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Week 6: Bills vs. Lions
The Bills get set to play their third NFC North foe in a row. They come into this game licking their wounds after getting blown out by the Bears last week. The Lions look to get their season on track as they enter the game winless after blowing a fourth quarter lead last week to the Vikings.
FACTS AND FIGURES
| Matchup: |
Buffalo (2-3) vs. Detroit (0-5) |
| Place: |
Ford Field |
| Television: |
CBS |
| Announcers: |
Gus Johnson and Steve Tasker |
| Spread: |
Bills by 1 |
| Series: |
Tied 3-3-1 |
| Streak: |
Bills Won 2 |
| Last Meeting: |
Bills 24-17 in Buffalo (2002) |
| Lions Offense: |
Rush (32nd); Pass (6th); overall (17th) |
| Lions Defense: |
Rush (14th); Pass (30th); overall (28th) |
| Bills Offense: |
Rush (19th); Pass (29th); overall (30th) |
| Bills Defense: |
Rush (19th); Pass (12th); overall (15th) |
INJURY UPDATE
The Bills are banged up but may get Takeo Spikes back for this game. He almost returned last week from the hamstring injury he suffered on opening day but he wasn't quite ready. They hope with one more week to heal, he'll be ready to go. Matt Bowen has a broken leg and is doing more work but may still not be ready to make his Bills debut. Chris Villarrial has an injury to the tendon tissue of his ankle, it depends on how he progresses this week to see if he has a chance at playing but he will likely be doubtful. He missed last week's game against Chicago. Nate Clements is nursing a leg whip injury suffered against the Bears but says he will play. John McCargo is out with a broken foot.
The Lions are hurting on the offensive line and may be without three starters. RT Rex Tucker has a knee injury and LG Ross Verba a hamstring injury, both have been sidelined and will likely miss this weeks game. Their other starting guard, Damien Woody sprained his left foot in last week's loss to Minnesota and it doesn't look like he will be available as well this week. WR Roy Williams suffered a stinger and a muscle pull last week and he is day to day. They have been without guard Frank Davis with a neck injury but he has a chance at returning this week. LB Alex Lewis is out with a knee injury as is SS Kenoy Kennedy with a foot injury. RB Kevin Jones suffered a concussion against Minnesota last week but he should be ok.
 Bills Daily Injury Page
KEY MATCHUPS
RB Willis McGahee vs. LB Ernie Sims:
The Lions first round pick this year leads the team in tackles through five games. McGahee should have room to run but he may want to steer clear of Simms and DT Shaun Rogers.
KR Terrence McGee and PR Roscoe Parrish vs. KR/PR Eddie Drummond:
This will be a battle between three of the best returners in the league. Each one is looking for a breakout return. Drummond returned a kickoff for a score last week but it was called back by a penalty.
CB Terrence McGee vs. WR Mike Furrey:
Assuming Roy Williams is out, Furrey becomes the feature guy for the Lions passing game. McGee will look to rebound from the worst game of his career last week in Chicago.
LDEs Chris Kelsay and Ryan Denney vs. RT Barry Stokes:
With Rex Tucker likely out again, Stokes draws the assignment against the tandem of Kelsay and Chris Denny. They need to put pressure on Jon Kitna to stop the best part of the Lions offense.
DT Larry Tripplett vs. RG Rick DeMulling:
Tripplett has had a quiet first year as a Bill but he has a chance to get on track this week. DeMulling will sub for Ross Verba who is hurt. DeMulling is no wide-eyed rookie, he's a veteran with some talent so it won't be easy.
WR Lee Evans vs. CB Dre' Bly:
Evans is getting increasingly comfortable as the number one receiver and he draws the best player in the Lions secondary in Bly. If Evans has another solid game, it will mean good things for the Bills passing game.
GAME PLAN
When The Bills Have The Ball: Look for the Bills to have a balanced attack running and throwing the ball. The Lions pass defense is among the worst in the league which could provide room for success for J.P. Losman threw the air. Their run defense is better, so the Bills may use draw plays to get the ground game going and the passing game to loosen up the defense.
When The Lions Have The Ball: The Lions are one dimensional, they are strictly a passing team as their running game is dead last in the league. The concussion to Jones may further hamper an inept running attack. Look for Jon Kitna to attack the young safeties with the deep passing game. They will try to take a page out of the Bears book and attack the corners who are having a below average season. This will be more difficult if Roy Williams doesn't play.
BILLS DAILY PREDICTION
On paper, the Bills have a huge advantage as the Lions haven't had any success this year. The other side of the coin says they are due for a victory and will get one sooner, rather than later. The question becomes is this the week the Lions get off the snide? The Bills psyche is fragile now, they have vowed to put last week's beating behind them and concentrate on this week's game. If their confidence is shaken a few mistakes early could put them in trouble. I expect they will be focused to put last week's ugliness behind them with a solid effort and a road win with their highest offensive output of the season:
Bills 31, Lions 23
Season Prediction Record: (2-3)
Season Record Against The Spread: (2-3)
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