Injury Bug and Game Prediction
3. Buffalo has some big name guys on the injury report this week, including Ed Oliver. Who is one guy they cannot afford to miss this game on Sunday?
I would say that it is Dion Dawkins but he looks to be trending in the right direction and should play. This would then leave Ed Oliver where there is a little bit more uncertainty around. The Raiders offense will go as far as Josh Jacobs is able to take them in this game and with Ed Oliver absent from the middle they could find some more success running the ball and moving the chains.
The Bills do have some depth at the position with Quinton Jefferson, Harrison Phillips, and Vernon Butler but Oliver is a difference-maker, both against the run as well as putting pressure on the quarterback. The absence of Oliver would be a big loss for the Bills this week.
4. How do you think this game plays out, and what is your final score prediction?
On paper, this should be a runaway for the Buffalo Bills. The injuries the Raiders have in the secondary combined with the depth the Bills have at wide receiver should spell another big game for Josh Allen and this passing attack. However, we have already seen the Raiders play up to the level of their competition with big win against the New Orleans Saints and playing the Patriots tough being down only three at halftime.
Based on how the season has gone, I expect the Bills to get another big lead and the Raiders close the gap slightly in the second half but the Buffalo Bills hang on for a 31-21 victory.
We thank Brandon for his time. You can follow him on Twitter at @BrandonCroce and check out all of his game coverage leading into Sunday on BuffaloLowDown.com.