NFL Oakland Raiders

5 Keys For Oakland Raiders To Win Over Buffalo Bills

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By @Kevin_Saito

Oakland's 5 Keys to Victory Over the Bills

Open Slide
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Buffalo has already earned its best record in more than a decade and still has a shot at the playoffs. They'll need help to get there, which is why we should expect them to come out fired up against the Raiders. Oakland has nothing to play for but pride at this point, but they can also play spoiler. A win will keep the Bills out of the postseason and give them their third win in five games. Here are Oakland's five keys to victory over Buffalo.

5. Establish the Ground Game Early

Murray
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

5. Establish the Ground Game Early

Murray
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

It will be a stiff challenge as Buffalo is giving up just over 103 yards, which ranks ninth in the league. But Latavius Murray has given the Raiders' ground game a spark and they would be wise to get him into a rhythm early. Allowing Murray to establish himself and get the chains moving will take pressure off of Derek Carr, but more importantly, will keep the defense fresh. Pounding the football is an absolute must for Oakland.

4. Contain Sammy Watkins

Watkins
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

4. Contain Sammy Watkins

Watkins
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

With 59 receptions for 805 yards (14.4 YPC) and five scores, Watkins leads the Bills in all relevant receiving categories. It's safe to say that he's far exceeded the expectations that come with being a first round pick. The Raiders must find a way to take him out of the game, as he's the focal point of the offense. They're not going to stop him completely, but Oakland must find a way to minimize his impact on this football game.

3. Pressure on Kyle Orton Relentlessly

Orton
Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

3. Pressure on Kyle Orton Relentlessly

Orton
Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Orton has been a competent quarterback for the Bills. Certainly not great, but certainly not Johnny Manziel-esque either. He's done a decent job in leading Buffalo to an 8-6 record and a possible shot at the playoffs – slim though it may be. Oakland's defensive front must be relentless. They must hit him early and often. He's no Peyton Manning, but he can cut you to pieces if you give him time. The Raiders must spend the afternoon in his face.

2. Keep Derek Carr Upright

Carr
John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

2. Keep Derek Carr Upright

Carr
John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Though they get little credit, the offensive line has done a decent job in protecting rookie QB Derek Carr. As a unit, they've allowed Carr to be sacked just 24 times this season, which is tied for the eighth fewest in the league. But Buffalo comes in tied for first place in most defensive sacks on the year with 49. The offensive line will be facing a stiff test in the Bills' defense. They absolutely must rise to the challenge and protect Carr.

1. Be Smart and Efficient in the Passing Game

Passing Game
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

1. Be Smart and Efficient in the Passing Game

Passing Game
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Against San Francisco, Carr was surgical and precise. Against Kansas City just last week, he was ragged and sloppy. Granted, other factors are at work, but Carr made some throws against the Chiefs he probably shouldn't have tried. He's at times, trying to do too much to spark the offense. To beat Buffalo and their very opportunistic defense, he will need to be smart with the ball and as surgical as he was against the 49ers two weeks ago.

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