Ronald Cabang

THE PLAY: Buffalo Bills -3.0 (-105)

This matchup between the Bills and Patriots features two teams wrapping up difficult seasons but in vastly different circumstances. The Bills, having clinched the No. 2 seed in the playoffs, are expected to rest their starters and roll with backup quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. Meanwhile, the Patriots are simply playing for pride and player evaluations, with rookie Drake Maye expected to start under center. Despite the changes, the Bills’ depth and overall talent edge make them the stronger side in this contest.

Buffalo’s backups, led by Trubisky, will face a Patriots defense that has struggled all season, ranking 26th in points allowed at 25.1 per game. The Bills’ offense, even without their starters, should be able to find success against a defense giving up over 130 rushing yards per game. With players eager to prove their value and a well-coached system in place, the Bills have the tools to control the game, particularly on the ground and in short, efficient passing situations.

On the other side, the Patriots' offense has been one of the worst in the league, averaging just 16.6 points per game. With a rookie quarterback and a limited receiving corps, New England is unlikely to keep pace, even against Buffalo’s reserve defenders. The Bills’ depth, combined with their ability to execute effectively on both sides of the ball, makes them the better bet to cover the -3 spread. Expect Buffalo to manage the game well and capitalize on New England’s inefficiencies.