Dan Posted December 1, 2013 Share Posted December 1, 2013 (edited) Week 13: Atlanta Falcons at Buffalo Bills Sunday, December 1, 2013 at 4:05pm in Toronto TV Network: Fox (TV Map) Announcers: Dick Stockton and Rhonde Barber DirecTV: 711 Bills Radio: On the call: John Murphy (play by play), Mark Kelso (analyst), Joe Buscaglia (sideline) Flagship: Buffalo – WGR550 (550AM); Toronto - Sportsnet 590 The Fan; Rochester - WCMF (96.5) and WROC (950AM); Syracuse - WTKW (99.5/WTKV 105.5) Sirius: 92 ================================================================= Game Preview: The Falcons (2-9) went 13-3 and hosted the NFC championship game in 2012, but they'll finish this season under .500 for the first time since going 4-12 in 2007, leading them to take Ryan with the third overall pick. The Bills (4-7) ended a three-game losing streak and are anticipating receivers Stevie Johnson (groin) and Robert Woods (ankle) back after resting during the bye. "I was very happy with the players coming back and their enthusiasm running around," coach Doug Marrone said. "We're at full strength. We don't expect anybody not to be available to us, which is a good sign." Read more at ESPN game preview... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scouting Report: Week 13 (from Buffalo Bills.com Chris Brown) NFL.com Video Preview Coach Mike Smith details his three keys to a Falcons victory. NFL.com Game Center Team Stats: Bills Falcons Total Yds/Game.... 331.1 348.2 Total Rush............. 134.1 74.7 Total Pass............. 197.0 273.5 Points/Game.......... 21.5 20.6 Time of Poss.......... 28.2 29.3 ---------------------------------------------- Yds/Gm Allowed... 347.8 381.2 Rush Yards........... 118.8 130.0 Pass Yards........... 229.0 251.2 Points Allowed........ 24.8 28.1 Source: NFL.com Injury Report: Buffalo Bills NAME POSITION INJURY WED. THU. FRI. GAME STATUS Johnson, Stevie WR Groin FP FP FP Probable Robey, Nickell DB Ankle FP FP FP Probable Williams, Kyle DL Back -- -- DNP Questionable Woods, Robert WR Ankle FP FP FP Probable Source: BuffaloBills.com Atlanta Falcons NAME POSITION INJURY WED. THU. FRI. GAME STATUS Dent, Akeem LB Ankle LP LP LP Questionable Gonzalez, Tony TE Toe LP LP LP Questionable Goodman, Malliciah DE Calf LP LP LP Questionable Motta, Zeke S Hand LP LP LP Questionable Trufant, Desmond CB Thigh LP FP FP Probable Weatherspoon, Sean LB Shoulder/Knee LP FP LP Questionable Source: AtlantaFalcons.com Practice Status Game Status DNP = Did Not Participate in Practice Out = Player will not play LP = Limited Participation - Less than 100% of normal reps Doubtful = 25% chance a player will play FP = Full Participation - 100% of a player's normal repetitions Questionable = 50% chance a player will play Out = Player will not play Probable = 75% chance a player will play (-) = Not Listed = No practice status available (-) = Not Listed - No game status available The Odds: Line: Bills -3.5 Over/Under: 46 Source: The Linemakers Up to date lines... if you're in Vegas. My Take on the Matchup: We finally get football back. What's more... we get the healthiest team we've seen since week 1. Seriously, when was the last time we went into week 13 with no major injuries (save Kyle's back)? It'll be interesting to see how they all play. By the stats and the record, Atlanta should be an easy win. But we all know there are no easy wins in the NFL. And with a QB like Matt Ryan, Atlanta is a dangerous team. So, for me, the key to the game will be our defensive line. They need to pressure Ryan so he doesn't get back on track with a 300+ yard game, while holding their run game in check. If we do that, I finally feel confident our offense will do enough to get the win. What I'll be watching: 1. The defensive line and backfield. Hopefully, they keep the Falcon passing game in check. 2. Kiko. Let's hope the bye week gave him enough rest to avoid the rookie wall and he can help shout down any run game on his way to a DROY nomination. 3. EJ Manuel. Yeah, he had a solid game 2 weeks ago but can he continue playing well? I'd like to see an efficient, smart game from the rookie 2 weeks in a row. 4. CJ Spiller. It'd be nice to see him play like the Spiller of 2012 for at least one game. If not now, against this defense, then when? 5. The Toronto crowd. Will they ever show any enthusiam in supporting the Bills? Hopefully, this feels more like a Bills home game than an exhibition match. Go Bills!! Edited December 1, 2013 by Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IslandBillsFan Posted December 1, 2013 Share Posted December 1, 2013 First to reply, do I get a prize? Also, gonna watch the game in a misc sports bar in Lauderdale area. Should be weird. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KDIGGZ Posted December 1, 2013 Share Posted December 1, 2013 Game day finally! Feels like I've been waiting forever with the bye week plus a 4pm start. Let's go Buffalo...uh I mean Toronto...err whatever Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
26CornerBlitz Posted December 1, 2013 Share Posted December 1, 2013 It's a good day for Mario to dominate. Let's Go Buffalo! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaybee Posted December 1, 2013 Share Posted December 1, 2013 (edited) Who do you guys figure they'll play if Kyle Williams is unable to go ? EDIT: Hey Dan, the NFL.com preview you posted is the week 11 game vs. the Jets. Just a heads up, and thanks again for starting the thread. Edited December 1, 2013 by jaybee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
26CornerBlitz Posted December 1, 2013 Share Posted December 1, 2013 Who do you guys figure they'll play of Kyle Williams is unable to go ? Charles. It's a homecoming breakout in Canada if Kyle can't go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K-9 Posted December 1, 2013 Share Posted December 1, 2013 My main concern is the two week layoff EJ has had since his rebound game vs. the Jest. Seems his season has been one of fits and starts more than a steady progression with the expected speed bumps in the way. As we've seen against the Phins and Jest, the two week layoff can result in a team coming out flat. Heck, we saw that from N.O. as well. We've got to be high energy from the opening kickoff and serve immediate notice to a dispirited team officially eliminated from the playoffs. Step on their throats from the get-go. GO BILLS!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SageAgainstTheMachine Posted December 1, 2013 Share Posted December 1, 2013 Who do you guys figure they'll play of Kyle Williams is unable to go ? Tough to say, especially since there hasn't been a defensive lineman amongst our inactives lately. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KikO M G Posted December 1, 2013 Share Posted December 1, 2013 The only hesistancy I have in picking a comfortable Bills win is not wanting to be burned for being over confident. But, after reminding myself that what I predict has absolutely nothing to do with the result, I say Bills 28 Falcons 17. The Falcons have a superior passing game overall, but the Bills have a better run game and a better defense both with the run and pass. The Bills are also a much better team with turnovers, and I expect them to win that battle today to neutralize any advantage ATL has in the passing game. The Bills also have much more to play for right now, as the Falcons are completely out of the playoff hunt and there was even a report this week that they could be playing some rookies more to see what they have for next year. If there is any truth that this will be garbage time from the opening snap for ATL, the Bills have no excuse but to win convincingly. With the Jets-Fins at 1 pm, we have a great day of football lined up! Go Bills! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gray Beard Posted December 1, 2013 Share Posted December 1, 2013 So according to the TV listings, in Utica the double header game is CBS, which shows AFC games. This game is on Fox since it is an NFC team visiting an AFC team (I think that's how it works). The end result: This game is not televised in the Utica area. Fox has us seeing Arizona at Philadelphia for the early game, and no late game. I hope that is a mistake in the listings, but this has happened before so I won't be surprised if it happens again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miyagi-Do Karate Posted December 1, 2013 Share Posted December 1, 2013 Can I just go on record saying how much I hate 4 pm start times? thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SageAgainstTheMachine Posted December 1, 2013 Share Posted December 1, 2013 The only hesistancy I have in picking a comfortable Bills win is not wanting to be burned for being over confident. But, after reminding myself that what I predict has absolutely nothing to do with the result, I say Bills 28 Falcons 17. The Falcons have a superior passing game overall, but the Bills have a better run game and a better defense both with the run and pass. The Bills are also a much better team with turnovers, and I expect them to win that battle today to neutralize any advantage ATL has in the passing game. The Bills also have much more to play for right now, as the Falcons are completely out of the playoff hunt and there was even a report this week that they could be playing some rookies more to see what they have for next year. If there is any truth that this will be garbage time from the opening snap for ATL, the Bills have no excuse but to win convincingly. With the Jets-Fins at 1 pm, we have a great day of football lined up! Go Bills! Even though that game's relevant to the Bills, I think it'll be a really bad one to watch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max997 Posted December 1, 2013 Share Posted December 1, 2013 Can I just go on record saying how much I hate 4 pm start times? thank you. I've become so used to 1 o'clock games I hate 4 PM and prime time games now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wayne Cubed Posted December 1, 2013 Share Posted December 1, 2013 Can I just go on record saying how much I hate 4 pm start times? thank you. Me too, especially when they are east coast games. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BUFFALOKIE Posted December 1, 2013 Share Posted December 1, 2013 Can I just go on record saying how much I hate 4 pm start times? thank you. Me too. I did not realize todays game is at 4:00 until I opened this thread. This changes the whole day's plan - buying/setting up/decorating our Christmas tree. I guess I better get moving. Ugh, kids aren't even out of bed yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ALF Posted December 1, 2013 Share Posted December 1, 2013 DT Stefan Charles is listed as the backup for Kyle Williams. His hometown is Toronto, good time and PR to let him play. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoloinOhio Posted December 1, 2013 Share Posted December 1, 2013 Not a fan of 4:00 starts either. The only good thing about it is there are fewer 4:00/4:3-0 games so more time on RZ channel. I won't get the game here so that helps. But the last 4:00 game they played was in NJ and the bitter taste is still in my mouth from that game. Hope they can turn around the late game trend!! DT Stefan Charles is listed as the backup for Kyle Williams. His hometown is Toronto, good time and PR to let him play. He has looked good, hope KW can go and maybe just rotate in Charles as needed. ATL has a patchwork OL so we'll see if he can be OK in a rotation, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockinon Posted December 1, 2013 Share Posted December 1, 2013 Can I just go on record saying how much I hate 4 pm start times? thank you. No you can not! Coach is sick and tired of listening to complaining. No complaining about home field advantage, no complaining about weather condition advantages. No complaining about start time. Even though that game's relevant to the Bills, I think it'll be a really bad one to watch. Yep. For Atlanta! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big C Posted December 1, 2013 Share Posted December 1, 2013 Can I just go on record saying how much I hate 4 pm start times? thank you. I live on the west coast and I hate them only because I hate that Bills game anticipation stretching out an extra 3 hours. Otherwise I like them. Feel for you east folks, though. Here's hoping the healthy squad can get some serious momentum going starting now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockinon Posted December 1, 2013 Share Posted December 1, 2013 DT Stefan Charles is listed as the backup for Kyle Williams. His hometown is Toronto, good time and PR to let him play. There is a piece on BB.com site about him. Interesting history on the guy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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