Buffalo @ Minnesota preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 10, 2017 ) Minnesota 17, Buffalo 10

The Minnesota Vikings claim they are taking the Buffalo Bills seriously as they prepare for Sunday's home contest against the beleaguered squad. Buffalo has been outscored 78-23 in its first two games and is throwing first-round pick Josh Allen into the fire.

The Vikings feel the Bills' defense is better than it has shown this season and is capable of causing problems. "I think they have a very good front," Minnesota quarterback Kirk Cousins told reporters. "I think they showed that last year, having been a playoff team, taking the (Jacksonville) Jaguars all the way to the final play in the (AFC wild-card game). We have great respect for them, and we know we're going to have to be at our absolute best to have a chance because it's a really good front, and they're a really aggressive and attacking defense." Allen made his first career start as Buffalo's quarterback in last Sunday's 31-20 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, completing 18-of-33 passes for 245 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. The status of running back LeSean McCoy (torn rib cartilage) likely won't be determined until Friday or Saturday.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Buffalo -16.5. O/U: 40.5

ABOUT THE BILLS (0-2): McCoy has gained just 61 yards on 16 carries over the first two games and said he will wear protective equipment over the ribs if he is cleared to play. "(I'll see) if I can actually go out there and run full tilt, full speed with no pain," McCoy told reporters. "But it might be some pain. I'll have to deal with it." The defensive issues led to coach Sean McDermott taking over the calls from defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier at halftime last week, and the two plan to share the responsibilities against the Vikings.

ABOUT THE VIKINGS (1-0-1): Cousins passed for 425 yards and four touchdowns with one interception in last Sunday's 29-29 tie with Green Bay and has made six scoring passes through two games. Wide receivers Adam Thielen (12 receptions, 131 yards, one touchdown) and Stefon Diggs (nine, 128, two) combined for 21 catches for 259 yards and three touchdowns against the Packers. Safety Harrison Smith (one interception) leads the defense with 15 tackles while defensive end Danielle Hunter has recorded two sacks to raise his total to 27.5 in 48 career games.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Vikings hold an 8-5 advantage in the all-time series, but the Bills have won three of the last four meetings.

2. Buffalo DE Shaq Lawson (hamstring) could miss his second straight game while CB Phillip Gaines (elbow) hopes to play despite being injured last Sunday.

3. Minnesota signed K Dan Bailey to replace rookie Daniel Carlson, who missed three field goals in the tie against Green Bay.

PREDICTION: Vikings 37, Bills 20