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The Bills open the season in grand fashion with a revenge matchup against the defending AFC Champion Tennessee Titans. Fans will be subjected to numerous replays of the homerun throwback in last season's wildcard heartbreak. The NFL schedule makers and ESPN knew what they were doing with this game. There is no question the Bills will be looking for revenge and what better setting than a season opening night game at home against the team that broke their hearts and Super Bowl dreams.
Facts and Figures
Matchup: Tennesse (0-0) at Buffalo (0-0)
Date: Sunday September 3rd
Time: 8:35pm
TV: ESPN
Spread: Bills -1
Injury Update
Both teams come into the game with few injuries from the preseason. Not playing for Buffalo is starting guard Joe Panos and backup QB Jonathan Linton may not play also. The Titans will be without Cornerback Denard Walker who is serving a one game suspension.
For complete injury news & notes and the Official NFL Injury Report go to our Injury Page.
Key Matchups
DE Jevon Kearse vs. RT Robert Hicks: Kearse owned the Bills in the first half of the playoff loss without Hicks playing much. When Hicks played in the second half on a bum ankle he played well. Hicks needs to give Rob Johnson time to throw.
WR Eric Moulds vs. Titans Secondary: If Johnson has time to throw he should have some success against a weaker than average secondary of Tennessee minus Walker.
RB Eddie George vs. LBs Sam Cowart and John Holecek: The big guys in the middle need to contain the very dangerous George and force Steve McNair to beat the secondary through the air.
WR Carl Pickens vs. DB Antoine Winfield: They will probably send their best receiver at the smaller Winfield. If the Bills win this battle, they should also be able to contain the other receivers, Kevin Dyson and Yancey Thigpen.
Game Plan
When The Bills Have The Ball: Look for the Bills to try to establish the run early with Antowain Smith. They will try to use the run to establish a big play through the air which would get the 12th man into a frenzy.
When The Titans Have The Ball: They will also try to run with one of the top backs in the league with George. They need to run well, to win. If they get behind and have to rely on the pass it will be tough to win with the very hostile crowd.
Bills Daily Prediction
The Titans are the favorites to repeat as AFC Champions and are a more talented team than the Bills on paper. The intangiables however, heavily favor Buffalo. The revenge factor and homefield advantage will put the Bills over the hump: Buffalo 24, Tennessee 21
Season Prediction Record: (0-0)
Game Analysis and Review
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