Last Updated on September 19, 2010 3:17 pm by Anthony Rome
Bills vs. Packers Pick
The Green Bay Packers look to pick up their second win of the young season when they host the Buffalo Bills in their home opener in Week 2.
Oddsmakers from online sports book Sportsbook.com have made the Packers 12,5-point favorites over the Bills in Week 2. The over/under total for this game is currently set at 43 points.
The Bills Win If:
They can take over the game with their running game. Buffalo (for reasons unknown) has three running backs that are capable of starting. And for whatever reason, they chose to run the ball only 17 times last week in a close 15-10 loss to Miami. If Chan Gailey can’t get his running game going this week, then there’s no way Trent Edwards is going to be able to go toe-to-toe against Aaron Rodgers in a shootout. That would be like bringing a knife to a gunfight for Gailey. The Bills need to get Fred Jackson, C.J. Spiller and/or Marshawn Lynch going early or else things could get ugly in Green Bay.
The Packers Win If:
They go up early. A two or three touchdown lead in the first half would be insurmountable for a team like the Bills, which lacks offensive cohesion and explosion. Rodgers was shaky last week in Philadelphia and one of Buffalo’s strong suits defensively is its defensive backfield. But considering the Bills’ defense could be on the field for long stretches of time, then Green Bay should be able to get its passing game flowing this Sunday. The loss of Ryan Grant hurts, but it’s not like if the Vikings lost Adrian Peterson or the Titans lost Chris Johnson. Brandon Jackson is a serviceable replacement and the running game should be just fine with him receiving the bulk of the carries. The Packers just have to execute against an inferior team on Sunday and they’ll pick up another win.
Prediction:
I think most teams will come back to earth after surprising Week 1 wins, but there was nothing surprising about the Packers’ victory last Sunday in Philadelphia. They’re a solid football team and the Bills will once again finish at the bottom of the AFC East. This is a mismatch in every way and seeing as how the line is set below 14, the Packers are a solid play here. They should win in a laugher.
2010 NFL Week 2 Free Pick: GREEN BAY PACKERS –12.5
BONUS PICK: UNDER 43