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Buffalo Bills at Oakland Raiders: Three Keys to the Game

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

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Nov 27, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) celebrates with wide receiver Marquise Goodwin (88) after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

The Buffalo Bills’ Week 13 matchup against the Oakland Raiders kicks off on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. in Oakland

The next two weeks will most likely make or break the Buffalo Bills’ season, and it all starts Sunday out west against the Oakland Raiders.

Sitting at 6-5 and in ninth place in the AFC, the Bills are one game out of a wild card spot and need to make the most of every opportunity against the red-hot Raiders.

The Bills haven’t won in Oakland since 1966, and facing a first-place Oakland squad, Buffalo will sit as an underdog. But that doesn’t mean the Bills are up against an impenetrable wall.

While the Raiders’ offense is as good as it gets, Buffalo will have some opportunities against a less-than-stellar defense. The question remains, however, can Tyrod Taylor and Co. take advantage of some of Oakland’s weak spots?

The Bills will have their hands full defensively, facing MVP candidate Derek Carr and Co. After a pair of solid performances from the secondary, the Bills defensive backs will need to pack their momentum with them when they head out west.

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Each week during the regular season, this column will provide the three ways the Bills can secure a victory. So, without further ado, here’s the Three Keys to the Game for the matchup against the Raiders, which kicks off Sunday at 4:05 p.m. at Oakland Alameda Coliseum on CBS.

Nov 27, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) runs for a touchdown during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Ground and pound

I know this is a pretty blatant key to kick off the preview, but hear me out.

The Raiders are allowing 116 rushing yards and 4.6 yards per carry this season. Each of those statistics ranks in the bottom seven of the league. Aside from Khalil Mack, who is a major difference maker, the Oakland defense can be had.

If the Bills are going to win this game, LeSean McCoy is going to have to run them to a victory. And Tyrod Taylor’s legs must play a role too.

McCoy’s breakaway ability was a highlight in this week’s edition of 30 PFF Stats to know for NFL Week 13 over at Pro Football Focus. The veteran running back has a breakaway percentage of 50.7, which ranks to the top among running backs.

It’s also worth noting that in the five games the Bills have run the football for more yards than they’ve thrown it, they’ve came away with victories in each.

Not only will a successful run game give the Bills’ their best shot at taking down the Raiders on Sunday, but it will keep Derek Carr and a dangerous offense off the field as well.

The Raiders have one of the league’s top offenses, and one that can score at will, coming in fifth in points and sixth in yards. With some lingering injuries along its defense, it would be best if the Buffalo offense could keep its defense off of the field as much as possible.

Nov 27, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Neal Sterling (87) catches a pass and gets tackled by Buffalo Bills cornerback Corey White (30) during the second half at New Era Field. Buffalo beats Jacksonville 28 to 21. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Shut down Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree

The Bills will face the league’s fourth-best set of pass catchers – according to Pro Football Focus – this weekend.

It’s going to be a big day for the likes of Stephon Gilmore, Corey Graham, James Ihedigbo and Ronald Darby and/or Kevon Seymour, or Corey White.

As much flack as Gilmore has gotten this season, he will be more than capable covering Cooper and Michael, but the question comes on the other side of the field.

With Darby likely out Sunday, the challenge of manning either Cooper or Crabtree will fall on Seymour. With Darby still in concussion protocol, the rookie was taking first-team reps with White Thursday and is preparing to start this weekend.

With Seymour stepping into a starting role, the Bills are going to need to create some pressure against a top-flight offensive line. The one weakness along the Raiders offensive line is right tackle Austin Howard, who ranks 55th among offensive tackles with a PFF grade of 55.7.

Jerry Hughes will see Howard the most, and will need to take advantage of the matchup as much as possible. If Hughes and the rest of the Bills front seven can create some pressure, Carr will be forced out of the pocket and off of his spot. The Bills would rather face a scrambling Carr than a pocket Carr.

Nov 27, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) throws a pass as Buffalo Bills offensive guard Richie Incognito (64) blocks Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Sen

Keep the pocket clean for Tyrod Taylor

At this point, every Bills fan is aware that Tyrod Taylor struggles finding the open receiver at times, and especially receivers over the middle of the field.

However, it’s not always Taylor’s fault. The second-year starter hasn’t had the cleanest pocket this season. Buffalo has allowed 31 sacks, good for fifth-most.

But when Taylor has the time to read the field, he has the ability to make some nice plays. His deep ball is one of the best in the league and has the ability to hit a deep strike at any moment. Just go back and look at the film from last week’s win.

The Oakland front seven has two good players, in Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin. If the Bills offensive line can slow down Mack and Irvin, Taylor will have opportunities to move the ball down the field. Oakland’s secondary is suspect, and is giving up 7.9 yards per attempt, which is third-worst in the NFL.

Prediction: Bills 28, Raiders 24

This game is going to be a shootout.

Buffalo has the offense to keep up with Oakland, but will the Bills defense make enough plays to limit the damage by Derek Carr and Co. With Kevon Seymour likely replacing Ronald Darby in the starting lineup, the Buffalo pass rush is going to have to have a big afternoon to help the rookie out.

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