Buffalo Bills: Week 3 Madden 19 preview vs. the Minnesota Vikings

Can the Buffalo Bills shock the world and win their first game of the season against the powerful Minnesota Vikings? Let’s see what Madden 19 has to say.

Last week’s Madden 19 score: Los Angeles 28, Buffalo 20

Last week’s real-life score: Los Angeles 31, Buffalo 20

Overall Madden 19 prediction record: 2 for 2 (100%)

Madden 19 did a spot on job last week predicting that the Buffalo Bills would be thoroughly outplayed in the first half by the visiting Los Angeles Chargers, only to show some semblance of life to keep the score relatively close by the final whistle.

This weekend, the Bills take their show on the road, sans Vontae Davis, to the state of Minnesota to take on the uber talented Minnesota Vikings.

Well, let’s just say that the Bills’ social media team’s geography skills are as subpar with the Bills’ futile offense thus far, and were called out on it accordingly:

Close enough, I suppose.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (Sep 23) – Weather was certainly not a factor at the conveniently enclosed U.S. Bank Stadium for Josh Allen‘s highly anticipated second NFL start. For the second straight week, the Bills choose to sport their slick white-on-white ensemble.

After a quick three-and-out for Allen and the Bills offense, Minnesota is faced with the daunting task of starting their first drive at their own six yard line after a booming punt from rookie Corey Bojorquez. Challenge accepted.

With sophomore phenom Dalvin Cook sidelined with an injury, veteran back Latavius Murray is able to burst through a gaping hole and evade a feeble arm tackle from linebacker Matt Milano to the tune of a 94-yard touchdown run. Brutal start.

Unlike the previous two weeks, the Bills defense decides to show a pulse in the first quarter. Enigmatic receiver Zay Jones channels his inner Andre Reed by taking a quick slant pass from Allen that totals 52 yards. Allen is able to cap off the drive with a 13-yard roll-out pass to wide open Kelvin Benjamin in the end zone. End of first quarter score: Minnesota 7, Buffalo 7.

Despite getting a consistent pass rush from the likes of Trent Murphy and Lorenzo Alexander, Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins is able to routinely exploit the Bills soft zone time after time. The end result is a 24-yard strike to the ever dependable Adam Thielen. Cousins goes a perfect 7-of-7 on the drive.

Surprisingly, the Bills offense shows a formidable level of resilience by executing an equally impressive long drive that culminates in a toss sweep to LeSean McCoy that he is able to punch in from seven yards out. End of second quarter score: Minnesota 14, Buffalo 14.

The start of the second half brings troubling news for Bills fans. Star safety Micah Hyde is pulled from the game after suffering a dislocated elbow. Hyde’s replacement Rafael Bush is immediately thrust into action and accepts the challenge with open arms. Rather than sticking to his assigned task of covering tight end Kyle Rudolph, Bush reads the eyes of Cousins to undercut and intercept  a hitch aimed for Stefon Diggs and returns it 20 yards to the Vikings 17-yard line.

Allen then chooses to give Bills fans two things they’ve desperately been seeking: 1) The team’s first lead of the season and 2) A quarterback who successfully uses the highly effective quarterback sneak play. The Wyoming product plows his 237-pound frame into the end zone to the delight of Bills Mafia.  End of third quarter score: Buffalo 17, Minnesota 14.

The teams then proceed to exchange 50+ yard field goals to set the scene for a riveting finale.

Cousins masterfully begins to pick apart the Bills secondary to propel the Vikings into the red zone with a shade under one minute to play in the game. Alas, rather than playing it safe and allow for newly signed kicker Dan Bailey to push the game into overtime, Cousins decides to go for the gusto and attempts to thread a needle into a double covered Diggs. The end result is safety Jordan Poyer high-pointing the ball and immediately taking a knee in the end zone.

Bills. Win.

Final score: Buffalo 20, Minnesota 17.

Player of the game: Josh Allen – 18 of 31 for 234 yards and two touchdowns (one passing and one rushing).