Week 3: Bills vs. Falcons
at
Sunday, Sept. 25
1:00pm ET
Stats Matchup
This is a pivotal game for two teams trying to get back on track. The Bills and Falcons both lost last week after winning on opening day. The loser falls below .500 and in an early hole to start the season. The Bills have stressed a fast start to the season, that is in danger after last week's embarrassing loss in Tampa Bay.

FACTS AND FIGURES

Matchup: Buffalo (1-1) vs. Atlanta (1-1)
Place: Ralph Wilson Stadium
Television: Fox
Announcers: Sam Rosen, Bill Maas, & Chris Myers
Spread: Bills by 2½
Series: Series tied 4-4
Last Meeting: Falcons 33-30 in Atlanta (2001)
Falcons Off: Rush (t-4th); Pass (31st); overall (25th)
Falcons Def: Rush (18th); Pass (26th); overall (27th)
Bills Offense: Rush (t-15th); Pass (30th); overall (30th)
Bills Defense: Rush (30th); Pass (1st); overall (2nd)


INJURY UPDATE

The Bills continue to be fairly healthy. London Fletcher strained his hamstring against Tampa Bay but is expected to play. Mike Williams suffered an ankle injury last week and his status is uncertain at this time but he was walking without a limp and there is a good chance he will go. Lawyer Milloy has been sidelined this week with an injury to his right thumb. All three are questionable for Sunday's game. Roscoe Parrish and Tim Euhus remain out for the Bills but Euhus may return to practice this week.

The big question mark for the Falcons is the hamstring injury to Michael Vick. He missed the end of last week's game and his status is a bit up in the air. He was walking around without a limp on Monday and appears like he will be ok to play. KR Allen Rossum also has a hamstring injury and may not be able to return kicks. WR Dez Smith is questionable with a hamstring injury as well.
Bills Daily Injury Page

KEY MATCHUPS

Bills Defense vs. QB Michael Vick:
If Vick is able to go it will be up to the entire defense to contain him. The defensive ends will need to stay in their lanes and the linebackers and secondary will need to maintain coverage downfield while cheating up to stop Vick from running wild.

RT Mike Williams vs. DE Patrick Kerney:
The hobbled Williams faces a tough test if he's able to play. Kerney is the premier pass rusher for Atlanta and will get pressure on the quarterback if Williams isn't healthy enough to stop him.

KR Terrence McGee vs. KR/PR Allen Rossum:
These two won't face off but it is a battle of the two Pro Bowl returners from a year ago. If either one breaks off a long run, that team will have the advantage in the game. Rossum may be limited by a hamstring injury.

RB Willis McGahee vs. LB Keith Brooking:
McGahee will be looking to avenge a very poor performance last week and he will have to watch out for the very active Brooking. The Falcons weakside backer is usually among the team leaders in tackles.

SS Lawyer Milloy vs. TE Agle Crumpler:
Milloy will cover the big tight end if he can play. If not, Agle Crumpler could have a big game since he's a big offensive weapon for Vick.



GAME PLAN

When The Bills Have The Ball: Look for many different formations and schemes as the Bills will try to disguise the running game to get more out of it. If that works, they will revert to more play action than they did last week to open things up for the young QB J.P. Losman.

When The Falcons Have The Ball: They will look to move Vick around out of the pocket to open up things downfield. They will also try to hit the Bills with the quickness of RB Warrick Dunn and power of RB T.J. Duckett.

BILLS DAILY PREDICTION

This game is pivotal for both clubs as neither wants to fall to 1-2. The Bills should be on a mission since they vow to avenge the pathetic performance they had last week against Tampa Bay. They are back home and Vick is banged up, that is a recipe for a Bills win but it won't be easy:
Bills 16, Falcons 13

Season Prediction Record: (1-1)
Season Record Against The Spread: (1-1)

Print Friendly Version
Complete Gameday Review - Coming Sunday Night!
Gameday Grades - Coming Sunday Night!
Gameday Homepage