Oakland Raiders @ Buffalo Bills: 3 Bold Predictions

ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 22: LeSean McCoy #25 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 22, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 22: LeSean McCoy #25 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 22, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

Buffalo has started 4-2 for the second consecutive year, yet this year feels slightly different to last.

The injury report is scary this week, with EJ Gaines out, Jordan Poyer and Richie Incognito are questionable. Let’s forget all that though and get right into the predictions.

1. Shady goes off for 200 all-purpose yards

If the Bills are to stand a chance this week, LeSean McCoy needs to have a big day. He got back into his stride with 2 TDs against Tampa Bay, and he faces another poor defense on Sunday. I expect Shady to start strong and not stop all day. He’s a big part of the passing game given how poor the receiving core is, so expect to see a rushing and receiving touchdown as well.

ORCHARD PARK, NY – OCTOBER 22: Tyrod Taylor runs with the ball during the second quarter of an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 22, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY – OCTOBER 22: Tyrod Taylor runs with the ball during the second quarter of an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 22, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)

2. Tyrod to throw for 300 yards

The offense took a step forward last week, and that should follow through on Sunday against a defense lacking in talent. 300 yards doesn’t seem much for an NFL QB, but for a Bills QB, it really is. Tyrod gained 268 through the air last week. With Sunday’s game likely to be a shootout, expect Tyrod to go big.

Of course this will be made easier if Zay Jones gets going, it’s got to happen soon, right?

ORCHARD PARK, NY – OCTOBER 22: Doug Martin #22 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is tackled by Jerry Hughes #55 of the Buffalo Bills during an NFL game on October 22, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY – OCTOBER 22: Doug Martin #22 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is tackled by Jerry Hughes #55 of the Buffalo Bills during an NFL game on October 22, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

3. Derek Carr will be sacked at least 5 times

Oakland has a really good offensive line, Derek Carr has only been sacked once in his last two games. The Bills are average in the sack column, their 13 good enough for 22nd most in the league.

I say all that changes on Sunday, the Bills defense will quickly move on from the loss of Marcell Dareus, with Jerry Hughes in-particular ready to impress. Hughes has been one of the best players in every game this year without getting a lot of sacks. Expect him to bag himself a couple to really cement his place as one of the best edge rushers in football.

Next: Buffalo Bills vs Oakland Raiders: Vegas Line, Weather, Predictions

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