Week 14 Preview: How the Bills Can Exploit the Bengals’ Biggest Weaknesses
The Buffalo Bills head into Week 14 with a golden opportunity to gain ground in the AFC playoff race, facing a Cincinnati Bengals team that looks a lot different now than it did just a couple of weeks ago. Yes, the Bengals are still sitting at 4-8, but with Joe Burrow back under center and fresh off a divisional win over the Ravens, Cincinnati is suddenly a team playing with urgency and belief.
Still, this is a matchup that tilts in Buffalo’s favor-if they play it smart. The Bengals may be undefeated in games Burrow has started this season, but their issues run deeper than just quarterback health.
There are clear soft spots on this roster, and the Bills have the personnel to take full advantage. Let’s break down three areas where Buffalo can press the gas and put Cincinnati on the ropes.
1. Lean on the Ground Game-Hard
Last week, the Bills absolutely bulldozed the Steelers on the ground-51 rushing attempts for 249 yards. That wasn’t just a good day; that was a tone-setting, clock-controlling, defense-demoralizing performance. And now, they get a Bengals defense that’s been even more vulnerable against the run.
Cincinnati ranks 31st in the NFL in rushing defense, giving up 5.1 yards per carry. That’s not a typo.
They’ve allowed over 100 rushing yards in every game since Week 2, and in seven of those contests, they’ve given up more than 125. With Trey Hendrickson out again, their already-young front seven is even thinner, and it shows.
This is where James Cook can go to work. He doesn’t need 30 carries running Duo to make an impact-Buffalo just needs to stay committed to the ground game.
Establishing the run not only moves the chains, it keeps Burrow and that Bengals offense on the sideline. In the AFC North, ball control is king, and the Bills have the horses to dominate time of possession.
2. Test Cincinnati’s Rookie Linebackers with Play Action and Misdirection
The Bengals are rolling out two rookie linebackers-Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter-and while they’ve shown flashes, the growing pains are real. Both have struggled to stay disciplined against the run and have been picked apart in coverage.
Let’s look at the numbers: Knight has allowed over 74% of passes in his area to be completed, giving up 311 yards and a touchdown. Quarterbacks have an 84.5 passer rating when throwing his way, and while he does have two interceptions, the consistency just isn’t there.
Carter’s numbers are even more glaring-an 86% completion rate allowed, over 500 yards surrendered, two touchdowns, and a passer rating of 123.6 against. That’s a green light for any offensive coordinator.
The blueprint here is clear: establish the run early, then hit them with play action. Shallow crossers, tight end leaks, and quick slants across the middle will force these young linebackers to make quick reads-and that’s where mistakes happen. After a modest showing from the passing game last week, this is a chance for Buffalo to get back in rhythm through the air.
3. Force the Ball to Andrei Iosivas
Cincinnati’s passing game is usually a nightmare to defend. Between Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, it’s a classic “pick your poison” scenario.
But here’s the thing-Buffalo has the defensive backs to hold their own on the outside. Tre’Davious White and Christian Benford have the tools to limit the damage from Chase and Higgins, which opens the door to a different strategy: make Burrow look elsewhere.
That “elsewhere” is rookie wideout Andrei Iosivas, and he’s had a rocky season. While 17 of his 24 catches have moved the chains, that’s come on 44 targets.
He’s dropped nearly 10% of his passes and has been the target on two interceptions. The connection just hasn’t been reliable, and when the Bengals are forced to go to Iosivas, things tend to go sideways.
The goal isn’t to shut down Chase or Higgins completely-that’s not realistic. But if the Bills can contain them enough to funnel targets to Iosivas, that’s a win. Trust your corners, disguise coverages, and make Burrow throw to the least proven option on the field.
Final Thoughts
This is a critical game for both teams, but the Bills have the advantage if they play to their strengths. Run the ball, exploit the middle of the field, and force Cincinnati to lean on its weakest links. The Bengals may be scrapping for a late-season surge, but Buffalo has the firepower-and the game plan-to keep them grounded.
Week 14 is about execution. And if the Bills stick to this script, they’ll be one step closer to climbing back into the AFC playoff picture.