Buffalo Bills vs. New York Giants: Three Keys to the Game

The Buffalo Bills came to play last week in South Beach and it showed in the box score.

After a definitive win against over the Miami Dolphins, the Bills took a big step forward before they headed back to Orchard Park for their first bout against an NFC opponent of the season.

With the New York Giants coming into town, walking away Sunday afternoon with a victory won’t be easy, but it’s certainly manageable.

Here’s this week’s Three Keys to the Game for the matchup with the Giants, which kicks off Sunday at 1 p.m. from Ralph Wilson Stadium:

1) Contain Odell Beckham Jr. 

The Giants have something special in Odell Beckham Jr.

After three weeks of action the second-year wide receiver has hauled in 19 receptions for 269 yards and two touchdowns.

The Bills secondary has done a nice job in two of three games this season, and they’ll need another performance similar to last week’s with Beckham Jr. in the lineup Sunday.

With Victor Cruz still sidelined with a calf injury, the option to roll the coverage towards Beckham Jr. is certainly there. The Giants don’t have another threat along the outside to pair with the former LSU wideout and the Bills can afford to help out Stephon Gilmore and Ronald Darby when needed.

Don’t be surprised if Eli Manning takes his shots at Darby early, but after watching the rookie through three games, I’m not too worried. Darby has put his subpar preseason behind him and has primarily played lights out thus far.

2) Get Karlos Williams going early.

Rookie running back Karlos Williams looks like he could be the steal of the NFL Draft.

But, for the first time in his short NFL career, the rookie will get the nod in the backfield. And starting is a whole different animal than coming in to spill LeSean McCoy.

The Bills offensive linemean will need another strong outing to get Williams going early. The rookie doesn’t need too big of a hole to run through, but he might need some extra help early on so he can build some confidence. Luckily Williams will have McCoy on the sidelines to help guide him throughout the game.

And with two Giants defensive linemen expected to be out, don’t be surprised if the Williams has a big day.

3) Limit the offensive turnovers.

Have you seen a theme through the Bills’ first three games?

In Buffalo’s two wins, they haven’t turned the ball over. And in the loss to New England, Tyrod Taylor threw three interceptions. This isn’t a coincidence.

Turnovers play a big factor into a win or loss and if the Bills can limit them, they’ll have a very good chance of walking away with their third win of the season.

Prediction: Bills win 34-14

Beckham Jr. has a good day, but it’s not enough. The Cold Front causes Manning and the Giants’ offense some problems and gives the Bills a couple of possessions with short field. Williams scores a touchdown once again.

Buffalo moves to 3-1 for the first time since 2011.