Patriots vs. Bills 2020: Odds Favor Buffalo Over New England Amid Julian Edelman Injury

It’s not going to be easy for the New England Patriots to pick up their first win in five weeks. The team will be without its No.1 wide receiver Sunday against the Buffalo Bills amid news that Julian Edelman won’t play because of a knee injury.

Buffalo is favored by 3.5 points at home over New England, according to betting lines compiled by OddsShark. The Bills enter the Week 8 matchup with a 2.5-game edge over the Patriots atop the AFC East.

In their first season without Tom Brady on the roster in two decades, the Patriots are off to a 2-4 start. New England is on a three-game losing streak with Cam Newton playing like one of the NFL’s worst starting quarterbacks.

Newton missed New England’s Week 4 loss against the New England Patriots because he tested positive for COVID-19. After their Week 5 matchup was postponed, the Patriots lost to the Denver Broncos 18-12 in Week 6. San Francisco blew out New England 33-6 in Week 7.

Newton was benched during last week’s game. He’s thrown for just 255 yards, no touchdowns and five interceptions in his last two contests.

It hasn’t helped that Newton is saddled with one of the NFL’s worst groups of playmakers. Edelman, the team’s only reliable option, leads the Patriots with 21 receptions for 315 yards.

Journeyman receiver Damiere Byrd has the best 2020 statistics of any New England receiver that’s set to suit up in Buffalo. Byrd has 18 catches for 223 yards. Last year he had a career-high 359 yards.

None of the Patriots’ receivers that will be active Sunday have even had a 400-yard season in the NFL.

Edelman underwent a procedure that will force him to miss some time, according to ESPN. The 34-year-old recorded 1,117 yards last year and won the Super Bowl MVP award the previous season.

New England has a seven-game winning streak against Buffalo. The Bills have two wins against the Patriots in their last 17 tries.