Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - The Buffalo Bills will look to win their fifth-straight game on Sunday and go 12-4 on the season when they host the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles at Highmark Stadium.
In order to do that, here are my three keys to the game, plus notes and stats:
1.) Don't let Saquon get rolling
Eagles running back Saquon Barkley isn't having the same season he had a year ago, but he's still one of the best backs in the league who can take over a game at any time. And he's been getting going lately, rushing for 332 yards over the Eagles' last three contests.
The Bills run defense has allowed too many big numbers this season, including the last two weeks where they've given up a total of 406 yards on the ground.
They absolutely have to slow down Barkley and not let the Eagles control the game with him.
2.) Lean on James Cook and running game
The Eagles run defense has also been suspect to some big games against them this season. They've done a better job as of late, but still rank 21st in the league in both yards per-game (123.5) and yards per-play (4.41) given up.
The Bills come into the game with the top rushing unit in the NFL at 158.9 yards per-game, and James Cook leads the league with 1,532 yards on the ground.
With quarterback Josh Allen dealing with a foot injury this week, the Bills will want to keep him out of harm's way. The best way to do that is to run the ball with Cook, and do it successfully.
3.) Ball security
It seems like whenever these two teams play, weather is a factor. That was the case when they faced each other in 2019 in Orchard Park, and in 2023 in Philadelphia. Both were Eagles wins.
It will be rainy on Sunday, and ball security will be at a premium for both teams. The Bills can't give a talented Eagles offense any extra opportunities.
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