Buffalo Bills
The New York Giants head to Orchard Park to face Rex Ryan’s Bills, and this could be an ugly affair. Buffalo will be without its two top playmakers, as both running back LeSean McCoy and receiver Sammy Watkins have been ruled out with injuries. Still, the home team is favored to win by 5.5 points (oddsshark.com).
On the surface, this seems just. However, when one considers the Giants are two poor decisions removed from being 3-0, instead of 1-2, things begin to look a bit more promising for the visiting team in this upcoming in-state rivalry.
Eli Manning looked phenomenal against an underrated Washington defense last Thursday night, and receiver Rueben Randle showed he’s more than capable of being the No. 2 receiver opposite Odell Beckham Jr. The Giants don’t have the most exciting running game, but if Manning can continue to get rid of the ball on time — thus negating Buffalo’s pass-rushers — to his receivers, then New York will be able to outscore the depleted Bills offense.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Kansas City Chiefs come into this contest as three-point underdogs. Being the road team, essentially oddsmakers are saying the venue is the biggest difference between these two teams.
The Chiefs are desperate for a win after losing in devastating fashion to the Denver Broncos in Week 2 and then getting hammered by the red-hot Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football last week. At 1-2, Andy Reid’s team is on the ropes, but thankfully for the offense, Cincinnati’s pass defense isn’t nearly as dangerous as either of those two top teams.
On the other side, while it’s true Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton has been one of the top passers of the new season, he’s yet to face a defensive front like the one that’s coming for him this Sunday. Tamba Hali, Justin Houston and the rest of Kansas City’s front seven comprise one of the most dynamic pass-rushing units in the league. With cornerback Sean Smith returning to action from his three-game suspension, the Chiefs finally have a full contingency on the back end, as well.
Look for Cincinnati’s hot offense to cool down against Kansas City and for Alex Smith to break out of his mini-slump en route to a much-needed road win.