3 x-factors for the Buffalo Bills vs. Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2

When the Buffalo Bills step onto the field this Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders, Bills Mafia will be as loud as all can be for the home opener. Looking to bounce back from their overtime loss against the New York Jets this past Monday night, the Bills have a lot of cleaning up to do in preparation for this game. The defense was by far the best unit (aside from stopping the run) while the offense ended up costing the game for the Bills. However, it is over and done with and now the Bills will look to put it in the past. 

The Bills host the Raiders for their home opener and will not only be looking to get their first win, but also hand the Raiders their first loss on the season. In order to not just win, but even manage the game better than they did against the Jets, Buffalo will need key contributions from various players in order to avoid a close game as well as a loss. 

Who are the x-factors for the Buffalo Bills in Week 2?

3.) Ed Oliver

Even though Raiders’ running back Josh Jacobs underperformed last week against the Broncos last week (19 carries for 48 yards), he is still the league’s defending rushing champion from a season ago. Last week versus the Jets’ rushing attack led by Breece Hall and followed by Dalvin Cook, the Bills defense gave up 192 rushing yards (Hall with 127 yards) which ultimately was a deciding factor that helped the Jets stay in the game and force an overtime situation. 

The defensive line for Buffalo led by Ed Oliver will need to stop the rush right from the start and eliminate it from the Raiders’ game plan. If the Raiders are able to get the rushing attack going, it will set up the pass for Jimmy Garoppolo to get him more comfortable in the pocket. Oliver will have to step up in a big way to break in the middle of the offensive line and meet Jacobs at the line of scrimmage.