Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR 550) - The Buffalo Bills host the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, looking to go 8-6 and greatly increase their playoff chances with a win.
To get that, here are my three keys to the game, plus notes and stats:
1.) Can’t start slow
The Cowboys love to jump on teams early. They’re outscoring their opponents by a whopping 258-125 in the first half of games this season.
They want to score early, create a lead, and make their opponent one-dimensional, having to throw the ball to get back in the game. That will allow their pass rush to get going.
The Bills can’t let Dallas get off to an early start on the scoreboard against them.
2.) Slow down Lamb and Parsons
Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is having an incredible year. He’s third in overall receiving yards in the NFL and fourth in receptions.
Quarterback Dak Prescott loves to look his way, especially in critical situations.
Not letting Lamb have a big day, and forcing others to beat them in the passing game will go a long way for the Bills.
On the other side of the ball, the Bills will have to be aware of where Micah Parsons is on every single play.
The Cowboys will move him around, from defensive end to linebacker, and even kick him inside in certain situations. Parsons is eighth in the NFL with 12.5 sacks, and can be a one-man game-wrecker.
Buffalo’s entire offense, not just the offensive line, has to make sure they communicate well and know where he is and have a plan for him every play.
3.) Get Diggs going
It’s nice to have so many players getting involved in the passing game, but this is a game where Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs needs to be targeted and produce numbers.
Over the last four games, Diggs has caught only 17 passes for just 159 yards.
The Cowboys will run quite a bit of man-to-man defense, and Diggs will have opportunities in those situations. Josh Allen will need to take advantage of those when they present themselves.
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