I disagree. The line looks about where it should be. First off, BUFF is probably my least confident team as far as a bet goes -- bad QB, poor coaching (since Levy departed), weak OL, primadonna players -- I don't like (and rarely bet) this team.
However, both teams come off a bye and this is a division rivalry game. It's very rare for a road div favorite to be laiying over 4 unless it's a total mismatch. BUFF defense has shown some life in the two games, and NWE did not exactly scorch the scoreboard in the weak effort in ARZ two weeks ago. BUFF whipped the Pats 30-zip last year on the home field. This is the game of the year for NWE. Meanwhile, this is just another game for the Pats.
Ther eis a trend that says to go against defending Super Bowl champs in the first four games the next season. While that has not proven successful so far this year, I still think there is merit to the idea that the SB champs are giving extra points. Since the Pats are 2-0 and playing an 0-2 team, this line is going to be inflated towards the Pats.
I'm not suggesting a play on BUFF (yet), but I think layng this number is a big mistake. Thie kind of game has 16-13 Pats last second FG and win written all over it.
I'm open to counter-thoughts, of course -- but that's my view.
--Nolan Dalla