We’re now only hours away from the Buffalo Bills facing the Jacksonville Jaguars in their Week 9 showdown.
Now that we’ve gone through all the practices, breakdowns and analyzing this week, let’s get down to the basics.
Here are three keys to the game for the Bills (5-2) against the Jaguars (1-6) to ensure Buffalo wins:
Look to the WRs
Bills receiver Stefon Diggs
Maybe this seems obvious. The Bills offense is a pass-first unit, after all.
But as clear as that might be, it’s still important. Buffalo is facing a Jaguars secondary that traded away their top cornerback in CJ Henderson earlier this year.
That has left Tyson Campbell as a rookie No. 1 corner that has had some growing pains.
This leaves a clear opportunity for Buffalo’s top playmaker, Stefon Diggs. Emmanuel Sanders should also bounce back against this secondary after going catchless last week.
Do your turnover thing
Buffalo Bills safety Micah Hyde (23) scores a touchdown after an interception against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Even if safety Jordan Poyer (listed as questionable) does not play, Buffalo’s defense should be ready to make some turnovers happen this week. It’s a prime opportunity.
The Bills have the best turnover differential in the NFL at plus-13. The Jags are the second-worst in this same category at minus-11.
If things go according to what the numbers say in this category, Jacksonville stands little chance.
Be ready from the first play
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) runs onto the field prior to an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)
While the odds and everything else seem to be in Buffalo’s favor for the second-straight week against a team with one win… no messing around.
Perhaps last week against the Miami Dolphins the Bills offense was shaking some rust off from the bye week? Whatever the issue was, the unit only scored three points in the first half.
Against a team like the Jags, the Bills could get away with that again… but this is the NFL. Don’t risk it.
Win often and win big. Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott has to have his team ready to go from the start.
