Bills (1-1) at Commanders (2-0)
Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT, FedExField, Landover, Maryland TV: CBS
Spread (BetMGM): Bills by 6.5 Bills’ keys to victory: Offensively, they should focus on attacking Washington’s linebackers in the middle of the field. If the Commanders have a defensive weakness, it’s the linebackers. QB Josh Allen bounced back in a Week 2 win over the Raiders with three TD passes. RB James Cook is the type of back who has given Washington trouble because of his ability as a receiver. Defensively, Buffalo should send extra pressure against Commanders QB Sam Howell. as Washington has pass protection issues.
Commanders’ keys to victory: The defense cannot allow Allen to beat Washington with his legs. Far too often, mobile QBs such as Allen have negated the pass rush by stepping up in the pocket with the middle of the field wide open. Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has been pass-heavy through two weeks and cannot forget about RBs Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson. It’s all about balance on offense.
Matchup to watch: Bills WR Stefon Diggs vs. Commanders secondary. It’s unlikely that the Commanders have one cornerback travel with Diggs. That could mean Kendall Fuller, Benjamin St-Juste and rookie Emmanuel Forbes all see time matched up with Diggs. The Commanders must force other wideouts to beat them and must to frustrate Diggs.
Who wins? The Commanders are much better offensively than some realize but have OL concerns. They will keep this one close, but Allen has another big game in leading Buffalo to its second consecutive win.
Bills 31-27