The Buffalo Bills are heading into Sunday’s matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals a little lighter on defense - and a little more reliant on Josh Allen to work his magic.
With edge rusher Joey Bosa and linebacker Terrel Bernard officially ruled out, head coach Sean McDermott is going to have to get creative. The absences were expected after both players missed practice this week, but that doesn’t make the task any easier. Buffalo’s defense has been solid in some areas, but it's also been inconsistent - and now it’s facing a Cincinnati offense that’s getting back to full strength at just the wrong time for the Bills.
Let’s start with the good: Buffalo ranks No. 1 in the league in passing yards allowed per game (163.2), eighth in total yards allowed (304.5), and sits in the top half of the league in points allowed (21.6). That’s not nothing.
But the run defense? That’s where things get dicey.
The Bills are giving up 141.3 rushing yards per game - third-worst in the NFL - and that’s before factoring in the loss of Bosa.
Bosa has been a force this season, plain and simple. He’s racked up five sacks, 41 total pressures, and 25 hurries in just 12 games.
And he’s not just getting to the quarterback - he’s changing games. His five forced fumbles lead the league, and he’s been a huge part of Buffalo’s defensive identity.
With him sidelined by a hamstring injury, the Bills lose both a pass-rushing weapon and a veteran presence who’s been anchoring the edge.
That’s a break for Joe Burrow, who’s already dealt with his share of pressure this season. Without Bosa breathing down his neck, Burrow might have a little more time to operate - and that’s a dangerous proposition for any defense, especially one dealing with injuries.
And it’s not just Bosa. The Bills will also be without Bernard, who’s missing his second straight game after injuring his elbow in Week 12 against the Texans.
Bernard’s been one of the more versatile pieces on this defense, with 40 solo tackles, seven tackles for loss, an interception, and three pass breakups. He’s the kind of linebacker who can drop into coverage, shoot gaps, and make plays in space - and his absence leaves a noticeable void in the middle of the field.
Meanwhile, Cincinnati is getting healthy at just the right time. Wide receiver Tee Higgins has cleared concussion protocol, meaning the Bengals will have their full offensive trio - Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Higgins - on the field together for the first time since mid-September.
That’s a big deal. This isn’t just a 4-8 team limping into Orchard Park.
This is a desperate Bengals squad with its top playmakers finally back in sync, and they’re going to come out swinging.
That puts the pressure squarely on Allen and the offense to carry the load. And they just might be up to the task.
Cincinnati has struggled mightily on defense, giving up a league-worst 31.2 points per game. If Allen can find his rhythm early and exploit some of the Bengals’ coverage breakdowns, this could turn into a shootout - and Buffalo might need it to be.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET, and while the records might suggest a mismatch, the reality is anything but.
The Bills are banged up, the Bengals are getting healthy, and both teams have plenty to prove. Expect a battle.