunday, Dec. 28th
1:00pm ET
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The Bills close out their 15th consecutive non playoff season in a place where they are 0-12 lifetime as they head to Gillette Stadium to take on the Patriots. New England has clinched homefield advantage throughout the playoffs and have nothing to play for but history suggests the starters will play at least half the game.
FACTS AND FIGURES
| Matchup: |
Buffalo (8-7) vs. New England (12-3) |
| Place: |
Gillette Stadium |
| TV/Radio: |
Network: CBS; DirecTV: 713; Sirius: 108 |
| Announcers: |
Spero Dedes and Solomon Wilcots |
| Spread: |
Patriots by 4½ |
| Series: |
Patriots Lead 66-41-1 (Bills 0-1 in playoffs) |
| Streak: |
Patriots Won 6 and 21 of the last 22 games |
| Last Meeting: |
Patriots 37-22 in Buffalo (2014) |
| Patriots Offense: |
Rush (18th); Pass (8th); overall (10th) |
| Patriots Defense: |
Rush (12th); Pass (21st); overall (13th) |
| Bills Offense: |
Rush (25th); Pass (18th); overall (24th) |
| Bills Defense: |
Rush (13th); Pass (3rd); overall (4th) |
INJURY UPDATE
The Bills lost Marcell Dareus to a knee injury and Stephon Gilmore to concussion like symptoms. It doesn't seems likely either would play in a meaningless game but they are both considered gametime decisions. Chris Gragg is practicing and healthy after missing a month with a knee injury.
The Patriots are pretty healthy heading into this game but have a long list of players who were limited in practice. They will likely be cautious with anyone who is hurting with everything wrapped up and the playoffs on the horizon.
Check out our  Bills Daily Injury Page throughout the week for the latest updates on the injured players.
KEY MATCHUPS
RB Fred Jackson vs. LB Jamie Collins:
Jackson knows the team has not had a 100 yard rusher all year and is determined to change that. He will be the lead ball carrier again most likely and will have to watch for the Patriots lead tackler in Collins.
RT Seantrel Henderson vs. DE Rob Ninkovich:
Henderson has steadily improved over his rookie season but took a step back in Oakland last week. He faces the Patriots sack leader with 8 in Ninkovich.
DE Mario Williams vs. RT Sebastian Vollmer:
Super Mario is finishing up perhaps his best season as a pro and goes up against the solid six year pro at right tackle in Vollmer. Williams is looking to add to his team leading 13½ sack total.
S Aaron Williams vs. TE Rob Gronkowski:
The Western New York native is a stud tight end that seems to elevate his already stellar game against his hometown team. Williams is their best chance at slowing him down but it won't be easy.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Don't Run For The Bus: This team doesn't seem to be one that will quit since they are out of the playoffs. They can rally around the fact they have never won in this building and the desire to finish above .500. If they are disinterested it could be another Patriot blowout.
2. No Giveaways: You can't beat the Patriots, even in a meaningless game for them, if you turn the ball over.
3. Pressure QB: The team has cooled off considerably when it comes to getting to the quarterback with just two sacks in the last three games. They don't necessarily need more sacks but they do need to get pressure on Tom Brady to make him uncomfortable and hopefully get him to leave the game early to rest for the playoffs.
BILLS DAILY PREDICTION
The Bills will likely stay close because it means nothing for the Patriots but the curse of the razor will keep the Bills winless at Gillette Stadium:
Patriots 21, Bills 16
Season Prediction Record: (5-10)
Season Record Against The Spread: (4-11)
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