Pats Planet🪐

Written by Dom (@ZeroChillSports)

The Houston Texans defeated the Buffalo Bills 23–19. Some are calling it an upset, but I personally predicted this would happen. Josh Allen went down with an injury in the second quarter but chose to play through it. He then threw two interceptions, both to Calen Bullock. The Bills fall to 7–4 and remain second in the AFC East, which is huge for the Patriots as they move to 9–2 heading into a potential cakewalk against a Bengals team without Ja’Marr Chase and Joe Burrow.

---

Are the Bills Fraudulent?

The Bills are always discussed as Super Bowl contenders, but with yet another loss to a seemingly average team, the question rises: are they playoff frauds? They are, and here’s why.

The Bills are led by MVP candidate Josh Allen, with James Cook in the backfield. When one of them struggles, the entire team collapses. James Cook had an outstanding game: 17 carries for 116 yards, including a 45-yard touchdown. He averaged 6.8 yards per carry (so close to 6.7…), so he wasn’t the problem.

Now, let’s talk about my personal least favorite player in the league: Josh Allen. For my fellow Bills hate-watchers, this was straight heaven. Watching an MVP candidate and former winner of the award crumble was beautiful. He threw for 253 yards and two interceptions, as mentioned earlier.

Compare that to my new favorite non-Patriot, Davis Mills, who threw for 153 yards and two touchdowns. The Bills had three turnovers—two interceptions and a fumble by Khalil Shakir—and six penalties from my least favorite referee, Adrian “I throw a flag when I see the slightest tug of a jersey” Hill. The Bills looked like the 2017 Browns game where they played against the Steelers’ backups and still lost.

Expect a potential Wild Card exit for the Bills. Maybe even a loss delivered by future MVP Drake “Drake Maye” Maye. A 3-0 sweep sounds nice.

---

The Patriots Have the AFC East Locked Down

The New England Patriots, as most of you know, have the easiest schedule in the league. They’re 9–2, including wins over the Bills and Buccaneers. They have a two-game lead over Buffalo, and the Dolphins and Jets are about as relevant as the relocated UFL teams. With a remaining schedule that includes the Jets, Dolphins, and Bills, this division is ours for the first time in six years—back when Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr. was our quarterback.

---

Who Are the Threats to the Patriots’ Super Bowl Run?

I know I’m talking like we already have the Super Bowl locked up, but we don’t. There are threats—manageable ones—but threats nonetheless.

The Indianapolis Colts seem to be the biggest challenge, with this year’s “Sam Darnold” in Daniel “Indiana” Jones and a potential MVP candidate in Jonathan Taylor. The Colts’ defense is just as dangerous with Sauce Gardner, DeForest Buckner, and interception machine Cam Bynum.

Next up are the Baltimore Ravens. I know their record looks rough, but Lamar Jackson is back from injury, and Derrick Henry is improving each week—even at age 32.

Finally, the biggest threat to a playoff run: the Denver Broncos. They’re hot—not Patriots-hot, but blue-flame hot. Led by Bo Nix, this team is surprising many and confusing just as many. The Broncos are extremely similar to the Patriots: both have a second-year QB, an aging but solid WR1, a reliable tight end, a star defender, and strong corners. These teams are so evenly matched that a classic Broncos–Patriots playoff rematch seems completely possible.

___

Join the Pats-Planet.com newsletter today to get notified every time an article is posted to the website!