Patriots vs. Bills: TV Info, Spread, Injury Updates, Game Time and More

Rookie quarterback EJ Manuel will attempt to lead the Buffalo Bills to victory over the New England Patriots when the two AFC East rivals meet up on Sunday in upstate New York. 

After minor knee surgery kept him sidelined the past few weeks, Manuel started practicing with the team on Sunday. By Wednesday, head coach Doug Marrone affirmed what most experts expected by naming him the starter.

Even at home, Buffalo is a big underdog. 

Tom Brady leads an offense that features a couple of undrafted rookies who have looked better than some first-rounders and an underrated rushing game. The Patriots haven't struggled to score points the past few years, and nobody should expect them to start now. 

Vince Wilfork, Chandler Jones and Dont'a Hightower headline a talented front seven who can get after the passer and stuff the run, which will make for an interesting matchup against C.J. Spiller and Buffalo's rushing attack.

More on that later.

Here's a quick look at what you need to know about the first game of the year for the Patriots and Bills.

When: Sunday, Sept. 8 at 1 p.m. ET

Where: Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, N.Y.

Watch: CBS

Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket

Betting Lines (via Covers)

• Over/Under: 51 pts.
• Spread: Buffalo (+10)

Patriots Injury Report (via NFL.com)

Rob Gronkowski	TE	Back	Doubtful
Brandon Bolden	RB	Knee	Questionable
Duron Harmon	S	Hamstring	Questionable
Will Svitek	T	Knee	Out
Danny Amendola	WR	Groin	Probable
Nate Ebner	S	Ankle	Questionable
Aaron Dobson	WR	Hamstring	Questionable

Bills Injury Report (via NFL.com)

Dustin Hopkins	K	Groin	Out
Stephon Gilmore	CB	Wrist	Out
Jairus Byrd	S	Foot	Doubtful
Doug Legursky	C	Knee	Out

Can C.J. Spiller Carry Buffalo to Victory?

New England's offense is going to put points on the scoreboard on a regular basis. The Patriots can run the ball with authority, and Brady is the best in the business at engineering long-scoring drives. 

The best chance Buffalo has of winning the game is by keeping Brady and his offense off the field, as Manuel isn't ready to defeat the three-time Super Bowl champ in a shootout.  

This means running back C.J. Spiller must have himself a huge game.

It won't be easy, though. 

The Patriots allowed 3.9 yards per carry to opposing running backs last season. Led by Wilfork, who is one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL, this front seven plays with discipline and fury.

Buffalo's offensive line must execute with precision to give Spiller a chance. The battle in the trenches will be brutal and fascinating to watch. 

Prediction

Buffalo's margin for error is razor-thin in this contest. 

New England has an edge in nearly every department, meaning it's going to take nothing less than perfect execution by the Bills in all three phases of the game to secure a victory at home.

Based on what we've seen from this team during the preseason in Marrone's rookie campaign as head coach, the Bills aren't ready to overcome this challenge. 

Final Score 

Patriots win, 41-23

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Rob Gronkowski	TE	Back	Limited Participation in Practice	Doubtful
Brandon Bolden	RB	Knee	Limited Participation in Practice	Questionable
Duron Harmon	S	Hamstring	Limited Participation in Practice	Questionable
Will Svitek	T	Knee	Did Not Participate In Practice	Out
Danny Amendola	WR	Groin	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Nate Ebner	S	Ankle	Limited Participation in Practice	Questionable
Aaron Dobson	WR	Hamstring	Limited Participation in Practice	Questionable