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Week 10: Bills vs. Chiefs
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Sunday, Nov. 9th
1:00pm ET
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The Bills begin the second half of the year and a very crucial month of November with the Kansas City Chiefs coming to Orchard Park for a battle of 5-3 teams. The Bills need to win at least three of four this month and a loss in this game will put their playoff hopes in a huge hole.
FACTS AND FIGURES
Matchup: |
Buffalo (5-3) vs. Kansas City (5-3) |
Place: |
Ralph Wilson Stadium |
TV/Radio: |
Network: CBS; DirecTV: 706; Sirius: 93 |
Announcers: |
Spero Dedes and Solomon Wilcots |
Spread: |
Chiefs by 2 |
Series: |
Bills Lead 23-18-1 (Bills 2-1 in playoffs) |
Streak: |
Chiefs Won 1 |
Last Meeting: |
Chiefs 23-13 in Buffalo (2013) |
Chiefs Offense: |
Rush (6th); Pass (29th); overall (21st) |
Chiefs Defense: |
Rush (19th); Pass (1st); overall (5th) |
Bills Offense: |
Rush (23rd); Pass (20th); overall (24th) |
Bills Defense: |
Rush (8th); Pass (13th); overall (8th) |
INJURY UPDATE
The Bills are worried about the health of Sammy Watkins after he aggravated a groin injury and left practice on Wednesday. A source told the AP that he should play but everyone will be holding their breath until gametime. The Bills are still banged up in the backfield as they have lost C.J. Spiller until at least the last two weeks of the season with a broken collar bone. Fred Jackson has a chance to make a much sooner than expected return to the field as he is now practicing after hurting his groin less than two weeks ago. He will likely be a gametime decision. Marcus Easley should return after missing five games with a sprained MCL. Ty Powell also should return from an ankle injury that cost him a couple of games.
The Chiefs had a trio of players missing practice time this week because of hamstring injuries. CB Jamell Fleming, LBs Jerry Franklin and Josh Martin are spending time on the sidelines this week. LB Tamba Hali has been limited some with a knee injury and WR Donnie Avery has a groin injury that limited him on Wednesday.
Check out our Bills Daily Injury Page throughout the week for the latest updates on the injured players.
KEY MATCHUPS
RT Seantrel Henderson vs. OLB Justin Houston: A huge mismatch here as Houston leads the league in sacks with 12 including five in the past two weeks. Henderson has struggled mightily this year like you would expect from a rookie drafted in the 7th round. They will have to give him lots of help, most likely Lee Smith who is their best blocking tight end.
WR Sammy Watkins vs. CB Sean Smith: Watkins is absolutely on fire since he has recovered from what was broken ribs and has also been rejuvenated with Kyle Orton now at quarterback. The Chiefs will likely follow him around the field with the former Dolphin Smith.
S Aaron Williams vs. TE Travis Kelce: Since Williams is a converted corner he likely will be the right choice to go up against the fast developing 2nd year player Kelce. He is averaging four receptions a game and could create a big problem for the Bills.
LB Brandon Spikes vs. RB Jamaal Charles: The Bills face an elite back for only the third time this year so Spikes will likely see more time on the field. He needs to slow down Charles in the running game while it may be up to his fellow linebackers to stop him in the passing game.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Spread The Field: This team has struggled mightily running the football, it may be time to run the ball out of the spread formation which may help them overcome the shortcomings of the offensive line.
2. Protect The Football: The Bills have been playing loose with the football lately with the Jets game being the exception. The Chiefs are a very opportunistic football team so not giving them free shots with the football will go a long way in getting the victory.
3. Come Out Strong: There is always a chance to come out flat to start a game after the bye. They can't afford to do this, if they come out and score quickly at home they should be able to sustain some momentum.
BILLS DAILY PREDICTION
This is the beginning of one of the most important stretches of games in recent team history. It very important to come up with a win this week with the quick turnaround to the Miami primetime game on the horizon. This team should be focused they know they need this game, the fans will be into it as they know they need this. I think they will get the win in a defensive struggle but if Watkins can't go it will be a lot tougher than it already is expected to be:
Bills 13, Chiefs 10
Season Prediction Record: (2-6)
Season Record Against The Spread: (2-6)
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