New York sports betting apps are sure to be prevalent soon. Until then, however, bettors in the Empire State will need to consider alternative means to get in on the action of one of the most intriguing rematches of the year.
That happens Sunday (CBS, 1 p.m. ET), when the Buffalo Bills (8-6) visit the New England Patriots (9-5) and seek revenge from an earlier loss against their AFC East Division rival.
In a state with the woeful Giants and Jets, the Bills are clearly the only team with NFL playoff aspirations.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the Bills are 2.5-point underdogs on both Caesars Sportsbook and DraftKings. Buffalo is listed at +115 on the moneyline with Caesars and +120 with DraftKings.
The Patriots are -135 moneyline favorites on Caesars and -140 on DraftKings and both sites list over/under total points at 43.5.
Bills Grounded by Patriots in Round 1
Earlier this month, the Patriots went into Orchard Park and weathered the cold, snow and windy conditions to escape with a 14-10 road victory over the Bills to take control of the AFC East Division race.
Patriots rookie quarterback Mac Jones completed an incredible 2 of 3 passes for 19 yards as New England relied on rushing, defense and field position.
Damien Harris led the way on the ground with 10 carries for 111 yards and one touchdown and Rhamondre Stevenson added 24 carries for 78 yards in the Patriots’ win.
The Bills could get nothing going on their home field as quarterback Josh Allen completed 15 of 30 passes for 145 yards and one TD. Allen also was the team’s rushing leader with six carries for 39 yards.
Bills Up, Pats Down Last Week
The Bills upended the Carolina Panthers at home, 31-14, as Allen completed 19 of 34 passes for 210 yards with three TDs and one interception. Wide receiver Gabriel Davis had five receptions for 85 yards and two TDs in the win.
The Indianapolis Colts dominated the Patriots last Saturday for three quarters, running up a 20-0 lead. But the Colts allowed 17 unanswered points to the Pats in the fourth quarter before running back sensation Jonathan Taylor (29 carries, 170 yards) exploded for a 67-yard TD run late in the game. The Colts won, 27-17.
Who Will Win?
NYBets.com prediction: This game will be an absolute slugfest. One team is coming off a much-needed win and looks for redemption from its Week 13 home loss; the other is hoping its last fourth quarter carries over to this game as far as putting up points and being engaged in the game.
The Bills enter the game with a 4-3 road record and the Patriots are a disappointing 3-4 at home.
Not making mistakes and sticking with the team’s game plan week after week has been the recipe for success for Jones all season. However, last week, he showed some cracks in his play, which can’t carry over this week.
The pressure is squarely on the shoulders of Allen and the Bills, who had been prohibitive favorites to win the division earlier in the season.
Now it’s step-up time. I believe Allen will get it done with a bit of a chip on his shoulder for the loss earlier in the season to the Pats.
With better performances from the wide receivers, defense and Allen himself, along with better weather conditions, the Bills will rise to the occasion. Bills 31, Patriots 24.
