By #1 Sports
Buffalo (5-3) dropped a 17-26 home loss at Ralph Wilson Stadium last week to the Jets, managing just 30 yards rushing on 17 attempts and committing 3 turnovers – including an interception returned for a score and another inside their own 10 yard line. First place is a still a nice place to be but with New York and New England also at 5-3 and Miami just a game back at 4-4, the Bills’ tie-breaking 0-2 divisional mark makes this week critical. Consistent production on offense has been an issue for Coach Dick Jauron’s crew this season and you need to look no further than the offensive line for the reason. The NFL loves big guys but LT Peters, LG Derrick Dockery, C Melvin Fowler, RG Brad Butler (missed last pair but should go this week), and RT Langston Walker are basically overfed (332 pounds per man) under-performers. All ranging between 3 and 7 season of NFL experience, this group should be in it’s prime but 93.8 rush yards per game at just 3.6 yards per rush – despite quality 2nd year backs Marshawn Lynch (132 for 466 and 6 TD, 27 for 19 receiving) and Fred Jackson (56 for 223 and TD rush, 21 for 179 receiving) – isn’t getting the job done and 23 sacks allowed hasn’t done any favors for 6’4” 231 QB Trent Edwards (151 of 22 for 1725 yards, 6 TD, 5 INT). Finding the Bills’ small wide receivers 5’10” 197 Lee Evans (35 for 678 and 3 TD), 5’9” 171 Roscoe Parrish (13 for 133 and TD), and 5’10” 210 Josh Reed (26 for 288, missed last week with ankle) isn’t easy over this behemoth line and nearly impossible while running for your life. TE Robert Royal (24 for 251 and TD) has been a strong producer underneath as have been backs Lynch and Jackson but this rushing game must produce to get more done downfield. 18 turnovers bring Buffalo into this week with a –5 margin.
By Razor Sharp Sports
Heading into this season, I don’t think anyone would even try to make an argument that anyone besides the New England Patriots would win the AFC East. Now here we are with all the teams in that division with 7 games and it truly is a dogfight for all 4 teams. The Patriots and the Bills are tied for the lead at 5-2, but the New York Jets are just a game back at 4-3 and even Miami is 3-4 and playing much better. So this week when the Jets head up-state to take on the Bills, the AFC East lead will be up for grabs. Let’s take a look at each of the teams in this crucial divisional match-up.
By Dr. Vegas
This game kicks off at 1pm ET at Ralph Wilson Stadium. The 1-1 Raiders travel to 2-0 Buffalo, where the Bills are 9.5-point favorites. Coming into this game, the Bills are 2-0 ATS, while Oakland is 1-1 against the number. The Raiders finished 6-10 ATS last year, while Buffalo managed a 9-6-1 mark.