Week 8: Bills vs. Raiders
at
Sunday, Oct. 29th
1:00pm ET
The Bills are flying high coming off their come from behind win over the Bucs last week. The Raiders fly cross country after a thrilling win of their own last week for a big battle that can help shape the AFC playoff race down the line. The Bills need a win to help establish themselves as a legitimate contender.

FACTS AND FIGURES

Matchup: Buffalo (4-2) vs. Oakland (3-4)
Place: New Era Field
TV/Radio: Network: CBS; DirecTV: 705; Sirius: 81; SiriusXM: 81
Announcers: Andrew Catalon and James Lofton
Spread: Bills by 2½
Series: Raiders lead 21-19 (Bills 2-0 in playoffs)
Streak: Raiders Won 2
Last Meeting: Raiders 38-24 in Oakland (2016)
Raiders Offense Rush (24th); Pass (18th); overall (22nd)
Raiders Defense Rush (19th); Pass (23rd); overall (26th)
Bills Offense Rush (13th); Pass (29th); overall (25th)
Bills Defense Rush (7th); Pass (26th); overall (21st)


INJURY UPDATE

The Bills are banged up in the secondary which is bad news against a solid passing attack. E.J. Gaines is battling a hamstring injury while Jordan Poyer has a knee injury. If one or both don't play that is bad news. The team remains without Charles Clay and Ramon Humber.

The Raiders have two corners missing practice time this week. David Amerson with a foot injury and Gareon Conley with a shin problem.

Check out our Bills Daily Injury Page throughout the week for the latest updates on the injured players.

KEY MATCHUPS

CB Shareece Wright vs. WR Amari Cooper:
Wright will likely get the start for the injured Gaines but even if E.J. can start a hobbled player going against the resurgent Cooper is not ideal.

CB Tre'Davious White vs. WR Michael Crabtree:
The rookie can't follow Cooper around because Crabtree is just as important as a deep threat. The Bills secondary will need to keep a lid on the big plays in the passing game.

RT Jordan Mills vs. DE Khalil Mack:
Tyrod Taylor said this week they have a plan for Mack and he better hope so. Mack comes back to Buffalo for the first time since graduating from UB and Mills will need lots of help in keeping the star pass rusher in check.

RB LeSean McCoy vs. SS Karl Joseph:
Shady will look to pick up where he left off last Sunday on the same field. Joseph is a tackling machine from the safety spot specializing in run support.

KEYS TO THE GAME

1. Pressure Carr: The Raiders have done a fantastic job protecting the QB. If the Bills don't pressure Carr he will pick apart the banged up secondary.

2. Keep Offense Going: The Bills need to build on last week's performance offensively and should have the chance against a Raiders defense that is vulnerable.

3. Need Someone To Step Up: Sean McDermott said he loves how someone different steps up each week. Who will it be this week? The team will need someone unexpected to step up and make a big play to win what looks to be another tight game.

BILLS DAILY PREDICTION

The Bills have done a real nice job protecting their turf this year as they are 3-0 at New Era Field. I just don't see them matching up well with this Raiders team. David Carr has a chance at carving up the banged up secondary and the Bills offense will have to keep up. It worked last week, this week I see them coming up just short:
Raiders 31, Bills 28

Season Prediction Record: (4-2)
Season Record Against The Spread: (2-2-2)

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