Bills Heavy Home Faves Over Washington

After a surprising loss in their season opener, the Bills (1-1 SU, 1-1 ATS) got back on track last week with a blowout win in Miami, improving to 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games. Buffalo is expected to build on that momentum when it faces the Washington Football Team (1-1, 0-2).

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

Oddsmakers originally made Buffalo a one-touchdown favorite in this spot, but the line jumped to Bills -9 after Buffalo’s 35-0 win over the Dolphins last week. If the total closes at 47.5 or higher, it would be the second-highest total in Washington’s last 30 games.

Washington News & Notes

The team hopes a few extra days of preparation will help fix its early-season defensive issues. After boasting the league’s second-ranked defense a year ago, Washington has allowed an average of more than 400 yards to the Chargers and Giants, struggles coach Ron Rivera attributes to a lack of communication.

Last Thursday, Washington surrendered points on four straight New York possessions and also gave up a 58-yard touchdown run that was called back by a penalty.

Quarterback Taylor Heinicke, who bailed the defense out last week with a late drive for a game-winning field goal, may be starting to earn consideration for the starting job even after Ryan Fitzpatrick returns from a hip injury. Heinicke threw for 336 yards against the Giants, targeting Terry McLaurin 14 times for 11 receptions, 107 yards and a touchdown.

Buffalo News & Notes

The Bills are coming off their first shutout win in five years, recording six sacks and forcing three turnovers in a 35-0 romp over Miami. Buffalo also stopped the Dolphins on downs four times, building on a strong performance the previous week against Pittsburgh. Through two games, Buffalo’s defense has allowed just 16 points and 468 yards.

Although Josh Allen threw a pair of touchdown strikes in the win, he has yet to find the form that made him an MVP candidate last season. Allen’s biggest drop-off has been his accuracy, completing 56 percent of his throws so far this year — a decline of 13 percentage points from last season. He also hasn’t built much chemistry with offseason acquisition Emmanuel Sanders, who has caught only six balls for 100 yards through two games.

Staff Betting Pick: UNDER 46.5

This total looks a bit too high for any game involving Washington’s defense and a backup quarterback at the helm, especially with the Buffalo attack still yet to hit its stride.