The Patriots are primed to defeat the Bills.
Outlook: The Patriots are sitting pretty but are still trying to secure a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. Buffalo holds the last AFC playoff spot as it tries to end a 17-year postseason drought but cannot clinch even with a win over the Patriots. The Bills have never won in Foxborough when Tom Brady has played a full game.
Prediction: Patriots, 30-20
Outlook: The winner in this NFC South rivalry clinches a playoff spot and remains alive for the division crown. The loser won’t be out of it, although a loss by the Falcons would be an especially major blow. New Orleans has been a strong home team (6-1) and should take care of business. The Saints are the first team in 42 years to have two running backs (Mark Ingram, Alvin Kamara) make the Pro Bowl, but I like Drew Brees for a big game. He was the goat in a 20-17 loss in Atlanta on Dec. 7 with a late interception, and I think he will make amends with a performance big enough to make a league champion of some of his fantasy owners.
Prediction: Saints, 38-24
Outlook: The Rams clinch the NFC West with a win or a Seattle loss, and Los Angeles is 6-1 on the road this year. The Titans’ playoff standing is more precarious – they need a win more urgently, and they’re 5-1 at home. Tennessee must win out to assure itself a postseason ticket without relying on other results, and I see a big bounce-back performance at home following consecutive dispiriting road losses to the Cardinals and Niners.
Prediction: Titans, 27-24
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