Eagles (3-4) at Bills (5-1)
Sunday, 1 p.m., New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York
TV: Fox
Danny by 1
Eagles’ keys to victory: Their offense has to commit to the ground game because of a tough Buffalo secondary led by S Micah Hyde and CB Tre’Davious White. If the Eagles commit to RBs Jordan Howard and Miles Sanders, there’s a chance of finding a big play with QB Carson Wentz’s arm. Defensively, the Eagles have to contain the Bills’ running game and make QB Josh Allen beat them with his arm. Containing Buffalo’s run game also includes keeping Allen in the pocket and not allowing him to extend drives with his legs.
Bills’ keys to victory: Buffalo’s defensive front seven has to get into the Eagles’ backfield and shut down their momentum. Fresh off his first sack, rookie DT Ed Oliver hopes to lead the Bills’ pass rush from the middle of their defensive line and make it even easier for Buffalo’s secondary to control the game. The defense also has to continue its dominance against opposing tight ends: Zach Ertz is the best one the Bills have faced this season. Offensively, this meeting against a banged up Eagles secondary could be an opportunity for Allen to finally reach the 300-yard passing plateau in his career. He needs to connect with WR John Brown on deep balls.
Matchup to watch: Eagles TE Zach Ertz vs. Bills LB Matt Milano. The Bills have kept opposing tight ends at bay this season, and a big reason is Milano. But he is coming off a hamstring injury.
Who wins? Buffalo’s defense thrives off the home crowd and will flex its muscle against one of the best offensive lines it will face this season.
Bills, 23-20
Sheridan’s line:
Bills
Eagles schedule
W .... Washington .... 32-27 L ....... at Atlanta ....... 24-20 L .......... Detroit .......... 27-24 W .... at Green Bay .... 34-27 W ......... N.Y. Jets ......... 31-6 L .... atMinnesota .... 38-20 L ......... at Dallas ......... 37-10 Oct. 27 ...... at Buffalo ...... 1 Nov. 3 ......... Chicago ......... 1 Nov. 10 ............. BYE ............. Nov. 17 New England 4:25 Nov.24 ..... Seattle ..... 8:20 Dec. 1 ........ at Miami ........ 1 Dec. 9 ... N.Y. Giants ... 8:15 Dec. 15 . at Washington . 1 Dec. 22 ...... Dallas ...... 4:25 Dec. 29 .. at N.Y. Giants .. 1
Bills schedule
W ..... atN.Y.Jets ..... 17-16 W ...atN.Y.Giants ...28-14 W ...... Cincinnati ...... 21-17 L .... NewEngland .... 16-10 W .... atTennessee .... 14-7
BYE
W ........... Miami ........... 31-21 Oct. 27 .... Philadelphia .... 1 Nov. 3 ..... Washington ..... 1 Nov. 10 .... at Cleveland .... 1 Nov. 17 ....... at Miami ....... 1 Nov.24 ........ Denver ........ 1 Nov. 28 .... at Dallas .... 4:30 Dec. 8 ....... Baltimore ....... 1 Dec.15 ..atPittsburgh ..1 Dec. 21/22 at New Eng. TBD Dec. 29 ...... N.Y. Jets ....... 1