NFL Game of the Week: Bills vs. Raiders
There are now seven undefeated teams left in the NFL after Week 3. The NFL season is now in full swing and there are several teams that can be considered Superbowl contenders.
Week 4 features several matchups where these potential contenders will face some challenges.
On Sunday, the 3-0 Buffalo Bills will travel on the road to take on the 2-1 Las Vegas Raiders. Both of these teams have some impressive wins thus far and are showing why they should make the playoffs this season.
The Bills have been through some close games this year. The Bills easily took care of the Jets in Week 1, but are coming off two back-to-back wins by three points. Buffalo went up early against both the Dolphins and Rams.
Last week, the Bills were leading by 25 against the Rams, until Jared Goff and company stormed back and scored 29 points in the second half. The Bills dominated their games for the most part, but will need to keep their foot on the gas rather than letting the opposing team back into it.
The Raiders have been arguably the biggest surprise in the NFL this season. Las Vegas had a strong 2-0 start with impressive wins over the Panthers and the Saints. Last week, the Raiders were given another challenge against the Patriots and lost the game 36-20 due to a poor defensive performance.
With this matchup, Buffalo will likely use the same exact game plan as they had against the Rams.
The Raiders’ offense is focused on the run game. The Bills clogged the box against the Rams and halted run game, forcing Jared Goff to throw the ball.
Since the Raiders’ offense features the bell cow running back Josh Jacobs, they’ll have the same approach. The Bills, one of the best run defenses in the league (allowing only 100 rushing yards per game), will focus their defense on stopping Jacobs. The defense will force Derek Carr to make plays down the field.
The Raiders will attempt to stop Josh Allen, who has had a spectacular season so far. Allen has been accurate throwing the ball downfield and is a threat in the run game.
This is the second dual-threat quarterback the Raiders have faced this season. Last week, they were unable to stop Newton and the Patriots’ offense.
If the Raiders want to win this game, they will have to rely on their offensive efficiency. Jon Gruden will hope to get out to an early lead so that they can control the clock. The Bills will score a lot of points, as the Raiders have been allowing 30 points per game.
Expect this to be a high-scoring game, but in the end, the Bills will come out on top because of their defense. The Bills’ win over the Rams last week was key in their preparation for this matchup against the Raiders.
Prediction: Bills 30, Raiders 20
Austin Groft is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email him at atg5271@psu.edu.
