Five Bills to Watch in a Pivotal AFC Clash vs. Bengals
The Buffalo Bills are heading into another heavyweight AFC showdown this week, this time squaring off against the Cincinnati Bengals. It’s their second straight test against an AFC North opponent, and the stakes couldn’t be much higher. After taking care of business against the Steelers last week with a gritty 26-7 win, the Bills are looking to keep their playoff hopes intact-and potentially deal a knockout blow to Cincinnati’s.
But it won’t come easy. Injuries continue to test Buffalo’s depth, and they’ll likely need contributions from the practice squad just to field a full-strength lineup. With that in mind, here are five Bills players who could swing the outcome in Sunday’s must-win matchup.
RB James Cook III: Time to Set the Table
Let’s be clear: Josh Allen is always going to be the engine that drives this offense. But this week, the Bills may want to lean on their ground game-and James Cook might be the key to controlling the tempo.
The Bengals’ defense has been generous against the run this season-only the Giants have given up more rushing yards. That’s an opportunity Buffalo can’t afford to miss.
Sustained drives don’t just move the chains; they keep Joe Burrow and Cincinnati’s explosive offense on the sideline. And that’s a win in itself.
Cook has shown he can handle a heavy workload, and if the Bills can get him going early, it’ll force the Bengals to commit extra bodies to the box. That’s when Allen can strike through the air.
It’s all about balance, and Cook is the piece that makes it all work. Expect a steady helping of No. 4 this Sunday.
WR Khalil Shakir: The Spark in the Slot
With injuries thinning the receiving corps-tight end Dalton Kincaid’s status is up in the air, and Joshua Palmer looks unlikely to suit up-Khalil Shakir is going to be a central figure in the passing game.
Shakir’s been building chemistry with Allen, and he’s shown he can be dangerous in space. Whether it’s quick screens to beat the blitz or deeper routes to stretch the field, Shakir’s versatility will be tested-and needed.
Cincinnati’s defense had a strong showing last week, forcing five turnovers, but they still gave up over 340 yards of offense. If Buffalo protects the ball, there are plays to be made.
Shakir needs to be one of the guys making them. He’s not just a fill-in; he’s a playmaker in his own right, and this could be a breakout moment.
DE Javon Solomon: Next Man Up on the Edge
Buffalo’s defensive line has taken some hits. Joey Bosa is week-to-week, and A.J.
Epenesa missed Thursday’s practice with a foot injury, though he returned Friday. That leaves Javon Solomon and Greg Rousseau as the only fully healthy edge rushers on the active roster.
Solomon, the rookie out of Troy, is about to see the most meaningful snaps of his young NFL career. And it’s coming against one of the league’s most dangerous quarterbacks. No pressure, right?
Buffalo will almost certainly elevate someone from the practice squad-whether it’s Morgan Fox, Shaq Lawson, or Andre Jones Jr.-but Solomon is going to be in the thick of it. If he can generate pressure and disrupt Burrow’s rhythm, it’ll go a long way in slowing down a Bengals offense that can score in bunches.
CB Christian Benford: Pick Your Poison
When you face a team with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, your corners are going to be tested. And Christian Benford has been rising to the challenge lately, often shadowing opponents’ top targets.
The question this week: Who does Benford match up with? Higgins brings size and physicality, while Chase is a game-breaking speedster. Benford’s build and athleticism make him a solid option against Higgins, but Chase might be a tougher ask.
Look for the Bills to mix coverages, possibly using Benford on Higgins and rolling safety help toward Chase. However the assignments shake out, Benford is going to have his hands full. If he can hold his own, it’ll allow Buffalo’s defense to stay aggressive without getting burned over the top.
CB Maxwell Hairston: Rookie Ready for the Spotlight
Tre’Davious White has been solid since returning from injury, and he played a heavy snap count last week. But against a run-heavy Steelers team, that made sense. This week, Buffalo needs speed-and that’s where rookie Maxwell Hairston comes in.
Hairston is still working his way back from a concussion, but he’s the kind of athlete you need when lining up across from Ja’Marr Chase. It’s a tall task for any rookie, but this is exactly why the Bills used a first-round pick on him. He brings elite speed and the kind of quick-twitch movement that can at least keep up with Chase on vertical routes.
Expect the Bengals to test him early, maybe with a double move or a deep shot. Hairston doesn’t need to be perfect-he just needs to hold his own. If he can, it’ll give Buffalo the flexibility they need to mix coverages and stay competitive against one of the league’s top receiving duos.
The Bottom Line
This game is about more than just playoff positioning-it’s about proving the Bills can weather adversity and still punch back. Injuries have tested their depth all season, and Sunday will be no different. But if guys like Cook, Shakir, Solomon, Benford, and Hairston step up, Buffalo has every chance to walk out of this one with a win-and a little momentum heading into the season’s final stretch.