Despite losing star running back C.J. Spiller in the first quarter, the Buffalo Bills beat the Cleveland Browns 24-14 on Sunday afternoon. With a strong defensive performance and the offense moving behind Ryan Fitzpatrick and back-up running back Tashard Choice, the Bills were able to win their first road game of 2012.
Bills Vs. Browns Final Score: Buffalo Wins 24-14
With Spiller in the lineup, the Bills got ahead early, leading 14-0 following a 32-yard touchdown catch by the running back. He injured his shoulder during the next series, though, forcing the team to depend on Choice as its primary ball carrier.
Choice came through, putting up 91 yards on 20 carries to keep Buffalo’s rush offense alive. Fitzpatrick did his part as well, completing 22-of-35 passes for 208 yards and three touchdowns, although he did lose a fumble in the second quarter.
The Browns trimmed Buffalo’s lead to 17-14 late in the third quarter, but the defense held steady and Fitzpatrick led a 68-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter to put the game away.
Fantasy Studs/Duds: Fitzpatrick and Choice were the big fantasy players on Sunday, as the Browns' offense didn't play particularly well. Stevie Johnson was Buffalo's leading receiver with seven catches for 61 yards and a touchdown. Brandon Weeden passed for 237 yards and a touchdown, but he also threw two interceptions.
No player on the Browns had more than 45 yards receiving, and Trent Richardson was quiet all afternoon. The first round pick carried the ball 12 times for 27 yards, plus he caught six passes for 24 yards.
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Odds: The Bills were favored by three points, so they beat the spread.
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Injury Info: Spiller's shoulder injury is the big news. He's scheduled to have an MRI on Monday to determine the severity of the injury, but the Bills could now be without their top two running backs for a while after losing Fred Jackson earlier in the year.
Next Up: The Bills will move on to play the New England Patriots next week as they look for a third straight win. The Browns face the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night.
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