FPC Vikings Predicts Week 3: Bills @ Vikings

September 21, 2018

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vikingsbills — Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig, Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Not much debate from the FPC Vikings crew with this one.

Minnesota is 16.5-point favorites in Vegas as the Bills come to U.S. Bank Stadium. Now, this could mean a quintessential overlook game for Minnesota, especially given the two games that await them. But everyone here agrees that the Vikings should win and win big.

Madison Parkhill: Minnesota 27, Buffalo 13

Owners of a bottom-five roster and an inexperienced rookie quarterback with accuracy issues, the Buffalo Bills have to travel to Minnesota to play the Vikings in week three. The Bills have an implied point total of only 12 points this week, and I fully expect the Vikings’ dominant defense to be on full display here. While this does set up as a trap game coming off the emotional tie against the Packers last week, Minnesota is at home and are the much more talented team. I think the Bills’ defense might keep it close longer than many expect, but I like the Minnesota rushing attack to have its first strong performance of the year. The Vikings should remain undefeated entering the toughest two-game stretch of their season.

– Madison Parkhill writes for Full Press Coverage and covers the Vikings. Follow him @MadPark44.

Roger Dier: Minnesota 31, Buffalo 10.

The Vikings are approaching what the betting types like to call a “trap game.” You know, the type of contest a team should win but may not because they are looking too far into the future at the next opponent. Minnesota has to forget about next Thursday night’s game at the Rams and take care of the business in front of them at home on Sunday.

The business arrives from Buffalo. Though the Bills surprised the NFL by making the playoffs last year in coach Sean McDermont’s first season, this year McDermont is having the type of season most first-year coaches really have.

A rough one.

The Bills are 0-2, scoring 23 points in two games. Defensive back Vontae Davis walked out on his teammates last weekend in the loss to the Chargers. Struggling rookie quarterback Josh Allen is large at 6-feet-5, 237 pounds, but he’s also been a big target through two games, getting sacked eight times.

I expect more of the same Sunday. The Minnesota defense is the only thing trapping Sunday, and they get to Allen often and roll over Buffalo by over 20 points.

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– Roger Dier writes for Full Press Coverage and covers the Vikings and the NHL. Follow him @rogerdier.

Clayton Brooks: Minnesota 35, Buffalo 6

After coming up (somewhat) short in their comeback last week at Lambeau, the Vikings will be looking to bounce back. Their next opponent provides the perfect opportunity.

The Buffalo Bills have been arguably the worst team in the NFL in the opening weeks of the season. Outside of running back LeSean McCoy, the rest of the offense doesn’t have many threats that concern even average opposing defenses. Add a rookie quarterback who struggles with accuracy and a defense that can’t stop anyone (31st in points allowed) and this has the makings to be a rout.

Unless the Vikings simply don’t show up or severely underestimate the Bills, this should be a blowout.

– Clayton Brooks writes for Full Press Coverage and covers the Vikings. Follow him @ClaytonRBrooks2.

Sam Smith: Minnesota 34, Buffalo 10

I will keep this short. Everything about the Bills points to them finishing with one of the worst records in the league. Their weapons are nondescript. The defense is nowhere near the level it was last year, and last year it was still fairly mediocre. LeSean McCoy, the only player of ilk on the Buffalo offense, has been limited this week with a rib. And then throw in Josh Allen: an immensely talented quarterback who is completing just 50 percent of his passes this season.

Given all that and the way the Vikings’ passing game has looked thus far this season, Minnesota should get up big early and never look back. Allen may break off a big play or a couple good drives, but this one should be a no-brainer. There is a reason the spread is the highest of the NFL season thus far.

–Sam Smith is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Vikings and Deputy Editor for Full Press NFL. Like and Follow @samc_smith Follow @fpc_vikings Follow @fpc_nfl