The Buffalo Bills are set to clash with the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday at Lumen Field in Seattle. The Bills hold a record of 5-2 after a solid victory against the Tennessee Titans last week. Meanwhile, the Seahawks stand at 3-3 under first-year head coach Mike MacDonald following their win against the Atlanta Falcons. The game is scheduled to kick off at 4:05 PM EST.
Buffalo’s Road Challenge Awaits
The Buffalo Bills bounced back last Sunday with a commanding 34-10 victory over the Tennessee Titans. They showcased their new acquisition, wide receiver Amari Cooper, who made an impact by scoring a touchdown in the second half. This win puts the Bills at 5-2, giving them a two-game lead in the AFC East.
Quarterback Josh Allen praised Cooper, saying, “Any time you have a player of his caliber, he demands extra attention. If you don’t, we’re probably going to throw him the ball. But our guys did a good job of getting open, making plays.”
Allen completed 21 of 33 passes for 323 yards and two touchdowns against the Titans, marking a milestone as it was his 100th career start. Rookie receiver Keon Coleman led the Bills with 125 receiving yards, becoming the first Bills receiver to break the 100-yard mark in a game this season. Overall, the Bills amassed 389 total yards and averaged 7.2 yards per play, while their defense limited the Titans to just 289 yards and forced two turnovers.
The Bills are looking to extend their lead in the AFC East, especially with the New York Jets struggling. However, they face a tough environment in Seattle, known for its raucous fan base. Currently, the Bills rank fifth in the NFL in points per game and are 18th in total offense. Their passing game, now bolstered by Cooper, is expected to improve. The Bills are also efficient in the red zone, ranking seventh in touchdown conversions and first in fewest sacks allowed per game this season.
Key Injuries: Running back Darrynton Evans is out, while safety Mike Edwards, linebacker Dorian Williams, linebacker Terrel Bernard, and wide receiver Curtis Samuel are questionable.
Seahawks Aim for Consecutive Wins
The Seattle Seahawks turned their season around with a solid 34-14 victory against the Falcons last week. After starting the season 2-0, they suffered three consecutive losses before bouncing back against Atlanta, a team that had been on a winning streak.
Coach Mike MacDonald noted, “If you force them into more passing situations, you can start to affect the quarterback a little bit more. Our offense did a great job of responding and keeping us in the lead.” Quarterback Geno Smith led the offense with an 18-for-28 performance, throwing for 208 yards and two touchdowns, one to running back Kenneth Walker and another to wide receiver DK Metcalf, who later suffered an injury.
The Seahawks defense played a crucial role, forcing three turnovers, including a scoop and score by Derick Hall. They held the Falcons scoreless in both the first and fourth quarters, showcasing their defensive prowess.
As the Seahawks welcome the Bills, they aim to maintain the intensity shown in their last game. The Seahawks rank eighth in both scoring and total offense, but they will need to step up defensively to contain Buffalo’s powerful attack. They currently rank 19th in scoring defense and 21st in total defense, struggling against the run while being more effective against the pass.
Key Injuries: Safety Jerrick Reed II is out, while cornerback Riq Woolen, tackle Stone Forsythe, cornerback Tre Brown, and wide receiver DK Metcalf are questionable.
Best Bets for Buffalo Bills vs. Seattle Seahawks
The Bills have a solid track record on the road, boasting a 22-13 record in away games over the past five seasons. This year, they are 2-2 on the road. Their performance against NFC teams has been particularly strong, with a 19-5 record in their last five seasons. In contrast, the Seahawks have struggled at home, sitting at 2-2 this season and experiencing a -38 point differential overall.
The Bills’ offense is well-positioned to exploit the Seahawks’ defense, especially with the addition of Cooper. The Seahawks have a capable offense but face a Bills defense that ranks eighth in scoring and fifth against the pass. With Metcalf potentially sidelined, the Seahawks may find it challenging to match Buffalo’s firepower. The Bills have a chance to create some distance in the AFC East race with a victory in Seattle.
