Taylor Bicht
2 min read • December 01, 2022
Posted in
Heading into Week 13 we are back to the usual boring one game slate on Thursday after enjoying three fantastic Thanksgiving games. This a week presents us with an AFC East rock fight as the (8-3) Bills head to Foxborough to face the (6-5) Patriots.
The Bills will play without free agent treasure Von Miller although a key linebacker will return to the lineup after missing the previous two games. New England is going into the midweek game with issues at key positions including the OL and WR.
After a thrilling last second win on Thanksgiving versus the Detroit Lions, the Bills play another road game but carry a much healthier roster heading into a crucial East matchup. Star CB Tre’Davious White will play in his second game of the season after playing just 16 snaps in his first game back (likely an honorary start due to it being a full year since the injury). Do not expect the Pro Bowler to be 100% but will be gradually eased in as the year goes on.
A boon for defense will be the return of stud linebacker Tremaine Edmunds who has missed the last two games due to groin and heel issues. The run defense has held up well in the last few games but his presence is vital for a defense giving up 23+ points in back to back games. The linebacker is second of the team with 65 combined tackles and assists.
On offense the Bills will be without LT Dion Dawkins for the foreseeable future after the big man suffered a high ankle sprain last week. Buffalo will field veteran swing tackle David Quessenberry in a clear downgrade at the left tackle position meaning perennial all-star Josh Allen must be on alert for designed rushes from NFL sack leader Matt Judon.
An addition to the OL that should help is veteran center Mitchell Morse who missed just one game due to elbow and ankle issues but will play Thursday which will help the contain the inside pressure from the Patriots who are second in the NFL with 37 total sacks.
The Patriots come into the matchup the much healthier squad according to our SIC algorithm holding a 5.4 differential. The Patriots have escaped the injury bug for majority of the season with Mac Jones and Devante Parker the only key players missing time. Going into TNF, both WRS are hampered but at sicscore.com we believe both Parker and Jakobi Meyers will play as the latter left last game with a shoulder issue but returned late in the contest.
Bills cornerback White is not 100% fit meaning fantasy players will hope Meyers is a full go with the North Carolina State grad fully capable of taking advantage.
The OL is the main injury spot for the Patriots with multiple players either hampered or out. RT Marcus Cannon is already on IR due to concussion issues but three players going into TNF are listed as Q or Out.
Integral part of the OL, David Andrews, is destined to make a return this week from a thigh issue that first was feared to be season ending. Isaiah Wynn who has played all over the line this year will miss the contest due to a foot injury. Yodny Cajuste who has been filling at RT and playing well, is listed as questionable due to a calf ailment.
Its hard to judge exactly which player will suit up due to the Patriots mind games when it comes to injury reports but the bottom-line is the Patriots will be severely hampered at OL which could lead to prolonged offense struggles.
Damien Harris is listed as out due thigh injury picked up last week. While out panel of doctors saw the issue as minor, the Patriots will take time knowing they still have Rhamondre Stevenson to shoulder the workload on Thursday.
The Bills are favored by 4 points in Foxborough and the over/under is 43.5, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Buffalo is at +450 to win Super Bowl LVII, second to the Chiefs at +430.
Rhamondre Stevenson U63.5 Rushing Yards
The fantasy starlet has played decent in recent weeks especially in the passing game where he has caught 15 balls in two games. The focus will be on Stevenson to run effectively with Harris out and with a potent run defense combined with Edmunds back - expect the Bills to stop the RB and for him to go under his rushing prop
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Through Week 12, our staff is 52.4% on player props and 58% on live bets.
Written by Taylor Bicht
