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Wednesday, October 13
Updated: October 15, 12:00 AM ET
 
Baxter Bits: Raiders vs. Bills

By Russell S. Baxter
Special to ESPN.com

The Raiders head east to Buffalo for the second straight year as these original AFL rivals renew acquaintances in this closely-contested series.

The Bills own a two-game edge (17-15) in the overall standings (including 2-0 in playoffs) and have prevailed in six of the last eight meetings between the teams dating back to 1988, the latest a 44-21 victory last season (Week 15) at Orchard Park.

Including playoffs, the Raiders are just 5-12 lifetime on the road in this series dating back to 1960, including just 2-7 lifetime at Ralph Wilson Stadium dating back to 1974.

It is worth noting that the last 10 meetings between these clubs (dating back to 1983) have produced a whopping 526 points, an average of 52.6 points per contest.

Numbers: In their first five games in '98, the Raiders have totaled 16 sacks and forced 13 turnovers, but have allowed 1,573 total yards (314.6 YPG) and 100 points. After committing just 14 turnovers in their first eight games (6-2) in 1998, the Raiders have committed 39 turnovers in their last 13 contests (4-9). After allowing just 175 points in their first 10 games in 1998 (7-3), the Raiders have allowed 281 points in their last 11 games (3-8). The Raiders have limited the opposition to fewer than 100 yards rushing in five straight games.

After allowing 31 points, 393 total yards and three offensive touchdowns in their Week 1 loss at Indianapolis, the Bills have permitted just 42 points, 906 total yards (226.5 YPG) and just four offensive touchdowns in their last four games (4-0). Including playoffs, the Bills have committed two or more turnovers in 28 of their last 46 games dating back to '96, turning over the football 97 times in those 46 contests. They have committed four turnovers and allowed four sacks in four wins while committing three turnovers and allowing five sacks in one loss in '99. The Bills have limited the opposition to fewer than 100 yards rushing in four straight games.

Things To Look For: Oakland's defense continues to be an enigma, harrassing opponents most of the afternoon but unable to stop them when they need to most. The question marks surrounding the Bills are beginning to be answered quickly as elusive QB Doug Flutie compliments a very solid defensive unit. It will be interesting to see how long Raiders' QB Rich Gannon can stay out of harm's way.

Etc.:After opening 7-3 under head coach Jon Gruden, the Raiders are 3-8 in their last 11 games dating back to '98. WR Tim Brown (9,965) needs 35 yards to become just the 16th player in NFL history with 10,000 career receiving yards.

Bills WR Andre Reed (86) needs two touchdown catches to tie Don Maynard (88) for 5th place on the NFL's all-time touchdown receptions list. Reed (87) needs one touchdown to tie Don Maynard (88) for 19th place on the NFL's all-time touchdowns scored list. The Bills have won four straight games and they have won three straight home games and are 80-21 at home (including 9-1 in playoffs) since '88.





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