Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills: Preview, prediction

The Bills fired offensive coordinator Greg Roman following last week’s loss and promoted offensive assistant Anthony Lynn to his position. Given a change of coordinators, one would like the Cardinals defense’s chances in this one.

Bills running back LeSean McCoy figures to be a big part of Buffalo’s game plan, and Arizona will do whatever is necessary to stop the run. Arizona will also need to contain quarterback Tyrod Taylor and force him to beat them with his arm.

While it isn’t official, rookie Brandon Williams most likely lost his starting job to newcomer Marcus Cooper. Cooper impressed in last week’s win picking off Jameis Winston twice, and returning one interception for a touchdown. Whoever ends up starting will have a busy day, as Taylor will target any corner not named Patrick Peterson.

Wide receiver Sammy Watkins is questionable with a foot injury. While it looks like that he will be inactive, he still hasn’t been officially ruled out. It won’t be any easier for him as he will be covered by  Patrick Peterson for most of the game if he indeed plays.

Rookie long snapper Kameron Canaday has gotten off to a rough start in his young NFL career. While Arians has said they won’t be looking for a replacement, the time may come if he continues to look shaky.

Odds:

Arizona -3.5

O/U 47

Prediction: 

Arizona looked like Super Bowl contenders last week and will look to set the tone for what they hope to be a long season with a win on the road. The offense should turn in a dominating performance 2 weeks in a row against a struggling Bills defense. If the corner opposite Peterson can prove to not be an Achilles heel, the defense should be able to keep Tyrod Taylor and the Bills offense at bay.

Arizona Cardinals 31 Buffalo Bills 16