NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

Cardinals at Bills: Preview, Predictions, and More

By Nick Ziegler

Sep 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) talks to the tv cameras during the second half of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeat the Buccaneers 40-7. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) talks to the tv cameras during the second half of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeat the Buccaneers 40-7. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills

The Arizona Cardinals will be heading east to face the Buffalo Bills in Week 3 of the regular season. Due to the NFL season just being a few weeks old, these early games have a good amount of importance.

Related Story: Who plays on MNF in Week 3?

After shockingly losing to the New England Patriots in the first week of the season, the Cardinals bounced back in a big way in Week 2. While at home for the second straight week, the Cardinals demolished the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Turnovers by the Buccaneers contributed to the blowout loss, but the Cardinals were clearly a team that was not going to start the season 0-2.

Through two weeks of the season, things are not looking good for the Bills. After losing in Week 1 to the Baltimore Ravens, they then lost on Thursday Night Football to the New York Jets. Following the game, offensive coordinator Greg Roman was fired. If the Bills don’t turn things around soon, it is only logical to believe that Rex Ryan’s job could be on the line as well.

Cardinals Keys to Victory

The Cardinals are certainly a better team than the Bills, but road games are never easy. In Week 2, the Jets really exposed the Bills’ secondary, as Ryan Fitzpatrick had a monster game. With all due respect to Fitzpatrick, Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer is better. Like the Jets, the Cardinals also have a talented group at wide receiver led by Larry Fitzgerald.

One of the things that the Bills did do well in Week 2 against the Jets was stretch the field. Two of the Bills’ touchdowns against the Jets came on deep passes to Marquise Goodwin and Greg Salas. Despite being totally outplayed by the Jets, these big plays kept Buffalo close. The Cardinals’ secondary will have to be aware that the Bills are going to look to take some shots down the field.

Bills Keys to Victory

The Bills are going to behind the eight ball in this game. But this is a team that is capable of pulling off the upset at home. So far, not a lot has gone right for the Bills in 2016. While that means that trend can continue, it also means that they can turn it around.

One of the biggest keys to the game will be to get running back LeSean McCoy rolling. So far this season, McCoy has totaled 117 rushing yards with only a 3.8 yards-per-carry average. After having one of the best rushing offenses in the league last season, the Bills need to improve in that area.

In addition to running the football better, the passing offense needs to improve. Wide receiver Sammy Watkins is dealing with foot discomfort, but the team needs to find a way to get him more involved. If McCoy and Watkins both play up to their capabilities, the Bills’ offense will quickly look much better.

Odds

Line: Arizona -4

Money line: Arizona -200, Buffalo +175

Over/Under: 47

Next: Week 2 Team Grades for every team

Prediction

Even though the Bills have struggled so far this season, they have been a good team at home against the spread. In addition to playing on the road, the Cardinals will also have to deal with the early start time on the East Coast. Finally, the Cardinals are certainly the better team, but the Bills are in a must-win situation. Expect a closer game than many would think in Buffalo this weekend.

Pick: Arizona Cardinals: 23, Buffalo Bills: 20

Home/Arizona Cardinals