Philadelphia Eagles vs. Buffalo Bills game preview

Week 2 of the pre-season kicks off Thursday with the Philadelphia Eagles hosting the Buffalo Bills. Coming in at 0-1, the Eagles will want to build off a loss to the Packers last week.

Buffalo Bills at the Philadelphia Eagles

When: Thursday, August 17th @ 7pm  

Trade partners from just a couple of days ago, the Bills with travel to the Linc Thursday to meet in week 2 for their pre-season matchup. Last week, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz was perfect in limited action going 4-4 for 56 yards and 1 touchdown.

That one touchdown came on a mouth-watering run after the catch from rookie wide receiver Mack Hollins. Although the Philadelphia Eagles starters looked good last, week it wasn’t enough to get a win against the Packers. The Bills came up short last week as well, losing to the Vikings. Look for the Eagles starters to play into the 2nd quarter this week and maybe all the way to half-time.

What to watch on Offense

Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery is expected to play, head coach Doug Pederson said on Tuesday. It looks like Wentz will have all his weapons on the field Thursday, as Jeffery was held out by the coaches last week against Green Bay. Look for the offensive starters to stay on the field into the 2nd quarter as per the usual pre-season Week 2 playing time standard.

The running game never got going last week against the Packers, I am not sure if it was because the Eagles were trailing for most of the game or the coaching staff wanted to see what Matt McGloin has.

McGloin threw the ball 42 times last week for 205 yards and one interception. The Eagles only ran the ball 19 times last game with Corey Clement leading the team in attempts with seven carries for 13 yards. Getting the running game going will be something to watch on Thursday vs. a Bills team that finished 29th against the run last season allowing 133 yards per game on the ground.

Who to watch on Offense

Eagles management must feel like they have ample wide receiver depth if they were comfortable trading away Jordan Matthews, and they are probably right. Mack Hollins looked great last week.

Finishing with 4 catches for 64 yards and a touchdown, Mack Hollins did not disappoint after a strong camp. Another receiver who has continued to impress for some time now is Bryce Treggs. Treggs finished with 7 catches and 91 yards. With Matthews traded, there will be a competition for the 3rd wide receiver spot, look for Hollins and Treggs to battle for that position.

What to watch on Defense

The starting unit for the Eagles defense last week kept the Packers out of the end zone and fared pretty well versus a Green Bay squad sitting Aaron Rodgers. This week, the Eagles will face a Bills team whose first team offense failed to score a touchdown last week. The Eagles defense will have to defend a familiar foe in LeSean McCoy but without Sammy Watkins (traded) and beloved Jordan Matthews (hurt), the Eagles defense should keep the Bills offense in check.

Coach Doug Pederson did say that the newest Eagle Ronald Darby should see some action in Thursdays match up, although it just might be a series or two.

Who to watch on Defense

It has just been one training camp and one pre season game but wow, hasn’t this draft class looked awesome so far? Last week Derek Barnett was a menace, leading the team in tackles, 4, and registering 2 sacks.

This is exactly what the Eagles wanted out of Barnett, an accomplished college pass rusher whose skills should translate to the NFL. The Bills starting left tackle, Cordy Glenn, wont suit up for this match-up leaving Barnett up against below average right and left tackles. Keep an eye out for Barnett tracking elusive QB Tyrod Taylor in and out of the pocket as this is a match up Barnett should excel in against the Bills.

Laying Odds

Eagles -5 (110)    0/U 39.5

Last week I went 2 for 2 on my picks, correctly picking the Packers -1 and under the 39. This week I will take the Eagles -5 and once again under the 39.5 total.

The Philadelphia Eagles starters should get some more work this week against a Bills defense that doesn’t scare anyone. The Bills coaches have stated that rookie QB, Nate Peterman, will work with the second unit and I think this gives an edge to the Eagles. The Bills will also be without starting left tackle Cordy Glenn, the previously mentioned Sammy Watkins, and wont have Jordan Matthews available as he cracked his sternum in his first Bills practice.

Looks like a nice night in Philly, 28 degrees with an 8 mph wind. Give me the Eagles -5 and the under.

Next: What makes Ronald Darby different?

Fantasy Spin

If you haven’t checked out my newest fantasy football article, click here. This post has in-depth rankings to get you set for your fantasy draft as well has a highlight on Eagles players.

This week I am watching Carson Wentz. Wentz is ranked my QB17 but I would like to see him in some extended action and how much he runs. After a perfect 4-4 night against the Packers it will be interesting if he can keep it going and increase his draft stock.