By Justin DiLoro / Billswire.usatoday.com
The Buffalo Bills enter Sunday’s actions ahead of Indianapolis in the overall AFC standings, but the Bills are a 7.5-point underdog as they head to the Midwest for their Week 7 matchup against the Colts (1-5). While the team is more than a touchdown underdog, Buffalo (2-4) still has a decent chance at pulling off a road upset Sunday. They nearly did so last week, and this week also poses a strong possibility for the team to come home with a win.
However, several players will need to step up in order for the Bills take the “W” this weekend.
Here are the six most important Bills players who need to have a strong game in order for the Bills to win their third game of the season:
LeSean McCoy
McCoy has seen an uptick in his usage over the past few weeks. As the most talented and most dangerous offensive threat for the Bills, this is a positive action by offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. However, with a new quarterback at the helm, the team will need to rely even more on their superstar. The 10-year veteran has carried the ball 40 times for 158 rushing yards during the past two games. He has added five receptions for 44 receiving yards.
He has yet to score this season, which is concerning. Still, this is the week that he is the top focus on offense. If he can break through the challenge of Indianapolis’s defense keying on him all day, McCoy could have a high-volume, productive afternoon. In addition, McCoy could be a strong force as a check-down option for Anderson this week.
Derek Anderson
Anderson has been a member of the Bills for less than two weeks, yet he finds himself as the team’s signal caller for this Sunday’s game. With rookie Josh Allen out due to an elbow injury and Nathan Peterman struggling during his time on the field, Buffalo has back themselves into a corner to play Anderson. However, it may be a blessing in disguise. Anderson harbors no delusions of grandeur in his role and ultimately, his veteran prowess could allow Daboll to be a little more flexible with his playcalling, especially through the air. The hope is Anderson will get rid of some rust and move the offense down the field methodically. The 13-year veteran will look to minimize mistakes and maximize the best case scenario for each play for the offense.
Charles Clay
The lack of a consistent passing game has hindered Clay’s production this year. The Tulsa product only has 13 receptions this year. Even though he faced off against a Titans team that has had issues against tight ends, Clay could only add 20 receiving yards to his ledger last week. With Anderson taking over at quarterback, the veteran may look to Clay as a secondary option on many passing plays. Clay, who was looked at to command the middle of the field, may see more action between the hashes due to Anderson’s veteran presence. Indianapolis is 22nd in DVOA against opponents tight ends this year, according to Football Outsiders.
Jerry Hughes
Hughes has been an absolute terror against left tackles this year. He has consistently found his way into the backfield all season. Hughes leads the team with 4.5 sacks thus far. Indianapolis quarterback Andrew Luck has attempted more passes than any other quarterback in NFL history over the first six games of a season. Hughes will have his opportunities to force Luck, even with the Standford product’s pedigree as a signal caller, to make some rushed decisions. Luck is tied for second in the league with eight interceptions thrown this year. Hughes can help make that number increase with a powerful performance against left tackle Anthony Costanzo.
Matt Milano
Milano has been a standout this year. He will need to be strong in pass coverage this weekend, as he may be covering the Colts’ running backs and tight end Eric Ebron throughout the afternoon. Indianapolis tight end Eric Ebron is tied for the league lead with six touchdown receptions, and he will be a major target for Luck in the red zone. Ebron will see some time against the Bills strong safety, but the sophomore linebacker will have his share of face time with the tight end as well. Milano will also be responsible for training the Colts players out of the backfield. Rookie Nyheim Hines leads the Colts with 31 receptions.
Tre’Davious White
White will face off against the Colts top receiver, T.Y. Hilton. Hilton is returning from a hamstring injury but looks to be close to 100-percent for Sunday’s game. If somehow he is not able to play, White will matchup up against one of the Colts’ other talented targets. Chester Rogers has become Luck’s number one option out wide after Hilton’s injury. Rogers and Luck have found some chemistry, as the third-year pro has 20 catches over the past three weeks. White will need to command his side of the field and take away Luck’s top receiving option outside the numbers.