Las Vegas Raiders (0-1) vs. Buffalo Bills (0-1)
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Buffalo Bills 9/17/23 – The NFL’s second week brings an exciting face-off between two teams yearning for a victory as they recover from Week 1 losses. The Buffalo Bills will host the Las Vegas Raiders at Highmark Stadium this Sunday, as both franchises look to improve upon their initial outings. Here’s what the professionals are advising in their Week 2 NFL selections.
Las Vegas Raiders’ running back Josh Jacobs had an underwhelming Week 1, gaining a mere 48 yards over 19 carries with an average of 2.5 yards per attempt. Though he secured three important first downs and avoided fumbles, Jacobs will need to step up to penetrate the Bills’ robust defense. On the other hand, Jakobi Meyers has quickly become a go-to target for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. He nabbed 9 out of 10 passes for 81 yards and scored twice, becoming a silver lining in an otherwise dull Raiders’ offense. Meyers will be key if he can maintain this performance against the Bills’ secondary.
For the Bills, running back James Cook put up a decent 46 yards on 12 carries, averaging 3.8 yards per attempt in Week 1. His capabilities could exploit a Raiders’ defense that seemed vulnerable against the run. Stefon Diggs continues to shine as a trusted receiver, making 10 catches for 102 yards. To fully unlock Buffalo’s offensive prowess, Diggs needs to keep the Raiders’ defense on their toes. If you’re looking for some insights and recommendations on their upcoming games, don’t forget to check out some free expert NFL picks.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Buffalo Bills Game Info
| When: | Sunday, September 17, 2023 at 1:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Highmark Stadium |
| TV: | CBS |
| Stream | NFL Game Pass |
Jimmy Garoppolo QB vs. Josh Allen QB
Jimmy Garoppolo, the Raiders’ quarterback, had a respectable Week 1, completing nearly 77% of his passes for 200 yards with an efficiency rating of 107.5. He threw two touchdowns and a single interception, showing command in the passing game that the Raiders hope to carry over. If the offensive line can keep Garoppolo protected as they did in Week 1, the Raiders’ aerial attack could be formidable.
Josh Allen of the Bills, however, had a less-than-ideal Week 1, with three interceptions and only one touchdown pass. With a passer rating of just 62.7 and five sacks, Allen’s performance raised doubts about Buffalo’s championship aspirations. Both quarterbacks are under the spotlight as they strive to prove themselves—Garoppolo for his skills and Allen for his team.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Buffalo Bills -410, Total odds: 47
Buffalo is the heavy favorite according to bookmakers, with a -9.5 spread and a -410 Moneyline. But the Raiders have been reliable against the spread, going 6-3 in their last nine games, suggesting a closer game than the odds may show. A total score of 47 implies a relatively high-scoring game is likely, consistent with both teams’ recent performance trends.
Las Vegas Raiders Betting Trends
When it comes to recent betting trends, the Las Vegas Raiders have shown a knack for beating the spread. They have gone 6-3 against the spread in their last nine games. This suggests that even if they aren’t winning outright, they’re often keeping games closer than bookmakers anticipate. However, it’s essential to note that their straight-up record during these nine games stands at a less-than-stellar 2-4. Moreover, the Raiders have shown a tendency for lower-scoring contests, as evidenced by the fact that 5 of their last 7 games have fallen under the total point count. This pattern might hint at some struggles on the offensive end, or perhaps a defense that keeps them in the game.
Buffalo Bills Betting Trends
On the Buffalo Bills’ side, recent performance against the spread has been somewhat shaky. They have a 2-5 record against the spread in their last seven outings, which could be a point of concern for bettors relying solely on recent performance. Despite this, they’ve shown that they can pull out victories, particularly against the Raiders, as their head-to-head record is an impressive 8-2. Furthermore, the Bills have a propensity for high-scoring games; 4 of their last 6 matchups have exceeded the predicted total points. So, while they may not always cover the spread, their games often provide plenty of offensive fireworks.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Buffalo Bills 9/17/23 Betting Picks
While the Bills are favored to win, the margin might not be as wide as the spread suggests. Betting on the Raiders to cover could be a wise choice when using a reputable sportsbook. While the Bills have home-field and recent performance advantages, the Raiders could still make it a competitive, down-to-the-wire game. For more insights and potential betting opportunities, you can also explore some premium sports picks.
Free Pick and Prediction: Buffalo Bills will win 28-21.