New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills preview: Predictions, odds, how to watch on Sunday

After a shaky start to the season, the Buffalo Bills have re-asserted themselves as one of the top teams in the AFC, having rattled off four wins in their last five games, only falling to the Philadelphia Eagles in overtime back in Week 12. They have not lost since their bye week and are still in contention in the AFC East.

Standing in their way this week is the New England Patriots. Although the Patriots have been eliminated from playoff contention, the team has won two of its last three when nobody expected them to. Divisional matchups are always tougher, so perhaps the Patriots could be in for another underdog victory.

Know how to pick 'em: NFL Week 17 picks: Will Browns stay hot against Jets to seal playoff berth?

Predictions for New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills:

Sportsbook Wire: Over 41

The Patriots are playing arguably their best football of the season which should give them enough firepower to put up 10-15 points. At that point, the Bills only need to score 30, which they've done in three of their last five. And that is assuming the Patriots can't get much done at all.

Athlon: Buffalo 30, New England 11

The scariest part of this game is that the Bills have been favored by 12 or more points in two games this season and failed to cover the spread in either of those games. Divisional matchups are usually closer than people expect, meaning the Patriots could ruin a lot of people's parlays.

Fox Sports: Buffalo 30, New England 11

Fox Sports notes that the Bills are 8-4 this season as moneyline favorites. Against an inept Patriots offense, it's hard to imagine them falling outright. The moneyline will be the safest bet, but based on their predicted score, the spread should work out in Buffalo's favor as well.

BetMGM: Bills ML

BetMGM predicts, "The Bills will win this Week 17 game with 87.7% confidence, based on game simulations, player injuries, offensive & defensive matchups and recent game results." BetMGM also gives the Bills a 72.2 percent chance to cover the spread. Those are pretty good odds.

How to watch Patriots vs. Bills:

• When: Sunday, December 31, 2023

• Where: Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York

• Time: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT

• TV: CBS

• Stream: Paramount+, YouTube TV, FuboTV

How to watch: Catch football action with a Fubo Subscription

NFL Week 17: Patriots vs. Bills: odds, lines

The Bills are favorites to defeat the Patriots, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023.

Betting odds, as of Thursday afternoon:

• Spread: Bills (-12)

• Moneyline: Bills (-700); Patriots (+500)

• Over/under: 41

Injury News:

Buffalo Bills Injury Report:

New England Patriots Injury Report:

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Patriots vs. Bills predictions, odds, injury news for Sunday's game