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The Buffalo Bills are making their push for the playoffs, too, so this is a pivotal AFC clash in Week 8. Buffalo is 4-2 on the season and only a half-game behind the Patriots in the AFC East. Both offenses can score the ball, so don’t be surprised to see a fair share of points put up in this one.
Oakland is in a tough division and another win would keep it in the mix, but the defense has to step up.
Watch this regular season Week 8 matchup live on Sunday, October 29, 2017, at 1 p.m. ET at New Era Field.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Oakland Raiders +3
Buffalo Bills -3
Over/Under 44.5
Odds Analysis
The oddsmakers have deemed this an even matchup, with the Bills getting the three points based on the home field. The Raiders had more success last season but Buffalo has been a solid team throughout 2017 and could cover despite giving a field goal.
The scoring total would be higher but the Bills are so ground-oriented that it causes their games to have fewer possessions than the air-it-out attacks.
Injury Report
Marshawn Lynch – The Raiders’ running back isn’t hurt but he will be suspended for this one after getting ejected from the game against the Chiefs. Lynch hasn’t been great this season, accumulating 266 rushing yards on 72 carries for a 3.7 yards per carry average, but is an established running back that defenses must watch closely. Lynch is appealing the suspension and there will be a hearing this week, but it seems unlikely he wins. If Lynch is out, Oakland must make up for his loss in other ways.
Gareon Conley -- The Raiders’ rookie cornerback continues to deal with a shin injury that has kept him on the shelf for a prolonged period. If he misses this game, it’s not a huge impact because Buffalo doesn’t throw the ball a lot, but any talented player that Oakland can add on defense would be nice.
Charles Clay -- The Bills’ tight end had knee surgery and is going to miss multiple weeks. That is a big blow, as he was a nice relief valve for Tyrod Taylor when needed. Nick O’Leary is now filling in as the main tight end on offense.
Matchup to Watch
Bills’ running game vs. Oakland’s defense -- Buffalo likes to run the ball with LeSean McCoy and mobile quarterback Tyrod Taylor. It worked well last time out, as the team rushed for 173 yards in a win over the Buccaneers.
McCoy is off to a slow start this season but had 91 yards and two touchdowns against Tampa Bay. He is a proven threat and will test Oakland. The Raiders are giving up 113.9 rushing yards per game, which is about the middle of the pack in the NFL.
If they can keep Buffalo around there, they will have a chance to win. But if the Bills’ rushing game gets going, that opens up play-action and the Raiders will be in trouble.
Free ATS Pick
The Bills are a tougher team than most give them credit for, but the Raiders are desperate. Oakland has the better quarterback and that can go a long way, but it doesn’t look like everything's coming together for the team this season.
Choose the Bills to defend their home turf and come away with a close win. Buffalo is the choice to cover the spread, but just barely.
NFL Odds: Bills 24, Raiders 20
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