Christian Benford isn’t just playing well - he’s rewriting the narrative around Buffalo’s secondary, one statement game at a time. While much of the league chatter tends to orbit around the usual star-studded names, Benford has been quietly building a case that’s getting harder to ignore. His recent performances aren’t just impressive - they’re historic, especially for a Bills defense that’s been anything but consistent this season.
Let’s rewind a bit. Just a week ago, Benford notched his first career touchdown with a scoop-and-score and held DK Metcalf - one of the league’s most physically imposing receivers - to just three catches for 35 yards.
That alone would’ve been a standout showing for most corners. But Benford wasn’t done.
Fast forward to the following week against Cincinnati, and he elevated his game again - this time with a pick-six, the first of his career. That made him the first defensive player in Bills history to score touchdowns in back-to-back games. That’s not just a fun stat - it’s a rare feat that speaks to instinct, preparation, and playmaking ability.
But the real test came in the form of Ja'Marr Chase - a top-tier receiver who usually gets what he wants against just about any cornerback. Benford?
He shut the door. In 16 snaps lined up directly across from Chase, Benford allowed zero catches on just two targets.
That’s not just solid coverage - that’s elite-level shutdown work against one of the most dynamic wideouts in the game.
Sure, Tee Higgins made his presence felt - including a highlight-reel one-handed touchdown grab against Tre'Davious White - but that doesn’t take away from what Benford did. His assignment was Chase, and Chase was a non-factor. That’s the kind of performance that turns heads in film rooms across the league.
What makes Benford’s rise even more significant is how steady he’s been amid the chaos around him. Buffalo’s defense has had its share of ups and downs this season - injuries, inconsistent play, and a front seven that’s struggled to generate consistent pressure.
But through it all, Benford has been a rock. His play has not only justified the contract extension he earned - it’s put him in the conversation as one of the league’s most underrated corners.
His Pro Football Focus grade of 90 tells the same story the film does - he’s playing at a level few corners reach, let alone sustain. And with a league-average grade hovering around 60, that 90 mark isn’t just good - it’s elite.
And the road ahead? It’s not getting any easier.
Benford is staring down matchups with receivers like A.J. Brown and Jerry Jeudy, plus a stretch of offenses that will test even the best defensive backs.
But right now, the Bills are counting on him to be the anchor on the back end - especially as the front seven tries to find its footing and the offense continues to carry a heavy load.
If Benford keeps this up, the All-Pro conversation won’t just be a possibility - it’ll be a necessity. For a player who entered the season off the national radar, his emergence might be one of the most important developments in Buffalo’s season. The spotlight is coming - and Benford looks more than ready for it.