Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - In a game that has major playoff implications for both teams, the Buffalo Bills will look to improve to 9-4 on the season when they host the 4-8 Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday at Highmark Stadium.
In order to do that, here are my three keys to the game, plus notes and stats:
1.) Be aggressive on offense
Whether it's on the ground or through the air, the Bills should have plenty of opportunities to move the ball against a Bengals defense that ranks last in the league in total yards given up per-game and yards passing per-game, and next-to-last in rushing yards allowed per-game.
Cincinnati has also given up 45 passing plays of, at least, 20 yards, and 12 rushing plays that have covered, at least, that much, both second-most in the NFL.
The Bills need to capitalize on those big play chances and move the ball.
2.) Don't let Cincinnati become two-dimensional
Even though they have elite offensive talent in the passing game, the Bengals are also very good at running the football.
Chase Brown has been red-hot as of late, averaging an outstanding 5.83 yards per-carry over his last six contests.
The Bengals have the second-fewest rushing attempts in the NFL, but when they run, they are efficient and it helps put them in great position in the passing game. And once that gets going, it puts defenses on their heels and helps the running game even more.
Buffalo's defense has to make sure they slow down the running game first so that quarterback Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati offense aren't able to keep the Bills off-balance with a two-dimensional attack.
3.) Avoid negative plays
The team that wins this game may be the one with the fewest negative plays. Mainly, sacks and turnovers.
The Bengals have done a much better job of protecting their quarterback this season. They are ninth in the NFL in fewest sacks allowed per-passing attempt. But they're also 30th in the NFL in getting to the opposing passer per-attempt.
When the Bills have lost games this season, there has been a direct relationship to their turnovers. Negative plays will have negative consequences.
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