Bengals (13-4) at Bills (14-3)
Sunday, 3 p.m. ET, Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, New York
TV: CBS
Tipico Sportsbook line: by 41⁄2
Bengals’ keys to victory: Cincinnati is one of a few teams with the firepower to go toe to toe with the Bills offensively. But the plan should be to keep QB Josh Allen in the pocket and put him on the ground. Buffalo sports an average offensive line at best, and pass rushers Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard must take advantage. Offensively, the Bengals have a perfect chance to take advantage of a banged-up secondary. WR Ja’Marr Chase always seems to get his numbers, but with the lack of depth behind Buffalo CB Tre’Davious White and S Jordan Poyer, the Bengals would be smart to look toward WRs Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd a lot.
Bills’ key to victory: While the Bengals have a talented roster, there really has only been one team that can truly beat the Bills this season: the Bills. Buffalo and Allen specifically have problems giving the ball away. The Bengals will make the Bills pay if that happens against them. Defensively, the main key might be getting healthy. But in terms of things the Bills can control, winning the line of scrimmage is it. Buffalo lost their “closer” in Von Miller earlier this season, and someone has to step up into that role, both against the run and pass. DE Greg Rousseau has had spurts, but one of those must come against Cincinnati.
Matchup to watch: Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase vs. Bills CB Tre’Davious White. This could turn into a premier matchup.
Who wins? Cincinnati has that underdog mentality and too many ways they can beat the Bills.
Bengals, 27-24
Bills