Buffalo Bills @ Carolina Panthers: 3 Bold Predictions
By Joe Rainford
The Bills opened up the season with a solid if unspectacular victory over the New York Jets. They’ll face a much tougher test this Sunday when they travel to Charlotte to face the Carolina Panthers.
It’s worth remembering that these predictions are called bold for a reason, feel free to let me know your own predictions after you’ve read the piece!
Bills to commit zero turnovers
The Bills will face an extremely strong defense on Sunday, a mile ahead of where the Jets are at. However, it wouldn’t be a surprise at all if the Bills kept hold of the ball all game long. If we’re to win the game, that would go a long way to achieving that. Tyrod showed a lot of promise against the Jets, if he makes progress on Sunday, people may start to take notice.
Jordan Matthews to have over 120 yards receiving/2 TDs
When the Bills traded away Sammy Watkins and brought in Jordan Matthews, it’s safe to say many fans weren’t too impressed. I’m expecting Matthews to have a BIG day and really prove everyone wrong. Whether you rate him or not, the man can’t help but get yards, racking up 2734 so far. Tyrod needs a consistent target and I believe Matthews will be exactly that.
The Defense to shut down the Panthers Run Game
The Panthers ran for 116 yards against the 49ers, finding big holes especially behind C Ryan Kalil and RG Trai Turner. The Bills defense will not suffer the same fate as the 49ers, after last years atrocious Buffalo run D; it’s going to be a strength for the team this year. Christian McCaffrey had a below par week against the 49ers; he had 18 touches for 85 yards with a fumble. Ramon Humber, the tackling machine, will have a good day against him.
Next: BLD Podcast: Looking for a Bills W in Carolina
Nobody outside of Buffalo is expecting us to win on Sunday. However I think they’ll be surprised, I watched the Panthers game back and Cam Newton was off on a LOT of throws, we should be in for a good game.