Are you excited, Raider Nation? The Las Vegas Raiders are officially 1-0 in the Jimmy Garoppolo-era after knocking off their division rivals from Denver for the seventh consecutive time. A new opponent is waiting for Las Vegas to visit in Week 2, and this new opponent is notably more challenging than the Broncos. If the Raiders want to start their 2023 season with a 2-0 record, they’ll have to now beat the Buffalo Bills.
Despite Buffalo’s Week 1 woes, where Josh Allen was responsible for four turnovers – including three interceptions to the same defender – the Bills are unanimous favorites to win this contest. Per ESPN, Buffalo has a 71.4% chance to walk away with a win.
How do we at the Raider Ramble feel about the Raiders’ chances today?
Las Vegas Raiders vs Buffalo Bills predictions
Bills win noticeably – 2
Bills win, but Raiders make it tough – 5
Raiders upset – 1
The Raider Ramble’s Mario Tovar (@_MarioTovar) and Ray Aspuria (@AsukalAspuria) believe this contest will be one-sided, and not in favor of the Silver and Black. “One word: massacre,” Mario says, while Ray believes Josh Allen will throw five touchdowns against Las Vegas.
The consensus is that Buffalo walks away victorious, but the Raiders make it hard. Hunter Haas (@NFLDraftHaas) predicts Las Vegas forces multiple turnovers, but ultimately fail to overcome the Bills’ firepower. After four turnovers in Week 1, such a prediction certainly makes sense.
Not everyone is buying that, though. Dalton Blackman (@Blackman_Dalton) believes Las Vegas will hang around, but states Buffalo’s turnovers were a product of a superior Jets defense. “They’re still a more talented team than Las Vegas.”
The fourth-quarter often decides the outcome of contests; Cam Archer (@CamArcher) and myself believe that to be the case here. The Raiders might make it tough for Buffalo, but do they have the personnel to seal the deal? @RaidTheKingdom echoed that sentiment, noting, “The Raiders are going up against one of the best wide receivers in the NFL and one of the most dynamic quarterbacks out there. I don’t think they can contain both of them.”
Most see Las Vegas walking away 1-1, but Phil Robinson (@PhilRobinsonIII) makes it clear that there’s a chance the Raiders advance to 2-0. “The Raiders overcame 10 penalties and outlasted the Denver Broncos. Additionally, Buffalo had a very physically and emotionally draining loss on Monday Night. Bouncing back on a short week will be difficult,” Phil adds.
What do you believe will happen, Raider Nation?
*Top Photo: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images