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Game 14: Bills vs. Titans
The Bills go into Tennessee riding high on a two game winning streak that has kept their slim playoff hopes alive. The Titans are struggling, losers of two straight they will be fired up to turn it around as they look to hold on to the first wild card position. It will be Gregg Williams' first trip back to Tennessee since leaving to take over the Bills head coaching job. He will face his good friend and mentor Jeff Fisher.
FACTS AND FIGURES
| Matchup: |
Buffalo (6-7) vs. Titans (9-4) |
| Place: |
Coliseum Stadium |
| Television: |
CBS |
| Announcers: |
Dick Enberg, Dan Diedorf, & Bonnie Bernstein |
| Spread: |
Titans by 6 1/2 |
| Series: |
Titans/Oilers 23-16 (Bills 2-1 in playoffs) |
| Last Meeting: |
Bills 16-13 in Buffalo (2000) |
| Titans Off: |
Rush (27th); Pass (5th); overall (10th) |
| Titans Def: |
Rush (1st); Pass (32nd); overall (14th) |
| Bills Offense: |
Rush (19th); Pass (28th); overall (25th) |
| Bills Defense: |
Rush (7th); Pass (2nd); overall (2nd) |
INJURY UPDATE
The Bills are hurting a bit injury wise. Eric Moulds remains bothered by a groin tear that has plagued him the last six games and has hurt his ability to go deep. Travis Henry continues to play impressive despite having a hairline fracture in his fibula. OG Mike Pucillo hopes to begin practicing this week, he has missed the last two games with a toe injury. Sammy Morris has been out the past two games also, he has a knee injury. Jonas Jennings is out for the rest of the year with a toe injury. Willis McGahee is real close to making his NFL debut as he has recovered from knee surgery. DE Keith McKenzie missed last week's game with a quad strain. The Bills did not suffer any new injuries against the Jets
The Texans got real banged up against the Colts. QB Steve McNair cracked a bone spur in his left ankle as well as battling other leg ailments. His status for the game is in question but he is a warrior that always finds a way to get on the field. RB Eddie George and DE Jevon Kearse both suffered mild ankle injuries last week but are expected to play on Sunday as is WR Drew Bennett who has a calf injury. LB Rocky Calmus remains out with a leg injury. CB Andre Woolfolk is out with an ankle injury.
 Bills Daily Injury Page
KEY MATCHUPS
LT Marques Sullivan vs. DE Jevon Kearse:
Sullivan had a nice outing in his first start of the season last week holding Shaun Ellis down. He has another tough battle against Kearse. He has 9.5 sacks this year but is battling an ankle injury. Hopefully for Sullivan that will slow him down.
S Lawyer Milloy vs. QB Steve McNair:
Look for Milloy to sort of "spy" McNair if he plays. Milloy will have to watch the dangerous and mobile quarterback's every move to keep him from beating the Bills single handedly.
RB Travis Henry vs. LB Keith Bulluck:
Henry is on fire right now but he now goes against the number one run defense in the league so the yards will be harder to come by this week. Bulluck is the leading tackler for the Titans and one of the main reasons that they are so good against the run.
CB Nate Clements vs. WR Derrick Mason:
Mason has quietly put together a pro bowl type season. He is over 1,000 yards receiving which is real good for a possession type receiver. Clements must play physical with good coverage techniques to keep McNair's best weapon in check.
DE Aaron Schobel vs. LT Brad Hopkins:
Schobel has really come on as of late and is causing a lot of headaches for opposing quarterbacks. Hopkins will try to push him outside to open up the passing and running lanes for McNair. Schobel needs to be careful not to over pursue and let McNair make some plays with his legs. Injured or not, McNair will take off when he has to.
HC Gregg Williams vs. HC Jeff Fisher:
Nobody knows Williams' coaching techniques better than Fisher and vice-versa. These two men are old friends so emotions will run high for this battle.
GAME PLAN
When The Bills Have The Ball: The Bills offense strength is obviously running the football. They have done that very well the past few weeks. The problem is the Titans have the best run defense in the league. Kevin Gilbride will try to exploit their weakness which is the last ranked pass defense in the league. Look for the Bills to throw the ball a lot.
When The Titans Have The Ball: Their success comes through the air. They will try to pound the ball with Eddie George to soften up the Bills defense and keep the blitzers at bay. Then they will try to get some big plays in the passing game.
BILLS DAILY PREDICTION
The Titans are hungry after two straight losses and will be fired up at home to get their season back on track. The Bills will have trouble exploiting their weakness in pass defense. Steve McNair is a warrior and will play most likely. He always plays hurt and always plays well. The Bills defense will keep them in the game for the most part but the Titans will dash the Bills faint playoff hopes:
Titans 20, Bills 10
Season Prediction Record: (7-6)
Season Record Against The Spread: (8-4-1)
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