ProFootballDoc: Monday Night Defensive Battle of Healthy Teams for the AFC East

Injury analysis proved effective Sunday. Using the latest injury trends showing the Vikings defense banged up and the Lions getting healthier, we figured on a "higher scoring affair (over 46.5) and we expect Detroit to keep pace and maybe even finally get lucky" and they notched their first win. 

The total record (including three positive honorable mention selections: IND, PHI and SEA) would have our Sunday selections at 7-2 overall, but unfortunately we count only our top five, which included the two losses. So we notch only a 3-2 day officially. This leaves us at 34-30-1 using the Saturday night FanDuel lines.

Monday's contest is an epic AFC East battle with preseason favorite Buffalo vs. a resurgent New England team. Both are among the healthier squads.

BUFFALO -2.5 vs NEW ENGLAND

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There really is no clear injury advantage as both sides are healthy. The Bills losing No. 1 corner Tre'Davious White on Thanksgiving to an ACL tear is the most impactful injury. Buffalo's defensive line may have a small advantage over the New England recovering offensive line.

Meanwhile, the Patriots have only eight players listed as questionable when they usually have double digits. The reality is essentially all of these players on the injury report will play. The New England resurgence has been credited to the poise of rookie QB Mac Jones, but the reality is the Patriots signed Matthew Judon -- who has been incredible -- and returned three key defensive starters who had opted out last year for COVID.

Expect a hard-fought battle of evenly matched teams, especially defensively. Offensively, it seems the Bills have more weapons and it is Josh Allen's chance to shine over the rookie Jones.

No clear health advantagem, but we lean to the Bills. Go to www.profootballdoc.com to make your own decisions.

Written by
David Chao, MD -- known digitally as Pro Football Doc -- is an expert contributor for Outkick. Chao spent 17 seasons as the team doctor for the San Diego Chargers (1997-2013) and is part of the medical team at OASIS in San Diego where he treats and specializes in orthopedic sports injuries, working with high-profile professional athletes from the NFL, NBA, and MLB.