Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills vs. Cardinals: Vegas Line, Injury/Weather Report, Predictions

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Sep 15, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; A general view of New Era Field before a game between the Buffalo Bills and the New York Jets. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been a long week of preparation for the Buffalo Bills, who are ready to host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday for Week 3 of action. Here’s a look at the Vegas line, injury/weather report and predictions for the game.

The Buffalo Bills could certainly make a statement on Sunday when they host the Arizona Cardinals. Sitting at 0-2 and tied for last in the AFC East, the Bills can’t afford to lose another one. The Cardinals will definitely come to play and won’t take mercy, so we need to be on our ‘A’ game.

Week 3 will also feature our first real look at the Buffalo Bills’ offense without Greg Roman — who was fired a day after the Bills’ lost to the NY Jets on TNF — and newly appointed Anthony Lynn ready to simplify the flow of things.

Personally, I think the added attention to the passing game is going to give Tyrod Taylor a chance to control the game much better, which will open up the running game as well. The Bills will need strong performances from Richie Incognito and Eric Wood to help lead that offensive line, which will most likely be without Cordy Glenn again.

On defense, it’s simple — don’t let Carson Palmer do a Ryan Fitzpatrick on you. Ronald Darby and Stephon Gilmore will need to bounce back this week after a very weak performance on Thursday night that allowed two Jets’ players to reach the 100-yard receiving mark — with another reaching 92 yards.

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I’ve loved what I’ve seen from the linebackers so far this year. They’ve been the players providing most of the pressure to the quarterback and making it tough on running backs to get anything going. We will need to see that all 4 quarters on Sunday, due to the large number of weapons Arizona has on offense.

Here’s a look at the spread, money line and over/under for the Buffalo Bills’ second home game of the year:

Spread

Buffalo Bills vs. Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals are Favorites

Buffalo Bills vs. Arizona Cardinals

-190

Over/Under

Buffalo Bills vs. Arizona Cardinals

Next, we’ll get to the injury and weather report for Sunday.

Sep 15, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins (14) before the game against the New York Jets at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Injuries could definitely play a major role in Sunday’s game. Here’s the latest reports on who could be sitting Week 3 out.

It seems like every week, the Buffalo Bills are left with injuries to major players and it has certainly gotten in the way of them showcasing their full potential. At the same time, this team needs to learn to work through adversity and bring that winning tradition back to Buffalo.

On the other hand, the Arizona Cardinals also could be without some key players and for a team that is expected to make the playoffs, they aren’t looking to fall to 1-2 if they lose to the Bills. They are going to bring a lot of tough matchups either way, so Buffalo can’t underestimate the Cardinals if they are missing someone.

Here’s a look at the Buffalo Bills’ updated injury report:

Sep 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) celebrates his team scoring against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeat the Buccaneers 40-7. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Now, let’s take a look at the injury report for the Arizona Cardinals:

Now, it’s time to gander at the weather report for Sunday’s game.

Sep 15, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills fans make their way into New Era Field before watching a game against the New York Jets. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Buffalo, NY (New Era Field)

Mostly Sunny

High: 67 degrees / Low: 53 degrees

Precipitation: 10%

Humidity: 48%

Wind: 8 mph

Moving on to the predictions from some of us here at BuffaLowDown.

Sep 15, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) drops to pass under pressure by Buffalo Bills defensive end Jerry Hughes (55) during the second half at New Era Field. The Jets beat the Bills 37-31. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

This is my favorite part, which is why I saved it for last. Here’s a look at our predictions for the Bills vs. Cardinals.

First, let’s see how I’ve done so far this season with my weekly predictions on the Buffalo Bills.

For Week 1 vs. the Baltimore Ravens, I predicted that the Bills would win 23-20. I also stated that the linebackers would have a good game — despite the injuries — and that LeSean McCoy would score the game-winning touchdown.

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Well, the linebackers had a great showing, but I was wrong on the other two. McCoy would score a touchdown, but it was early and didn’t help the Bills overcome a 13-7 deficit.

For Week 2 vs. the New York Jets, I once again predicted a Buffalo victory of 24-10 that would feature a 100-yard rushing day from McCoy, a 40-yard rushing day from Tyrod Taylor and an interception from both Ronald Darby and Stephon Gilmore.

The Bills would end up losing 37-31, McCoy would finish with just 59 yards rushing, Taylor had 25 yards rushing and the Bills failed to get any interceptions against Ryan Fitzpatrick. In fact, Gilmore and Darby had their worst performances of their career vs. the Jets.

It hasn’t been a very successful season of predictions for me this year, but I’m looking to turn it around on Sunday. Out of the 7 predictions I’ve made, only one has been correct.

Ryan Brennan: Co-Editor

Well, here’s three more from me for Sunday’s matchup vs. the Arizona Cardinals. I’m looking to bring my 14% success rate up to 40% with these.

I was going back and forth with the Bills’ winning this one, but think in the end our simplified and more up-paced offense will come in and play a big role. I think the Bills will start life without Greg Roman with a 1-0 record.

Dennis Moody: Co-Editor

Pete Macias: Contributor

Richard Kowalski: Contributor

Jared Hill: Contributor

Sunday morning we will be launching our live game thread for Week 3, where you can join in on the conversation throughout the game. Join the fun here.