October 29, 2020 | 11:45 AM
Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills marks the first time the Patriots have been underdogs in an AFC East showdown since 2015.
In that game, also against the Bills, the Patriots were 1-point underdogs and pulled out a 40-32 victory. This time, as their longest-active streak of 30 consecutive games as the betting favorite in division games is snapped, they come in as 3.5-point underdogs.
From @ESPNStatsInfo: Patriots a 3.5-point underdog Sunday vs. the Bills. First time they have been a ‘dog in an AFC East game since Week 2 of 2015 in Buffalo (1-point ‘dog; 40-32 win). The 30-game streak as betting favorite in division games was easily the longest active streak.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) October 28, 2020
The 5-2 Bills are currently on track to curb the 2-4 Patriots’ streak of 11 consecutive AFC East titles, and at this point in time, New England free safety Devin McCourty believes Buffalo is the team to beat.
“I will say right now we’d be crazy to think coming into the game that we’re the team to beat,” McCourty told reporters. “They’re No. 1. This is going to be a huge challenge for us on the road.”
Devin McCourty was asked if he still feels like the Patriots are the beast in the east.
“I feel like that’s a trick question. We’re 2-4. I definitely wouldn’t call us the team to beat this year.”
Went on to say what the Patriots have done in the past doesn’t matter.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) October 28, 2020
The 11-year veteran McCourty, who has won the division every year of his career, said the Patriots will have to bring their “A-game” against a strong team. He added that what the Patriots have done in the past – including all their Super Bowl victories – doesn’t matter this season.
“I think for us,” he said, “our backs are against the wall.”
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