Tag: New England

Bills QB Josh Allen reveals what his ‘Christmas wish’ is this year

#Bills QB Josh Allen reveals what his ‘Christmas wish’ is this year:

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Josh Allen is having another record year for the Bills,

The QB has made it clear the Bills focus each week is on being the best team on the field.

Last week against the Carolina Panthers, they did just that in a 31-14 victory.

With this Sunday’s contest against the New England Patriots in Foxborough taking place the day after Christmas, Allen was asked by a member of the press what he wants this year.

He had one answer, and it wasn’t something found under the tree or in a stocking, but on a football field:

The Bills QB stated that his holiday wish was “just to go out there and execute on Sunday.”

Buffalo had trouble with that execution in the red zone on offense and making tackles on defense in their last outing against their division rival, who they’ll need to beat this week if they are to win the AFC East and secure a spot in the playoffs.

“I think that game we had our chances and we didn’t execute like we should have,” Allen said while addressing the media.

He was also confident when asked if the team was embracing what was on the line this week, with the playoff and division ramifications this game has.

“For sure, and again we know what’s at stake,” Allen added. “We’re not trying to make it the biggest game, but like you said, it is because it is the next. And we’re not trying to approach it any differently than we would any other week. We’re trying to hone in our skills, figure out a game plan and figure out what we can do to best execute that game plan on Sunday.”

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Josh Allen becomes first Bills QB with consecutive 30 TD seasons

Josh Allen becomes first #Bills QB with consecutive 30 TD seasons:

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While breaking records has seemingly become an annual occurrence in his young career, QB Josh Allen set a whole new one in Sunday’s win over the Carolina Panthers.

He became the first Bills quarterback in franchise history to record consecutive seasons with over 30 thrown touchdown passes.

In the modern offense-driven NFL, Allen has been a standout the past two seasons with his signature arm strength, accuracy development, and ability to extend possessions and make plays.

37 of his 46 total scores in 2020 were aerial and good for the teams’ single-season TD record, and the 4,544 passing yards that came along with them was a team record as well. Per Stat Muse, he averaged 2.31 passing touchdowns per game played in 2020.

This season, he has 31 TD tosses and is averaging 2.21 passing touchdowns per game played, which would play out at the same total number (37) if he throws on average.

That being said, Allen is anything but average.

In Sunday’s contest alone, he threw three touchdowns against Carolina. He also has a knack for putting up special stats, and league-wide ones at that.

In only his fourth professional season, Allen has already become the only quarterback in NFL history to go for over 400 passing yards, over 30 passing TD’s and over eight rushing TD’s in a single season. He is the first player in NFL history to have two games in a season with a three-plus passing TD and 400-plus passing yard performance with zero interceptions along with a 130-plus passer rating. He is also the only player in the history of the league to log three consecutive seasons of seven-or-more rushing touchdowns.

If the Bills offense can continue to play at the high octanse level seen on Sunday as they make a run at the playoffs, it’s entirely possible that could lead to Allen surpassing last year’s total to set a new franchise mark in the final three games of the regular season.

We may see more of Allen in the team record books in the weeks to come, though his focus will be set on beating the New England Patriots in Foxboro this Sunday, winning the AFC East in the final three games, and making the playoffs for a third consecutive season.

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New England at Los Angeles Chargers Prediction, Game Preview

New England at Los Angeles Chargers prediction, game preview, how to watch and lines for Week 8 of the NFL season, Sunday, October 31

New England at Los Angeles Chargers prediction, game preview, how to watch: Sunday, October 31

New England at Los Angeles Chargers How To Watch

Date: Sunday, October 31
Game Time: 4:25 ET
Venue: SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
How To Watch: FOX
Record: New England (3-4), Los Angeles Chargers (4-2)
– Sign up and live stream college football on ESPN+

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– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

New England at Los Angeles Chargers Game Preview

Why New England Will Win

That’s how the offense should work.

Yeah, Zach Wilson got knocked out of last week’s 54-13 blowout, but he doesn’t play defense for the New York Jets.

The Patriot offense line was terrific with a big day on the ground, Mac Jones was fantastic spreading the ball around for an O that cranked up well over 500 yards. Now it’s all going against a Charger defense that’s the worst in the NFL against the run and yards per carry.

There won’t be anything crazy about this game plan. Keep running Damien Harris, don’t put Mac Jones in bad situations, and control the ball and the clock. The Charger D isn’t great on third downs – the Patriots will own the chains.

– NFL Expert Picks, CFN Week 8

Why Los Angeles Chargers Will Win

Is there a dynamic element to the Patriot O?

The Chargers can strike quickly, Justin Herbert will hit the big plays, and now the O might get Austin Ekeler back – but he’s questionable.

The offense was stuffed by Baltimore in a 34-6 loss, but the running game was going well in the few games before the clunker. New England has played well overall defensively – not much breaking along with the bending – but the run defense can be shoved a bit, allowing 120 rushing yards or more in four of the last six games.

Herbert will get on the move a bit, but a rotation of backs will get the O past 100 yards.

– College Football Expert Picks, CFN Week 9

What’s Going To Happen

The Patriots will grind this a bit, but they’re going against a rested team with two weeks off to be just fresh enough to hold up against the New England running game.

The Patriots will run for over 150 yards, but the flash will get by the grind. The Chargers offense will be balanced, fast, and the defense will do just enough to force second half stalls.

– College Football Schedule, Predictions, Game Previews, Week 9

New England vs Los Angeles Chargers Prediction, Line

Los Angeles Chargers 30, New England 27
Line: Los Angeles Chargers -4.5, o/u: 49.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

Must See Rating: 3

5: Peanut M&Ms
1: Black Licorice Nibs

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– Fearless Predictions of Every Game
– Bowl Projections | Rankings

This New England property is the perfect buddies trip destination with a private golf course in the backyard

Morning cup of coffee, New England fall weather and unlimited golf with all your buddies.

Sometimes the ragged, torn-up net in your backyard just isn’t enough when it comes to getting in some work off the course. Sometimes a little more real estate is needed to bring your game to the next level. How about a nearly 600-acre property in Vermont with a private golf course in the backyard? That’ll do.

If your bank account can sustain a $2,856 per night charge, you’re in luck. For the rest of us, the pictures will have to suffice.  The Honey Pond Farm Estate in Middletown Springs, Vermont, is literal heaven for any golfer.

The course consists of…

  • 26 tees
  • Three greens
  • A USGA rating

Image via Airbnb

Image via Airbnb

Image via Airbnb

Image via Airbnb

Image via Airbnb

Morning cup of coffee, New England fall weather, unlimited golf with all your buddies.

Honestly, what could beat that except a buddies trip to Augusta National?

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Brian Kelly talks record-setting celebration, Belichick relationship

What is your favorite style of pizza?

It was almost fitting that Notre Dame was in Chicago for the game Brian Kelly passed Knute Rockne for the most wins by a football coach in program history.  Rockne was after all from Chicago having grown up in the Logan Square neighborhood before taking off to attend and play football at Notre Dame.

So what better way was there for Kelly to celebrate breaking Rockne’s record than by participating in two of the things Chicago is most known for:  pizza and traffic.

Kelly was on the Dan Patrick Show on Wednesday and described the celebration that was a bit of a throwback for the former Grand Valley State head coach.

“We were in Chicago so we celebrated with some pizza and by sitting on a bus in traffic getting out of Chicago” Kelly stated, noting it was like being back in Division II football or like in minor league baseball.  He also shared that he understands why its a big deal but was more excited to see some of Notre Dame’s young players develop against a good Wisconsin team.

The interview also gets to how the showdown with Cincinnati this week was scheduled and into the relationship between Kelly and Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.

On relationship with legendary football coach Bill Belichick…

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Bills’ Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs closing in on more franchise records

Buffalo Bills team record updates for Stefon Diggs, Josh Allen.

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It’s been a historical year for the Buffalo Bills, who’ve regularly silenced critics and won new fans alike all while setting franchise marks in several categories. At 11-3 with two games to go, might more benchmarks be broken?

Bills quarterback Josh Allen and wideout Stefon Diggs will likely do just that as the team has two games remaining. Both players have been gaining attention for their accolades on the field and are two of five Buffalo players heading to the Pro Bowl.

In the Bills’ final two contests, Allen is closing in on Jim Kelly’s record for touchdown passes. Currently at 30, Allen needs four more over the next two outings to break Jim Kelly’s record (33) from 1991. 

The other single-season milestone on the horizon is passing yards. After 14 games played, Allen’s sitting in second-place, all-time in team history at a clean 4,000 total passing yards so far in 2020. He entered Week 15 against the Denver Broncos at No. 5 on that list and added 359 passing yards at Mile High to his totals. 

Currently only Drew Bledsoe’s 4,359 passing yards from 2002 sit above Allen. This season Allen’s averaging 285.7 passing yards per game. 

In regard to Diggs, he already blew away one franchise record last week. He needed one catch to surpass Eric Moulds’ single-season catch record of 100.

Diggs had 11 against the Broncos and is up to 111, which currently leads the NFL. Moulds’ other record, receiving yards, was set in 1998 when he had 1,368 total yards. Diggs, with 1,314, only needs 55 more to break that record.

Stay tuned to see if these records get broken in the final weeks of the season.

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PODCAST: Bills fend off pesky Patriots

Buffalo Bills podcast from Bills Wire following 24-21 win over the New England Patriots in Week 8.

It was seemingly a moment that everyone affiliated with the Buffalo Bills at any point over the last 20-plus years had clamored for. The unofficial end of the New England Patriots’ stranglehold over the AFC East, and it came via a 24-21 win for the Bills. While this New England squad looked much, much different from last year, they still admirably battled the Bills with the same tenacity that they always have, and didn’t roll over for Buffalo.

Aside from the game-sealing fumble from quarterback Cam Newton in the final seconds, the Patriots played smart football, never being too overly aggressive with their play calling. Their offense, outside of Newton, running back James White and maybe running back Rex Burkhead, was made up of players that you would probably never have in your starting fantasy lineup. They were impressive, but that’s the genius of New England coach Bill Belichick.

The Bills came out and played gritty football, and came out on top in a nail biter. It wasn’t pretty by any means, but there were certainly some positives to come from it. The running game finally got some traction, which is something that many have been clamoring for. The defense continues to tighten up, and their “bend, don’t break” style of play has led to the most crucial defensive stands happening when needed most.

There’s a lot to build off of for this game, as the Bills prepare for their tougher stretch of schedule, starting with the Seattle Seahawks in Week 9.

But before seeing the Seahawks, Bills Wire podcast host Matt Johnson and contributor David De Cristofaro breakdown the week that was.

Subscribe

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Bills Wire’s Week 8 Player of the Game: RB Zack Moss

Buffalo Bills player of the game for Week 8 vs. the New England Patriots.

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It wasn’t pretty, but the Buffalo Bills took another significant step toward shaking off the ghosts of seasons past.

With the Bills winning 24-21 over the New England Patriots, the AFC East crown is now in sight. A major factor of that victory comes from our Week 8 and first time Bills Wire Player of the Game, running back Zack Moss.

Moss was a major factor in a significant rushing day for this lackluster Bills rushing offense. Moss pulled in 81 yards on the ground, just a few short of Devin Singletary. What separates Moss’ day from Singletary is the two rushing touchdowns he scored. They were the first two of his NFL career. 

The Bills will hope to continue to build off of this, as the Bills face the Seattle Seahawks next week at home.

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Report: Patriots host pair of players for free agent visits in busy weekend

The Patriots hosted a tight end and defensive tackle four visits over the weekend.

Over the weekend, the New England Patriots hosted two players for free agent visits.

New England brought in former New York Jets tight end Jordan Leggett in for a visit. Drafted in 2017, he has 14 total catches for 114 yards and a touchdown. His college career was much more fruitful to this point, as he caught 86 passes for 1,261 yards and 15 touchdowns at Clemson.

Measuring in at six-foot-five, 258 pounds, he has also played for the New York Jets. He was cut after his second season with the Jets. He also made a pit stop with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season, but he did not play.

In addition to Leggett, New England also had defensive tackle Darius Kligo  in for a visit. He was on the New England practice squad in 2016 and played with the team in the 2017 preseason. Last season, he spent time with the Detroit Lions, but spent his time on injured reserve.

With these visits, it’s become clear that New England wants to add depth to both positions. It will be interesting to see who they fill those spots with, as they look to fine-tune their roster before the beginning of the season.

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MLS: Montreal vs. New England odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Montreal Impact vs. New England Revolution sports betting odds and lines, with MLS betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Montreal Impact (1 win, 0 losses, 1 draw) takes on the New England Revolution (0-1-1) Thursday at 8 p.m. ET in each club’s first game of the “MLS is Back Tournament” in the bubble at the Wide World of Sports complex at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. We analyze the Montreal-New England sports betting odds and lines, while providing MLS betting tips and picks around this matchup from BetMGM sportsbook.

Montreal vs. New England: Key injuries

Montreal

  • MF Steeven Saba (foot) doubtful

New England

  • MF Luis Caicedo (knee) out
  • D Andrew Farrell (left quad) questionable

Place legal sports bets on MLS action in CO, IN, NJ and WV through BetMGM. Sign up and bet at BetMGM now!

Montreal vs. New England: MLS odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Montreal 2, New England 2

Moneyline (ML)

Montreal (+250) edged New England (+100) by a 2-1 count Feb. 29 before the pause button was pressed due to the COVID-19 global pandemic situation. Now, they’ll square off in the bubble in Orlando. The difference here is that the Revolution will have a full cadre of DPs with F Gustavo Bou, F Adam Buksa and MF Carles Gil available for the first time. That will tip the scales more in their favor in a match which should see plenty of action. TIE (+275) IS THE BEST BET. Also, if this match were to end up 2-2, betting that for the “Correct Score” returns a healthy +1150.

A winning $10 wager on Montreal and New England settling for a draw nets a profit of $27.50. A $10 wager on the Correct Score ending up 2-2 nets a profit of $111.50 – basically, every $1 wager that wins will profit $11.50.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 3.5 (+150) could be quite the value here. The Impact were averaging 2.0 goals per match before the pause, while allowing 1.5 goals per match. The Revs netted two total goals while also allowing 1.5 goals per match. While I expect some clubs to start slow in the bubble, these sides are relatively healthy and could get off to a quick start. Over 2.5 (-162) is a safer play, and will cost you a lot more juice, but should be a slam-dunk play as well.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet with BetMGM today. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter, and follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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