AFC Game Of The Week
Seattle Seahawks at Buffalo Bills
Seahawks: Talk about a bounceback. They lost their first game of the season back in week seven against the Arizona Cardinals. On Sunday against the 49ers, they got back to their regularly scheduled programming. This Seahawks offense is special. They were able to rip through that Niners defense with little to no help from the running game. When you don’t pressure the quarterback, he will make you pay. Even if you don’t keep him in front of you, he’ll do damage either with his legs or with the running throw. How special is D.K. Metcalf? I haven’t seen Russ in sync like this with a wideout since the Doug Baldwin days. I know Seattle has struggled defensively this year, but they’ve been stout against the run. I’ll give them that. It’s another trip to the East Coast for the NFC West leaders.
Bills: Sunday was a thrilling way for them to win a game. When you think the Patriots are rolling down the field looking to score, the defense knocks the ball out of Cam Newton’s hands to secure the win. Whoever thought the Buffalo Bills would be in first place right now with a 6-2 record? After his hot start, Josh Allen has cooled down considerably and I can explain why. Any defense that lines up against this Bills offense wants to do one thing. That keeps them from making the big play down the field. They’re forcing Josh to throw the ball on shorter to intermediate routes. What concerns me is their defense. It’s shocking to say this because Sean McDermott is a defensive-minded guy. This is another big game for the Bills on Sunday afternoon at home.
Seahawks X-Factor: Carlos Dunlap– Pass rushing assistance is on the way. Seattle acquired him from the Bengals to improve their pass rush. He’s scrappy and can create pressure with the best of them. Look for Seattle to unleash their newest defensive addition.
Bills X-Factor: Jerry Hughes– If you want a relentless defensive end, Jerry is your guy. I’ve seen him go to battle with some of the best offensive tackles and win. He’ll help lead the rush by trying to keep Russell Wilson in the pocket and in front of them.
Final Thoughts: The intrigue of this game. I see this game coming down to who can contain the opposing quarterback. First, let’s look at Seattle. Look for Russ to attack any Bills secondary played not named TreDavious. Now with Buffalo, Josh must play his own game. Don’t try to make this a shootout because you won’t win it. I expect the ball to fly around in this one.
Prediction: Seahawks 34 Bills 27
