Rivers can burn opposing defenses.
The San Diego Chargers and the Buffalo Bills are going to get into it in week three in Buffalo on Sunday at 1 pm EST at Ralph Wilson Stadium. The Bills are one of seven teams remaining that are still undefeated, and the Chargers are coming off a big win over the World Champion Seattle Seahawks last week to even their record at 1-1.
The game can be watched online via live stream below (free with subscription), or on the CBS Television network.
If the Chargers are to keep the electricity going, then they are going to lean on quarterback Phillip Rivers like they did last week. Rivers went 28 of 37 for 284 yards and three touchdowns against the Seahawks last week, and a key matchup for this week's contest will be how he matches up against the Bills secondary. He can't really lean on his backs yet either, as they are only averaging a little over 2 yards a carry so far this season, so the Chargers really need to open up some running lanes against the Bills. One part of their offense that is working though, is the tight end play, most specifically, the play of Antonio Gates. So far this year he has 13 catches for 177 yards, and three touchdowns. He continues to be one of Rivers' favorite targets.
On defense, San Diego is struggling, and the Bills will try to exploit the holes. So far, the Chargers have given up about 5.6 yards every time the opposing team runs the ball. That is one of the worst amounts allowed in the league, and the run first Bills will try to use that to their advantage. To offset that, the Chargers will call on the offense to control the tempo of the game by holding the ball longer.
Jackson is a threat to run or make a catch when needed.
For the Bills offense, it's all about CJ Spiller and Fred Jackson. The Bills run game Spiller has 27 carries in the first two games for 122 yards, and Jackson has 19 carries for 85 yards. Meanwhile quarterback EJ Manuel has been much more efficient this year, with a 95.4 percent passer rating in the two victories.
The Bills Offense doesn't end with the running game, though, as rookie wide receiver Sammy Watkins is on track to have quite an impressive first campaign. So far he has 11 catches for 148 yards, while hauling in one touchdown. How he performs against the Chargers secondary will be another key to the game.
Buffalo's defense is really strong at the line of scrimmage. Mario Williams already has two sacks this year, and he would really like to put Rivers on his back a couple more times this Sunday. Overall the Bills D Unit has been stingy, allowing less than 16 points on average per contest.
To catch the game online, you can check out NFL Sunday Ticket. If you want to listen on the radio, the Chargers can be heard on KLSD AM 1360, and the Bills broadcast on WGR 550 AM. The game will be on the CBS Television Network with a 1 pm EST kickoff.
