Finish Your Cupcakes

The Bills first six opponents this year have a combined record of 22-14 showing just how difficult the schedule has been.  Coming out of that stretch at 3-3 has given Buffalo a chance to rattle off some wins in this middle part of the season.  These next six games are hands down the easiest games on the Bills schedule as the combined record of these next six opponents is 11-24.  The first game of this stretch is today as the 3-3 Buffalo Bills host the 2-4 Minnesota Vikings.  Minnesota was a rebuilding team before losing Adrian Peterson for the season and now they are relying on rookie QB Teddy Bridgewater to lead this team.  This marks his third start of his NFL career and is coming off of a double digit loss to a team the Bills beat in Detroit.  In fact, every single game for Minnesota this year has been decided by double digits.  The Vikings might be young and still a few years away from doing damage in a tough NFC, but they do have some good playmakers the Bills must be aware of.  At wide receiver, they have the speedster in Cordarelle Patterson who does his damage in the passing game and on returns.  Patterson has the ability to change a game with his skill on kick off and punt returns.  Greg Jennings brings veteran leadership to a young Vikings offense and he is Minnesota's leading receiver.  

Coming off of a tough home loss to our division rival, this is close to a must win game for the Bills playoff hopes.  This is arguably the easiest game on the Bills schedule so taking care of business is essential to keeping pace with New England.  This marks as Kyle Orton's third start as a Bill, and yes, his first without the stache! The offense looked sluggish early last week but eventually was able to put up points.  In the end, the defense was what let the Bills down last week and this poses as a favorable match up for the stout defensive line.  They only picked up 2 sacks last week and with a rookie QB and young offensive line, expect Schwartz to dial up some creative blitz schemes to try and confuse Bridgewater.  Another thing that must change is the run game.  65 yards isn't going to cut it, especially when you play Tom Brady.  A team that's identity is running the football has simply struggled to do so all season.  If the Bills want any shot at a post season berth, they must change that today...... Yes I'm talking to you CJ Spiller wake up.  Without further or due, here are some keys to today's matchup:

1. Start Strong: Buffalo has gotten off to slow starts in their last two games against New England and Detroit.  Get off to a good start, get the crowd going and don't let Minnesota think they have a chance.  The longer the Vikings can hang around, the more pressure it puts on the Bills.  

2. Be aware of Patterson: Cordarrelle Patterson has the ability to hurt teams in both the return and passing games.  Special teams hasn't been much of a factor yet this season, but the Bills better bring their A game today because one mistake and Patterson will take it in for six.  

3. Can we get a CJ Spiller sighting? Six carries for 19 yards isn't going to cut it.  Spiller has ZERO touchdowns through six games this season and I see this as a possible game for him to turn it around.  Hopefully Hackett can get him some touches early on and get him involved in the offense because the Bills need his explosiveness.  


My Prediction: I expect Minnesota to keep it close for a little while but the combination of Buffalo's stout defense wanting to make up for last week, and the potential of our running game, the Bills are too much in this one. 

Buffalo 30    Minnesota 13