For the first time since 2013, the New Orleans Saints will take on the Buffalo Bills. This game features two teams who have made remarkable turnarounds from last year and who are battling for their divisional crowns. The Saints look to extend their lead in the NFC South, while the Bills try to narrow their gap behind the leading Patriots in the AFC East. Kickoff at New Era Field is at 1 PM ET.
The Saints last traveled to Buffalo in 2009 and they won that game 27-7. Since 2001, the Saints have won 4 straight games against the Bills.
New Orleans (6-2) is coming off a big divisional win over the falling Tampa Bay Buccaneers and have won 6 straight games after starting the season 0-2. They’ve seized control over the NFC South and look to position themselves as a legit NFC contender. As of now, the Saints are 0-1 on the season against the AFC East after losing to the Patriots in week 2. New Orleans is 3-1 on the road and hope to extend their current winning streak to 7.
The Buffalo Bills (5-3) are coming off a disappointing performance against division foe the New York Jets. Buffalo had a great chance to take the AFC East lead, but failed miserably. They return home to get some love from the home crowd and to take advantage of their 4-0 home record. Can Buffalo slow down this red hot Saints team or will they drop 2 straight games and lose their first home game of the season.
The spread opened with Buffalo at +2.5 points. Currently, it has gone up to 3 points for Buffalo. The Over/Under is at 46.5 total points, after opening up at 48.5 points.
This is a tough game for both teams. But, it’s an exciting game for NFL fans. The Saints are traveling to a hostile environment, in the cold and taking on an angry, embarrassed Bills team. They look for their field general Drew Brees to lead them through enemy lines and to victory.
The Buffalo Bills have played better at home all season and they look to continue that trend this weekend. They will have a tough matchup against one of the NFC’s top teams that features a high scoring offense and a respectable defense. Can the Bills protect their home field?
Until the Bills get beat at home, I am going with them and the spread in this one. The Saints are tough, but Buffalo has a few key players returning this week that will make a big difference.
Starting corner EJ Gaines will likely return this weekend after missing a few weeks due to his hamstring injury. The secondary is dramatically better when Gaines is in there. Also, stud tight end Charles Clay returns after missing a month due to a knee injury. He’s still the team’s leading receiver despite missing the last 3 1/3 games.
Speaking of receivers, newly acquired Kelvin Benjamin will debut this weekend and the NFL is buzzing. Benjamin gives Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor a big time weapon that can win one-on-one battles. It also allows receiver Jordan Matthews to work underneath more and to go against the defense’s #2 corner. These receivers will open up the field for the returning Clay and Shady McCoy.
I believe this game will come down to which team can run the ball effectively. The Saints average 122.8 ypg and are led by Mark Ingram who has 541 rushing yards and 4 rushing touchdowns on the season. The Bills average 116.9 ypg and are led by McCoy who has 546 rushing yards and 3 rushing touchdowns. Both backs are effective, but Shady is more dynamic. And, the other big difference is that the Bills have a better rush defense and I believe this will be the difference in the game.
Buffalo gives up only 94.4 rushing yards per game compared to the Saints who give up 116.1 rushing yards per game. This 20+ yard difference will be huge on Sunday as McCoy should have a big game. Every time McCoy plays well, the Bills offense plays well. Throw in the returning Clay and the debuting Benjamin, and you have a team that looks scary on offense.
Buffalo is 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games at home and they’re 4-2 ATS in their last 6 overall games.
I like Buffalo at home, getting points. This game will be a close one, but you have to like how Buffalo plays on their home turf. The Saints are on a roll, but they do give up more rushing yards and points per game. This bodes well for Buffalo at New Era Field. I expect the Bills to win 27-24.