The Buffalo Bills are gearing up for a pivotal Week 16 showdown against the Cleveland Browns, and they’re getting healthy at just the right time. On Friday, the team got a major boost: cornerback Christian Benford is officially off the injury report and will suit up on Sunday. That’s not just good news - it’s potentially game-changing.
Benford was a full participant in practice and carries no injury designation heading into the weekend. After missing last week’s win over the Patriots, he’s cleared and ready to go. And make no mistake - his return could be a difference-maker for a Bills team still jockeying for playoff position.
Over the past month, Benford has quietly become one of Buffalo’s most impactful players, right up there with Josh Allen and James Cook. His knack for momentum-shifting plays has been on full display.
In Week 13, he flipped the script against Pittsburgh, scooping up an Aaron Rodgers fumble and taking it to the house to open the second half. The next week, he did it again - this time jumping a Joe Burrow screen and returning the interception for another touchdown.
Both of those defensive scores came when the Bills were trailing. Both turned deficits into leads.
And both led to wins. That’s the kind of presence Benford brings - not just solid coverage, but game-altering instincts and playmaking.
Buffalo enters this weekend with its postseason hopes in strong shape. According to projections, they’ve got better than a 99% chance to make the playoffs.
The path to an AFC East title or a first-round bye is still alive, but it’s narrow. They’ll need to win out - beating the Browns, Eagles, and Jets - and get some help along the way, including losses by the Patriots and Broncos.
Still, the focus right now is on what’s in front of them, and getting Benford back is a major step toward finishing strong. The defense has held up well in his absence, but his return brings a spark - and a proven ability to swing games when it matters most.
And it’s not just the defense getting reinforcements. On the offensive side, tight end Dalton Kincaid has also been cleared after missing midweek practice. He’s now a full go for Sunday, giving Josh Allen another weapon in the passing game as the Bills look to stack wins and secure their spot in January football.
As the stakes rise, Buffalo is getting healthier - and more dangerous.