Buffalo Bills (+7)* at Detroit Lions
In one fell swoop, the Bills went from ‘Possible Surprise Team’ to ‘Told You So.’ It was tough to find too many believers in the Bills after their first two wins, but those who climbed on the bandwagon have since departed. It should come as no surprise to discover that the Bills have a combined 6-3 record over their first three weeks of the season from 2011-2013. Each year, they finished 6-10.
Things aren’t looking much brighter at the moment.
After their gut-wrenching loss in Houston that featured a critical interception returned for a touchdown, a blown ten-point lead, and seven three-and-outs, the Bills subsequently benched EJ Manuel.
Detroit appears to finally be getting some respect after mercilessly disposing of the New York Jets on the road. The Lions are favored by a touchdown, their biggest spread of the season. All three times Detroit has given points, they have won and covered. Asking for a fourth is rather dangerous.
Turning to Kyle Orton should not result in a road victory for the Bills, but the veteran quarterback will instill a much-needed sense of urgency, at least for one game. Moreover, it has been argued that wide receiver Sammy Watkins is being underutilized with Manuel at the helm.
Kyle Orton and the Bills beat the spread — after all, they have won half of their games — but lose to the Lions by a field goal.
