2011 NFL Week 2 Picks: One of the biggest determining factors as to weather a team will do well on Sundays is injury. Banged up players could be the key between a victory and a defeat in the NFL, but unfortunately, they’re as much part of the game as winning and failing. Needless to say that there will a lot of aching bodies this week, when the Oakland Raiders travel to Ralph Wilson Stadium to take on the Buffalo Bills.
According to 2011 NFL Week 2 Picks, the (1-0-0) Oakland Raiders [+3] have been listed as the NFL Point Spreads underdogs on the road against the (1-0-0) Buffalo Bills [-3]. This game’s opening kickoff is scheduled for 1:05 PM ET and the OVER/UNDER set at a combined total of 42 points.
Coming off a huge victory in Week 1, the Silver and Black hope to apply the success they enjoyed against the AFC West last season to this year. The Raiders will have their first opportunity to achieve this on Sunday in Buffalo. However, personnel issues are going to be key if Oaktown will off an upset victory on the road.
For starters, the Raiders will be without the services of starting wide receiver, Jacoby Ford this week. The speedy Ford has been ruled out for Sunday’s game because of a hamstring injury. In the season opener, Ford caught three passes for 22 yards. Ford will also be missed in special teams, as he’s the No.1 guy in the depth chart for kickoff returns.
Another starter that has missed practice due to injury is Raiders safety Michael Huff. The 6th year defensive back has missed practice due to a sore groin. After participating in limited practice on Friday, Huff insists that he will be out there come Sunday.
“I’ll be all right,” Huff said. “Haven’t missed a game in my career. Why start now?”
Huff recorded three tackles in the Raiders season opener at Denver. At this point, it is unclear as to who would start in case Huff is a no-go. According to the depth chart, 7-year man, Matt Giordano, should be the starter in his place. Nevertheless, Raiders coach Hue Jackson didn’t want to announce any decisions just yet.
“It will depend on how we start in the backfield,” Jackson said. “We have some bodies back there if he can’t go. But I feel very comfortable that we’ll have all these issues solved and be ready to play this game.”
Other injuries include: Darrius Heyward-Bey (questionable), Louis Murphy (out), Chaz Schilens, Derek Hagan, Denarius Moore, Darren McFadden (probable), CB Chris Johnson (probable), Richard Seymour (questionable) and TE Kevin Boss (questionable).
My 2011 NFL Week 2 Picks against the Raiders vs Bills: I like Buffalo at home over the Raiders in this one. If the Bills can contain Darren McFadden from running wild all over the field, they can win this one easily and move to 2-0. The Raiders offensive limitations will be their demise in this game. I have Buffalo winning by a TD.
