NFL Week 17 Picks: Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots

Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots
Sunday, 12/29/13, 4:25 PM EST
Opening Point Spread: New England -7.5
Current Betting Line: New England -8.5
Opening Total: 47
Current Total: 47
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

New England Patriots Football — The New England Patriots have never lost to the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium

Buffalo is set to travel to New England in the team’s final regular season game of the 2013 season, as it looks to gain revenge from a 23-21 loss as 10-point home underdogs in the first meeting on Sept. 8. The Bills are trying to earn their first win at Gillette Stadium since the venue opened in 2002, which is important to consider when making your NFL betting picks in Week 17. Buffalo is 0-4 SU and 1-3 ATS as road underdogs of 7.5 to 10 points the last two-plus seasons, with the OVER going 4-0 in that situation.

The Bills are racking up an AFC-best 142.5 rushing yards per game, including a 200.5 average over the last two contests. Buffalo is unsure of rookie E.J. Manuel will return under center, but Thad Lewis has split his four games as starting quarterback for the franchise. On the defensive end, the unit is certainly capable of getting after New England signal-caller Tom Brady, as it has recorded a franchise-record 56 sacks.

New England has won four of its last five games, including a 41-7 blowout victory over the Baltimore Ravens as 1.5-point road favorites Sunday, while going OVER the betting total for the fourth time in that span. The Patriots are attempted to finish a perfect 8-0 at home for the sixth time in team history at this venue, which can’t be ignored when looking over the NFL betting lines. The team has won its last 12 home games in this series, while Brady has compiled a dominating 21-2 SU all-time record in the rivalry. New England is 5-2 SU and 4-3 ATS as home favorites of 7.5 to 10 points the last two-plus seasons.

The Patriots have won 30 of their last 35 home games against divisional opponents, while they’ve outscored all opponents by 991 points in front of their fans since 2002. New England’s defense will try to force a couple turnovers in this affair, as Buffalo ranks tied for eighth in committing 27 miscues on the year.