This Week
The New England Patriots visit their AFC East rival Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, NY on Sunday at 1 p.m.
The Patriots (2-0) are 1-0 on the road, 1-0 against the AFC East and 2-0 in the AFC conference. The Bills (2-0) are 1-0 at the Ralph, 0-0 vs. the AFC East and 2-0 against the AFC conference.
The Line/Prediction
As of Thursday the line on the game from Yahoo! Sports have the Patriots minus 9. The over under is 53 ½.
My Prediction is Patriots 42, Bills, 21. Give the points (Patriots) and take the over. I am 2-0 against the spread and 2 of 2 on calling the over/under in 2011.
Tickets
The Bills are reporting the game as a sell out.
Tickets to the game, if available, can be purchased through Ticketmaster. You can check the availability here.
Getting to the Game
If you’re lucky enough to be shuffling off to Buffalo for the game make sure you check out the links.
Here is the up to date weather forecast from the Weather Channel for Orchard Park NY.
Click for all the game day information including stadium directions, parking and stadium information, parking map and a Ralph Wilson Stadium seating chart.
Tailgating
Here’s a bunch of different tailgating recipes from Tailgating.com. There’s something there for everyone and every type of meal or snack. I’ve tried some of the recipes and they’re very good.
And with tailgating many people enjoy some adult beverages. With that in mind check out Drink Nation for how to make all sorts of great drinks. You can look things up by name, ingredient(s) or theme.
Whether it’s at the game, a bar or a friend’s house moderation is always the key to a great time. Please don’t drink and drive and designate a sober driver. Remember You Drink, You Drive, You Lose.
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Television
CBS in televising the game regionally and Marv Albert will do play by play while Rich Gannon will provide the game analysis. You can look here for your local affiliate.
See if you’re getting the game courtesy of J.P. Kirby at the506.com.
The DirecTV designation is Channel 706.
Here are all the rules on NFL TV broadcasts including explaining the blackout rules; flex scheduling and commercial breaks.
Radio
The Patriots Radio Network broadcasts the game from flagship station WBZ-FM, 98.5 the Sports Hub in Boston. Gil Santos handles the play-by-play, former Patriot Gino Cappelletti does the color and new this year Scott Zolak will man the sidelines. It all starts with Gary Tanguay, Andy Gresh and Zolak with the pregame show at 4 p.m. along the network. The post game starts after the final gun and continues for three hours along the network.
If you are outside the broadcast are of the stations on the Patriots Radio Network you can purchase NFL Field Pass, which allows you to listen to any game live. You can also pick which teams broadcasters you want to listen to.
All NFL Games are also available on Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio also carries all the NFL games under a special additional package. They usually only carry the home team feed.
The Patriots radio network call is available on Sirius Channel 93 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 862.
The Bills Radio Network has John Murphy calling the game while former Bills DB Mark Kelso provide the game analysis via their flagship station, WGRF-FM. Their call is available on Sirius Channel 106, XM Channel 228 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 868.
The game will also be heard nationally along the Compass Media Network affiliates. Chris Carrino and Brian Baldinger will call the game.
Patriots All Access
Patriots All-Access features behind the scenes looks, interviews and breakdowns with head coach Bill Belichick and in depth features on the team. It’s hosted by Steve Burton of WBZ-TV (Boston) and airs weekly in most New England television markets.
- Boston MA on TV 38 Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
- Providence RI on WNAC Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
- Manchester NH on WMUR Saturday at midnight
- Portland ME on WMTW Sunday at 5 a.m.
- Hartford CT on WCTX Saturday at 5 p.m.
- Springfield MA on WFXQ Saturday at 7 p.m.
- Bangor ME on WVII Sunday at 11 a.m.
You can also watch it anytime on the teams website in the media section.
To continue reading, the New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills preview, click on the read more button below if you’re on the home page.
Last Week
The Patriots beat the Chargers at “The Razor” 35-21 as Deion Branch reeled in 8 catches; while the Bills rallied to beat the Raiders, 38-35 at home with a TD with just 14 seconds left to play.
History
- This is the 103rd meeting between the Patriots and the Bills since they started to face each other as AFL foes in 1960.
- The Patriots lead the series 61-40-1
- The 61 wins are the most the Patriots have over any opponent.
- New England has won 15 straight games in the series and 20 of the last 22. The last loss coming on opening day 2003 when the Bills dismantled New England 38-0 in Buffalo.
- The Patriots won both meetings in 2010 beating the Bills 38-30 in Week 3 despite a porous defense and an average offense at Gillette Stadium. Patriots won again in Buffalo in Week 16, 34-3 behind 7 Buffalo turnovers.
Patriots Team Notes
Here is the Patriots roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.
2011 Patriots Schedule/Results
The Patriots overall franchise record is 403-363-9. They have won three Super Bowls (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) in six appearances. They last appeared in the playoffs in 2010 when they lost at home to the New York Jets in the AFC Divisional Playoff, 28-21. They last appeared in a Super Bowl in 2007 losing to the New York Giants 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII. They won the AFC Conference championship that season with playoff wins over Jacksonville and San Diego.
The Patriots are the defending two-time AFC East Champions; they have won the division 8 times since 2000.
The Patriots are dedicating the 2011 season to the memory of Myra Hiatt Kraft, the late wife of owner Robert Kraft. Every Patriots player and coach will honor Myra’s memory by wearing a patch with her initials on it in recognition of her lifelong contributions to the local and global community and her influence on the charitable mission of the entire Patriots organization. The patch will be worn on the left chest of every player throughout the season.
The Patriots are 29-21-1 all time in Buffalo, 22-15 at Ralph Wilson/Rich Stadium. The other games were played at old War Memorial Stadium.
New England is 49-14 vs. the AFC East since 2001.
The Patriots rushed for 200 yards or more in both games against the Bills in 2010.
The Patriots have had two double-digit win streaks against the Bills. Currently it’s 15 games since 2003; the previous streak was 11 games from January 1983 to December 1987.
The 15 game win streak against one team is the third longest in NFL history. San Francisco had a 17 game win streak over the Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams from 1990-98 and Miami had a 20 game win streak over Buffalo from 1970-79.
The last time the teams met in December 2010 in Buffalo the Patriots recovered four fumbles in a game for the first time since 2003 vs. Philadelphia.
New England’s largest margin of victory in the series is 46 points set in 2007.
An AFC East rival has not swept the Patriots in a season series since 2000 when Miami and New York swept them.
Since 2000 the Patriots have the 2nd best road record in the NFL at 58-31. Only Indianapolis 59-30 has better road record in the same span.
Since 2001, the Patriots are 23-10 in September that’s the second best record among all NFL teams behind only Indianapolis who is 26-8.
The Patriots have scored 30 or more points in 10 consecutive regular season games.
The Patriots are 3rd in the NFL in points per game with 36.5. While they allow 22.5 points per game good for 13th in the NFL.
New England is now plus 4 in turnover differential, 3rd best in the NFL (tied with Green Bay and San Francisco). The offense has given up 1 INT and 0 fumbles, while the defense has 3 INT and 2 fumble recoveries.
The defense has 3 goal line stops in 2 games this season. Last week against San Diego they stopped the Chargers 4 times from goal to go inside the 5-yard line. In Week 1 vs. Miami they stopped the Dolphins two separate times. Once in the first half the Fish had four cracks (2 rushes, 2 passes) from inside the 10-yard line and then in the 4th quarter they had fourth and goal at the 1-yard line (pass) and the Patriots held again.
Patriots Staff Notes
This is the link to head coach Bill Belichick’s Wednesday press conference on the Bills.
Bill Belichick coached teams are 20-3 vs. Buffalo. Belichick was 0-1 against the Bills as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns.
Overall in his NFL career Belichick is 164-94 in 16 NFL seasons. He is 128-51 with New England and 36-44 with Cleveland. He is 15-6 in the playoffs, 14-5 as head coach of the Patriots in the post season. When you combine his regular season and post season records he is 179-100.
Belichick’s 179 wins are good for 10th all-time. Bill Parcells is 9th with 183 wins.
He was named NFL Coach of the Year for the 3rd time in 2010.
Patriots Possible Starters
Offense:
- LT: Light
- LG: Mankins
- C: Connolly
- RG: Waters
- RT: Solder
- QB: Brady
- RB: Woodhead
- TE: R. Gronkowski
- WR: Welker
- WR: Branch
- WR: Ochocinco
Defense:
- DE: Ellis
- DT: Wilfork
- DT: Love
- DE: Carter
- WLB: Cunningham
- MLB: Fletcher
- SLB: Ninkovich
- LCB: McCourty
- RCB: Bodden
- S: Brown
- S: Barrett
Patriots Players Notes
This Tom Brady’s 12th NFL season he is 17-1 vs. the Bills in his career.
Overall Brady is 113-32 as a starting QB and is 14-5 in the playoffs for an overall record of 127-37. Brady is a 6 time Pro Bowl QB; two time NFL MVP and has won 3 Super Bowls while twice being named the games MVP. He is also listed as the 21st Greatest Player in the History of the NFL according to the NFL Network.
In 2010 Brady won his second NFL MVP and he was the first unanimous winner in league history.
Brady was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for the second consecutive week and the 19th time in his career for his performance against San Diego.
Brady is 50-22 on the road in his career in the regular season.
Brady has 268 TD passes in his career he is now 10th all-time. Joe Montana is 9th with 273.
Brady is the only NFL quarterback to follow up a 500-yard game with a 400-yard game.
He is also just the 6th NFL quarterback with back-to-back 400-yard games.
Brady’s two-week yardage total of 940 is second best all-time behind Phil Simms who had 945 yards in a two week span.
As of Thursday the following players have been declared out (will not play) of Sunday’s game:
- S Patrick Chung had surgery on his injured thumb this week that he injured on Sunday against San Diego. He did not practice.
As of Thursday the following players are doubtful (25% chance of playing) for Sunday’s game:
- TE Aaron Hernandez has a sprained MCL and is expected to miss up to 2 weeks. He did not practice.
- DT Albert Haynesworth has a back injury and did not practice.
- CB Kyle Arrington has a concussion and did not practice.
- T Sebastian Vollmer has a back injury and did not practice.
- DE Mike Wright has a concussion and did not practice.
As of Thursday the following players are questionable (50% chance of playing) for Sunday’s game:
- P Zoltan Mesko has a knee injury and had limited practice participation.
- TE Dan Gronkowski has a hamstring injury and had limited practice participation.
- WR Taylor Price has a hamstring injury and had limited practice participation.
- OL Ryan Wendell has a calf injury. He had limited practice.
- CB Ras-I Dowling has a hip injury. He had limited practice.
- LB Gary Guyton has a hamstring injury. He had limited practice.
- LB Jerod Mayo has a thigh injury and had limited practice participation.
As of Thursday the following players are probable (75% chance of playing) for Sunday’s game:
- S Josh Barrett has a thumb injury and had full practice participation.
- CB Leigh Bodden has a hand injury and had full practice participation.
- LB Dan Fletcher has a thumb injury and had full practice participation.
WR Wes Welker now has catches in 81 consecutive games including playoffs, 67 as a Patriot. The last time Welker did not have a catch in a game was 12/24/05 as a Dolphin.
Welker, Deion Branch and Aaron Hernandez each had at least 7 catches two weeks in a row. Against Miami, Welker had 8 grabs; Branch and Hernandez had 7 each. Against San Diego, Branch had 8 catches while Welker and Hernandez had 7 each.
Branch had his 10th career 100-yards receiving game against the Chargers.
RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis has a rushing touchdown in each game so far. He now has 20 rushing TD’s in his career.
S Sergio Brown and DT Vince Wilfork each has their 1st NFL interception vs. San Diego.
LB Jerod Mayo leads the team with 20 tackles.
The Gronkowski brothers, Dan and Rob, who hail from Watertown NY, are ready to stampede through Buffalo this Sunday.
The Patriots have four New England natives on the roster they are: TE Aaron Hernandez (Bristol CT); OL Donald Thomas (New Haven CT); S James Ihedigbo (Northampton MA) and DE Ron Brace (Worcester MA – PUP). They have 8 players who played for a New England school or a Big East Conference member. They are: WR Deion Branch (Louisville); S James Ihedigbo (UMass); C Dan Koppen (Boston College); CB Devin McCourty (Rutgers); NT Vince Wilfork (Miami), OL Donald Thomas (UConn); DE Mike Wright (Cincinnati) and DE Ron Brace (Boston College – PUP).
The Patriots have 7 retired numbers: 20 – Gino Cappelletti, 40 – Mike Haynes, 73 – John Hannah, 78 – Bruce Armstrong, 79 – Jim Lee Hunt and 89 – Bob Dee.
Bills Team Notes
Here is the Bills roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.
Buffalo’s all-time record is 360-406-8 they are 14-15 in the post season with their last post season appearance coming in 1999 when they lost to Tennessee in the AFC Wild Card game, best known as the “Music City Miracle”. They last played for a conference championship in 1993 when they beat Kansas City in the AFC Title game, 30-13. They then went on to lose to Dallas in Super Bowl XXVIII. They have never won a Super Bowl title in four appearances. The Bills franchise started in 1960 in the AFL and they won two AFL Championships in 1964 and 1965.
The Bills have new uniforms this season. They look like a cross between the O.J. Simpson era uniforms and the Jim Kelley era uniforms and they include a white helmet for the first time since 1983. This is the first major change to the Bills uniforms since 2002.
Buffalo is 2-0 for the first time since the 2008 season when Dick Jauron was their coach, they finished the season at 7-9.
The Bills have lost the season series to the Patriots for the last 7 seasons and 9 times in the last 11 seasons.
The Bills are 21-28-1 as the home team in the series.
The largest margin of victory for the Bills in the series is 35 points set in 1970.
Buffalo is 20-42 vs. the AFC East since 2001.
The Buffalo defense gave up 454 total yards in its Week 2 home win over Oakland.
The Bills have the highest scoring offense in the NFL averaging 39.5 points per game. While they allow 21 points per game, good for 9th in the NFL.
Buffalo is now plus 3 in turnover differential, 6th best in the NFL (tied with Cincinnati and NY Jets). The offense has given up 2 INT and 0 fumbles, while the defense has 2 INT and 3 fumble recoveries.
Bills Staff Notes
Hear what Buffalo Bills head coach Chan Gailey had to say to the New England media about the match up.
Buffalo head coach Chan Gailey in his 2nd season with the team is 6-12 since taking over. He was previously the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys for two seasons and had an 18-14 record and is 0-2 in the playoffs. His overall NFL record is 24-28 including playoffs.
Gailey is 0-3 vs. the Patriots in his career, 0-2 with Buffalo and 0-1 with Dallas.
Bills Players Notes
Buffalo QB Ryan Fitzpatrick is 0-3 vs. New England and 14-24-1 in his NFL career with Buffalo, Cincinnati and St. Louis.
Fitzpatrick was a 7th round choice of St. Louis in the 2005 NFL Draft out of Harvard.
For the first time in his 7-season NFL career Fitzpatrick started the season with a team as the #1 quarterback. See what he had to say about facing the Patriots.
Fitzpatrick is starting to build a reputation.
RB Fred Jackson has back-to-back 100 yard rushing games. He ran for 117 yards and 2 TD’s vs. the Raiders last Sunday and is currently the NFL’s leading rusher after Week 2 with 229 rushing yards.
Former Jacksonville LB Kirk Morrison is excited about coming to Buffalo.
Alex Carrington is adjusting to his new role as a linebacker.
Some remain skeptical that Shawne Merriman can play at a high level for the whole season.
Undrafted free agent Robert Eddins really made an impression on the Bills.
Buffalo WR David Nelson says two teams called post draft, the Bills and the Patriots.
Apparently these are not the same old Buffalo Bills (VIDEO)
After Week 1 the Bills signed former Patriots draft pick CB Terrence Wheatley (2008 – 2nd Round) to the practice squad. They also have former Patriots draft pick TE Lee Smith (2011 – 5th Round) who they claimed off of waivers after he was released by New England in training camp.
Former UConn WR Marcus Easley was placed on season ending IR after Week 1 when it was discovered he has a heart ailment. Buffalo drafted the Stratford CT native in the 4th round of the 2010 draft.
WR Roscoe Parrish was placed on the season ending IR after he was carted off against Oakland with an ankle injury. WR Naaman Roosevelt who was promoted from the practice squad replaced him on the roster.
Buffalo’s captains for 2011 are Fitzpatrick, Jackson, DT Kyle Williams, LB Andra Davis, P Brian Moorman and S George Wilson.
There are 5 players on the Bills roster from Big East Universities and New England based colleges. They are: QB Ryan Fitzpatrick (Harvard); RB Corey McIntyre (West Virginia); C Eric Wood (Louisville); WR Marcus Easley (UConn – IR) and DB Jon Corto (Sacred Heart – IR).
The Bills have one retired number: 12 – Jim Kelley.
Next Week
The Patriots visit the Oakland Raiders next Sunday at Overstock.com Coliseum in Oakland CA. Kick off is at 4:15 p.m. on CBS.
Follow Steve on Twitter @djstevem
