Vikings vs. Bills: The 16.5-point spread might be tougher than the foe

Bet them to cover a 16½-point spread at your own risk. But with rookie Josh Allen making his second career start, at U.S. Bank Stadium, behind a line that's given up its fair share of pressure in the first two weeks of the season, the Vikings should cruise at home.

Bailey debuts as kicker

After Daniel Carlson's three missed field goals at Lambeau Field cost him his job last week, the Vikings signed veteran Dan Bailey to a one-year, $1.75 million deal this week.

Frazier serves as 'collaborating' coordinator

Former Vikings coach Leslie Frazier, who was fired after the 2013 season, is the Bills' defensive coordinator, but after Buffalo's atrocious defensive start last week, coach Sean McDermott took defensive play-calling duties from Frazier. They will continue "collaborating" on defensive plays this week.

Tall task for Allen

The seventh overall pick in the 2018 draft, Allen completed 18 of 33 passes for 245 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions in his first NFL start last week. He took five sacks at home against the Chargers; he'll make his first start on the road.

Vikings LT Riley Reiff vs. Bills DE Jerry Hughes

When the Vikings last faced the Bills in 2014, Hughes was in the middle of a career year, and posted 1 ½ sacks while getting the better of Matt Kalil. He's 30 now, but he has a sack and seven pressures in two games. Reiff will see plenty of him on Sunday.

CB Xavier Rhodes vs. Bills WR Kelvin Benjamin

Rhodes had a big hand in controlling Benjamin during the Vikings' win over the defending NFC champion Panthers in 2016, and he could wind up shadowing the 6-foot-5 receiver on Sunday, as the Vikings try to throw off Allen's rhythm on the road.

68.9 The combined passer rating of rookie quarterbacks starting against the Vikings defense in the Mike Zimmer era. Dak Prescott, Mitch Trubisky, DeShone Kizer and Carson Wentz combined to go 2-3 against the Vikings as rookies.

They avoid unforced errors against an aggressive Bills defensive front, take advantage of big plays downfield and put consistent pressure on Allen.

Allen keeps the Vikings off guard with his mobility, the Bills can force the Vikings into several turnovers and LeSean McCoy — playing with injured ribs — can put together a big day against the Vikings defense.