The Raiders and Bills are colliding after impressive season opening wins against the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs, respectively. The Bills routed the Chiefs 41-7 last week, thanks to Ryan Fitzpatrick’s four touchdown passes, and Fred Jackson’s physical running attack that amassed 112 yards on 20 carries. The Bills offense looked great in all aspects, as Fitzpatrick was clicking with his wideouts, connecting with tight end Scott Chandler twice for touchdowns, along with wide receivers Stevie Johnson and Donald Jones each making touchdown grabs.
The Bills were last against the run in 2010, however, they stymied the league’s top ranked run offense last week, holding the explosive playmaker, Jamaal Charles, to just 50 yards on 10 carries. Against the Raiders this week, it will present a similar challenge, as Oakland was ranked second in the league last year in rush offense, led by Darren McFadden, Michael Bush and Marcel Reece.
The Bills and Raiders are storied AFL franchises, however, they have sunk to the bottom of the National Football League and are hoping to bounce back to the top. This game will be decided by some key player match-ups:
Ryan Fitzpatrick Vs. Raiders Secondary
With Nnamdi Asomughua joining the “Dream Team” in Philly, the Raiders are looking for new blood in their secondary. Chris Houston and Stanford Routt are both solid in their defense, and aren’t shy in jumping routes. Tyvon Branch and Michael Huff are both great defenders at the safety position, as is Matt Giordano, who recorded an interception last week against the Denver Broncos. Ryan Fitzpatrick completed 17-of-25 passes for over 200 yards and four touchdowns against the Chiefs. He showed exactly why the Bills opted against selecting a quarterback in the 2011 NFL Draft, and is now reportedly in discussions with the front office regarding a contract extension. Fitzpatrick loves to spread the ball around, making it difficult for opposing defenders to key in on just one receiver. If he can continue to play smart and not force throws or make costly turnovers, the Bills will have a chance to win this game.
Bills Interior O-Line Vs. Raiders’ DTs, Richard Seymour and Tommy Kelly
The Bills offensive line looked fantastic last week against the Chiefs, only struggling when Kansas City brought pass rusher Tamba Hali on blitzes. However, this will probably be the most important match-up in the game, as Richard Seymour and Tommy Kelly are one of the better 1-2 punches in the NFL. The Bills’ interior line consists of guards Andy Levitre and Kraig Urbik, along with center Eric Wood, will need to hold their own at the point of attack in order to keep Ryan Fitzpatrick in the pocket. The sheer strength of the Raiders defensive front could cause the Bills to alter their typical four wide receiver set offense by bringing in tight ends and fullbacks to assist in blocking.
Bills Offensive Tackles Vs. Raiders DEs, Lamaar Houston and Matt Shaughnessy
Demetrius Bell played decently against Kansas City’s big defensive ends last week, but will have a tough assignment against the Raiders’ second-year end, Lamaar Houston. Houston is huge and strong, weighing in at roughly 300 pounds. Last week, Houston was strong against one of the best tackles in the league, in Denver’s Ryan Clady. If Bell can’t contain Houston, Fitzpatrick will be in for a long afternoon. On the other side, Erik Pears wasn’t spectacular last week, but seemed to hold his own. This week, he’ll have the tough assignment in Matt Shaughnessy. Shaughnessy recorded a sack last week, and linebacker Kamerion Wimbley also made one. Pears really needs to hold his own and stand strong to prove he is worthy of his position as a starter for the Bills.
Bills OLB Shawne Merriman Vs. Raiders LT, Jared Veldheer
Shawne Merriman was explosive throughout the preseason, however, last week, he recorded just two tackles and injured his shoulder. Although he returned to the game, he didn’t return to his “Lights Out” form that Bills fans were hoping to see early in the year. The Raiders offensive line is tough, but Merriman could exploit Veldheer behind the Bills’ strong defensive line. For the record, Merriman has 8.5 sacks against the Raiders for his career.
Bills Defensive Line Vs. Raiders Offensive Line
Kyle Williams was stout against the Chiefs’ interior line last week, and should be able to exploit Raiders’ rookie guard, Stefen Wisniewski, the nephew of Oakland’s offensive line coach. Marcell Dareus is bigger than Williams at defensive end and while he wasn’t able to get to the quarterback last week, he should be able to manhandle Khalif Barnes and the undersized Cooper Carlisle.
Bills Defense Vs. Raiders RBs, Darren McFadden and Michael Bush
Darren McFadden rushed for 150 yards last week against a pretty decent Broncos’ defense. Michael Bush, who weighs roughly 240 pounds is a bruiser and Raiders head coach, Hue Jackson, will certainly try to punish the Bills’ defense to keep Ryan Fitzpatrick & co. off of the field.
Prediction
While the Bills were surprising in week one, it will really be tough for them to compete with the dual rushing attack of the Raiders. If McFadden and Bush are able to pound it out and keep the clock running, it will be a long afternoon for the Bills defense. Look for the time of possession to be a big factor in this game.
Final Score
Oakland Raiders 27
Buffalo Bills 24
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