This week features a game between two 1-0 teams fresh off some big season opening victories on the road. The Bills dominated the Chiefs, beating them 41-7 and left them as a team that the NFL world is abuzz as an upstart team. The Raiders had an impressive win on the road in Denver, 23-20, showing off a dominating front four on the defensive line. They registered 5 sacks and hounded Orton all night on blitzes. One thing we learn about the NFL, is that every week is a new week and anything can happen. With that being said, let's take a look and the matchups and predict a winner.
Raiders Offense vs. Bills Defense
The Raiders will feature a heavy dose of the running game and just ask Campbell to manage the game on play-action passes. McFadden is off to a great start with 150 yards on 22 carries last week against Denver. The Bills will look to limit the running game while trying to get pressure on Campbell with pass-rushers Merriman and rookie Marcell Dareus. Leodis McKelvin is a playmaker on the outside and will be matched up against DHB. The Raiders will be without Jacoby Ford and Louis Murphy but will welcome back TE Kevin Boss, who should be a favorite target for Campbell.
Advantage: Bills
Raiders Defense vs. Bills Offense
The Raiders front four is the strongest unit on this team and really wear down teams by the second half. Three of the four starters on the line recorded at least one sack last week against Denver and should be on the prowl again in this one. The Bills like to spread it out with three and four receiver sets with Stevie Johnson being the main target for second-year starter Ryan Fitzpatrick. They also lean on Fred Jackson in the running game, who went over 100 yards on the ground against Kansas City last week. The Raiders may be a little thin in the defensive backfield with Huff as a question mark but should be helped by a strong pass-rush.
Advantage: Raiders
Special Teams
The strength of the kicking game was on full display last week against the Broncos for the Raiders. Janikowski kicked a career long and NFL record-tying field goal of 63 yards and Lechler kicked a career-long punt of 76 yards. There weren't any kickoffs returned last week in the thin air of Mile High as both kickers kicked the ball through the end zone on every kickoff. The Bills have some talented returners in Brad Smith and Roscoe Parrish. The Raiders' kickers would be advised to remove the threat of a big return by kicking away from these dangerous returners. The Raiders were burned last week on a punt return for a TD by Eric Decker.
Advantage: Raiders
Prediction: Raiders 28, Bills 27
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