Bills vs. Saints, NFL Week 8: first half open thread

The Buffalo Bills have received a good deal of positive press this week. NFL experts have repeatedly pointed out the fact that the Bills have scored 20 points or more in every game this season, that they continue to play competitively despite starting quarterback EJ Manuel being out of the lineup, and that they feature two legitimate stars defensively in pass rusher Mario Williams and linebacker Kiko Alonso.

None of those experts believe that the 3-4 Bills can win this afternoon, however, when they take on the 5-1 New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in Louisiana.

Which is fine. No one in their right mind should be picking any 3-4 outfit against Sean Payton, Drew Brees and a much-improved defense in that difficult venue. That doesn't change the fact that, facing long odds, the Bills find themselves in a prove-it game today. It'll be the toughest environment they've yet faced this season, and it's also the most explosive offense they've played by far, as well.

This is your open thread for the first half of today's game. Win or lose, we're likely going to learn a lot about the state of the Bills as a football team today. Let's go Buffalo!