Bills vs. Vikings: 3 Ways the Buffalo Bills Can Pull Out a Victory in Minnesota

The Buffalo Bills are coming off a devastating OT loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers last week, their third extra session loss of the season. 

Many gave the Bills little chance even to compete in the game, but a resurgent second half led by Fred Jackson, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Kyle Williams gave the Steelers more than they could ever have wanted. 

Following three consecutive solid efforts the Bills travel to Minnesota tomorrow to face a Vikings team that could be as big of an enigma as the Bills themselves. 

Will Favre be the Favre of 2009, or will they get the 2010 version? Will Adrian Peterson play? How about Percy Harvin?

There are a lot of question marks going into this one. 

How can the Bills pull out what would be a good road win in the Metrodome?

1. Throw It...A Lot

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - NOVEMBER 28: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Buffalo Bills throws against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Ralph Wilson Stadium at Ralph Wilson Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

I've been an advocate of Buffalo putting an onus on pounding the football with Fred Jackson to eat clock and limit the mistakes of Ryan Fitzpatrick, but my theory is gradually starting to change. 

Fitzpatrick has demonstrated that he can make plays against good defenses, and with the number of four and wide receiver sets Chan Gailey sends out there, it's evident that he trusts Fitzpatrick's arm as well and likes the Bills receivers against just about any secondary. 

Minnesota is allowing opposing quarterbacks to complete 63.4 percent of their passes, and with guys like Kevin Williams, Pat Willis and Ray Edwards (questionable) up front, throwing the ball might be the Bills' better option. 

I don't think there's anyone in Minnesota's secondary that can match up with the size and shiftiness of Steve Johnson, and Fitzpatrick's tosses won't be affected by any wind in the Dome. 

Air it out. 

It makes the game more fun, anyway. 

2. Pressure Favre

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - NOVEMBER 28: Kyle Williams #95 of the Buffalo Bills plays against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Ralph Wilson Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. Pittsburgh won 19-16 in overtime. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Although the Bills sacked Big Ben five times last week, the plays he made to evade the rush may have been more critical in the game's outcome. 

This week, Kyle Williams gets the opportunity to feast on a 41-year-old QB who's more hobbled than ever—Brett Favre. 

Expect a variety of blitzes to be sent his way, and count on Kyle Williams to be the most dominant Williams in the game with the way he explodes off the snap. 

Minnesota has a large but not overly impressive offensive line, so getting to Favre is paramount in the Bills' pursuit of a victory. 

3. Use Running Backs in The Passing Game

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - NOVEMBER 28: Demetrius Bell #77 reacts while Fred Jackson #22 of the Buffalo Bills rushes for a touchdown during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Ralph Wilson Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo b

I touched on the Bills throwing the football early and often, but without any semblance of a tight end in the offense, Buffalo must get their running backs involved in the middle of the field and on screens to take some pressure off the outside guys. 

Fred Jackson has accumulated Frank Gore-type receiving numbers in the past three weeks, and with the return of CJ Spiller playing on a fast track, Chan Gailey would be foolish not to incorporate his talented backs into the aerial attack. 

Ben Leber is one of the best coverage linebackers in the game, but misdirection plays and slip-screens could spell trouble for the Vikings and will keep them off balance. 

They're high percentage throws and give the Bills playmakers the ball in space. 

No brainer.