The Cincinnati Bengals finally got back in the win column with a decisive 32-14 Thanksgiving victory over the Ravens, snapping a four-game losing streak and shaking off a brutal stretch where they’d dropped eight of nine. It was the kind of performance that reminded everyone just how dangerous this team can be when things click - especially on defense. But if the Bengals want to keep that momentum rolling into December, they’ll need to bring that same defensive energy - and then some - when they visit the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
Let’s be clear: shutting down a banged-up Lamar Jackson is one thing. Slowing down Josh Allen, especially in Buffalo, is an entirely different beast.
Allen’s blend of arm strength, mobility, and improvisation makes him one of the most difficult quarterbacks in the league to contain. He’s going to make some jaw-dropping plays - that’s just what he does.
The challenge for Cincinnati is limiting the damage when those moments happen, and making sure they’re not compounded by missed tackles or blown assignments.
And that’s where things get interesting.
Tackling Troubles on Both Sides
For all the strides the Bengals’ defense has made - and yes, they’ve been trending in the right direction, even before forcing five turnovers against Baltimore - one issue has lingered all season: tackling. It’s not a new problem, either.
The Bengals have quietly been one of the league’s worst tackling teams for nearly two years now. A late-season surge in 2024 masked some of those issues, but the numbers don’t lie.
What might surprise fans is that Buffalo, a team known for its defensive pedigree under head coach Sean McDermott, has actually been worse in that department this season. According to PFF, the Bills have missed 15.4% of their tackle attempts - compared to 13.7% for the Bengals. That’s a significant number, especially when you consider how often both teams are in close games where a single missed tackle can swing momentum.
So while the spotlight will be on Allen vs. Burrow - and rightfully so - the real battle might be in the trenches and in the open field, where both defenses will be tested to wrap up and finish plays.
Containing the Bills’ Ground Game
One of the biggest keys for Cincinnati will be stopping the run, particularly James Cook. The Bills leaned heavily on their young back in last week’s win over Pittsburgh, giving him a whopping 32 carries. He responded with 145 yards, showing the kind of burst and vision that can break a game wide open if left unchecked.
The Bengals, coming off a mini-bye thanks to the Thanksgiving schedule, should be well-rested. That extra time could be crucial when it comes to preparing for Buffalo’s run-heavy approach. Cincinnati’s front seven will need to stay disciplined in their run fits and avoid over-pursuing, especially since Allen can pull the ball and turn a broken play into a 20-yard scramble in the blink of an eye.
The rookie linebacker duo of Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr. has been showing promise, but this will be one of their toughest tests yet. They’ll need to be sharp in coverage and, more importantly, sound tacklers in space - particularly against Bills receivers and backs who thrive after the catch.
Bengals’ Offense Has a Path - If They Stay Balanced
On the other side of the ball, the Bengals have a chance to exploit Buffalo’s tackling issues - but they’ll need to stay balanced. While the Bills boast the NFL’s top-ranked pass defense, they’ve struggled to bring down ball carriers consistently, opening the door for Cincinnati’s resurgent ground game to make an impact.
Chase Brown has been a revelation over the past month, racking up 100+ scrimmage yards in six straight games. His combination of speed and elusiveness has added a new dimension to the Bengals’ offense.
And with Samaje Perine back in the mix after missing time due to injury, Cincinnati has a legitimate one-two punch in the backfield. Perine’s physical running style could be exactly what the Bengals need to wear down a Bills defense that’s shown cracks in the armor when it comes to yards after contact.
If Tee Higgins clears concussion protocol and returns to action, that gives Joe Burrow another reliable target alongside Ja’Marr Chase, who continues to be a matchup nightmare for opposing secondaries. But even with those weapons, don’t be surprised if Cincinnati leans on the run early and often to soften up the Bills' defense and control the tempo.
The Bottom Line
This Week 14 showdown is about more than just two elite quarterbacks going head-to-head. It’s about which team can clean up the little things - the missed tackles, the blown coverages, the mental lapses - and play complementary football.
The Bengals have the momentum, the rest advantage, and a defense that’s starting to find its identity again. But Buffalo is still Buffalo, and Josh Allen is still one of the most dangerous players in the league.
If Cincinnati can win the tackling battle and stay disciplined on defense, they’ll give themselves a real shot at pulling off a statement win on the road. And if the offense can stay balanced and take what the Bills give them, this could be the kind of December game that shifts the trajectory of their season.
It’s all on the table. Now it’s about execution.