Mike: Eagles, 24-17. For all the firepower the Bills offense displayed in Weeks 1-3, they showed last week that a good defense can still keep them in check. The Eagles have such a defense; sure, their ability to stop the run is a bit suspect, but the Bills tend to get a little pass-wacky anyways. I’ll resist the cliched “Dream Team has become a nightmare” comment and simply point out that the Eagles have no business being 1-3 with the team they’ve put together. They’re going to come into this game more than a little pissed off, and I think this is the week Philly starts to turn it around.
Brandon: Eagles, 31-24. This will be one of those games where we’re reminded of exactly why talent trumps heart and work ethic every time in the NFL. The Bills present a good matchup against the Eagles, and I’ll admit if they get a few good breaks and the offense plays well they could easily have a shot to take the win. But I don’t think that’s how it will play out. Mike Vick is by far the most dynamic all-around player in the NFL and now that we’ve all remembered exactly where this defense lies within the league, there’s no reason we should expect to be able to contain him — which is the only way you beat the Eagles. In order to stop Vick, the Bills will have to maintain a ton of pressure. The linebacking corps will have to be huge in this game make some big plays with Vick and McCoy in the backfield. I’m not sure they’re capable of doing so. And even if they’re able to keep the rushing yards to a minimum, DeSean Jackson has the ability to shoot downfield in a flash. With our secondary the way it is, I’m not expecting to stop that passing attack, either. So what it comes down to ultimately is talent. The key for the Bills on offense is Fred Jackson. He’ll have to get off to a fast start which will help to control the ball early. If the Bills win, Fitzpatrick has an incredible game in yet another thrilling shootout. I just don’t see it happening. The Eagles are one of the most talented teams from an individual standpoint in the entire league even with their 1-3 record, and in the end that will be the difference in the end. Then again, every week I’ve picked the Bills to lose, they prove me wrong. So hey, maybe this is a good omen.
Matthew: Eagles, 37-17. Until the Bills defense can show me that they can stop a legitimate offense, I’m hesitant to give a team less than 30 points. The Eagles, being the paper tiger that they are, get 7 extra. Michael Vick is going to give the team fits all day with his ability to break to the outside better than anyone else in the game. LeSean McCoy will be a significant test after the team gave up 100+ to Cedric Benson last week. Offensively, for the Bills to win this football game they will need to establish the running game. It won’t happen. The Eagles are 4 deep at corner, with their dime guys more-or-less better than our starting cornerbacks. You have to run the ball on this team. I suspect Gailey will force the issue with the pass, and the team will get into trouble early and often. Fitzpatrick will also face more pressure this week than he has all season, including last week, as the Eagles present a pass rush even more potent than the Bengals, and the Bills will be missing Demetrius Bell. What this comes down to is, defensively both teams present match-up issues for one another, but the Eagles have more prolific players. I don’t think this one will look so good by the 4th quarter, and yes, you may begin pressing your panic buttons.
Joe: Eagles, 35-24. I can’t tell you how much I hate this match-up. The Eagles offense is incredible, and our defense has given up over 400-yards in offense to the likes of Jason Campbell and Andy Dalton. I wouldn’t be surprised if Mike Vick pulls out an epic performance, especially with Philly’s backs against the wall. Plus, Leodis McKelvin against Jackson or Maclin? AWFUL. I will say that I’m going to keep an eye out on how our defensive line plays. I haven’t exactly been blown away by them, especially Kyle Williams, who isn’t making as many plays as he did last year. We all know the Eagles offensive line has issues, especially with the interior. Offensively, I think the Bills will put up points because Trent Cole is out and we can rush the football against their defense. However, I know Gailey loves to pass the football, so, I can see him trying to burn the secondary. However, I just think the Eagles cornerbacks are better than our WRs. Plus, talent wins out and the Dream Team has a lot of that.
Brian: Eagles, 31-17. I hope I’m wrong on this one, because I want this group to bounce back in a big way. I think this is the week that the Eagles secondary finally shows their prowess and Bills fans are back to wondering what exactly we have with Fitzpatrick all over again. If Gailey can commit to the run early and the Bills can run right at the Eagles defense, I’ll feel much better about this game. With Andy Reid vs. Chan Gailey, I’m not sure we’ll see any rushing attempts. This is a huge game in terms of testing this team’s resolve and how much improved Ryan Fitzpatrick, the offensive line and defense really are. I’m putting a lot of stock in this performance. In the end, I think Vick creating outside of the pocket and a lack of pass rush really hurt the Bills this week. I’m also worried about Fitzpatrick’s accuracy against the Eagles secondary.
Shelby: Bills, 23-20. Bills 23-20 Going with the score that ended from last Sunday but hopefully the Bills can pull it off this week instead of the league blowing it for them.
Mark: Eagles, 34-24. My continued concerns about the defense compel me to pick the Eagles. Both teams have motivation after last week’s losses, but I think in the end Philly’s extra desperation and talent advantage will be the difference. Our offense should put up a decent showing, but I’m afraid it won’t be enough.
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