The New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills will play what is essentially a meaningless contest on Sunday. Buffalo was eliminated from the playoff picture with a brutal loss last week to the Oakland Raiders, while the Patriots locked up home-field advantage when the Denver Broncos lost to the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night.
Bills vs. Patriots 2014: Online streaming, time and TV schedule
Buffalo and New England have nothing to play for in terms of playoffs, but the Bills still have motivation.
In their previous matchup this season, New England toppled Buffalo 37-22 at Ralph Wilson Stadium on Oct. 12. The game was for first place in the AFC East at the time. Ultimately, it proved to be the Patriots’ second win of seven straight.
For Buffalo, the game matters in terms of development. The Bills are trying to go 9-7, giving them their first winning season of the decade. Buffalo has endured a lot throughout the campaign, starting two different quarterbacks. Second-year pro EJ Manuel began the season and started four games before being benched by Doug Marrone in favor of Kyle Orton. Orton has been as expected, throwing for 2,842 yards with 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. In his starts, Buffalo has gone 6-5 including wins against the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions.
The Patriots are 12-3 and have everything wrapped up, so we could be seeing Jimmy Garoppolo. Garoppolo was New England's second-round pick this year and could be the heir apparent to Tom Brady, whenever it is that Brady decides to stop being great and retire. Garoppolo has seen limited action in five games this year, completing 9-of-10 passes for 92 yards and a touchdown.
How to Watch
Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough
When: 1 p.m. ET
TV: CBS
Announcers: Spero Dedes, Solomon Wilcots
Online streaming: Verizon NFL Mobile | NFL Sunday Ticket
Odds
New England is favored by 3.5 points at home against Buffalo with an over/under of 44, according to OddsShark.
Further Reading
For more on the Bills, head over to Buffalo Rumblings.
To keep up with the Patriots, check out Pats Pulpit.
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