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Buffalo Bills vs. Washington Redskins: Game Preview and Prediction

By Eric Robinson

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Dec 6, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) looks on as quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) runs the ball during the second half against the Houston Texans at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Buffalo beat Houston 30-21. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Two 6-7 teams that are still in the hunt for the 2015 playoffs. One team has a steep mountain to climb for a playoff berth (Buffalo) while the other is sitting pretty in “first place” of the NFC East (Washington). So despite the records, this is a very important game for both teams. Let’s dissect both teams and preview this intriguing matchup.

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Why Buffalo May Win:

It’s no secret that even with an under .500 record, Bills head coach Rex Ryan has injected a mentality of toughness into the team. In losses to New England (twice), Jacksonville, Kansas City, and Philadelphia, the total margin of defeat was 26 points. So the team, for the most part, were a few plays away here and there from being in the upper-echelon of the league. The Bills are led by QB Tyrod Taylor who has provided a dual threat element to the Bills offense with 2,439 passing yards, 18 TDs, and five INTs, as well as 371 yards on the ground and three scores. Quietly, the Bills have the third best running game in the league with 141.8 yards a game behind RB LeSean McCoy, Taylor, and rookie RB Karlos Williams.

What was supposed to be an elite defense upon the hiring of Ryan, they have been in the middle of the pack in points per game allowed(23.2, 15th), yards allowed per game (358.8, 20th) and yards allowed per play (5.5, 17th). With that said, the Bills defense must place an emphasis on getting after Washington QB Kirk Cousins early and often as well as generate a few turnovers as Cousins has 11 interceptions and four fumbles lost on the season.

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Why Washington May Win:

The 2015 season has been weird for pretty much the entire league. Adding to that weirdness is a 6-7 Washington team that is not only battling for a playoff spot but also holds first place in their division. Head coach Jay Gruden made the change at the QB position to Cousins prior to the season and the fourth year quarterback has started every game. With 3,306 passing yards this season and 69.2 completion percentage along with 18 TDs, Cousins has done a respectable job at the helm. Even with a 23rd ranked rushing game. Cousins has a good corps of receivers with Pierre Garcon, DeSean Jackson, and rookie Jamison Crowder. However, TE Jordan Reed is about as vital as you can get when it comes to the passing game.

Washington’s defense has barely kept their head above water this season but we should consider that they have had a number of injuries on the season. What has been important is their ranking of ninth in the league in takeaways per game. CB Bashaud Breeland has started to make a name for himself this season and will probably draw the assignment of covering Bills WR Sammy Watkins. If Washington wants to walk away with a win, DE Ryan Kerrigan and the rest of the front seven has to contain Taylor and not let him scramble to make plays as well as make McCoy a non-factor.

Who Will Win:

Neither team has a non-conference win on the season and while Buffalo has been an average road team, Washington has molded their record based on their play at home as they are 5-2 at FedEx Field. The front seven for both teams can have a lot of say in this game. Both are ranked 27th or worse in defensive sacks per game and Washington is seventh in sacks allowed per game.  If McCoy and Taylor can have their way as I anticipate Ryan to establish the run game early, Buffalo can put up some points on this banged up Washington defense.

Buffalo 27 Washington 21 OT

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