Buffalo moved to 6-2 while the Browns fell to 2-6 following Sunday’s games.
The Buffalo Bills moved to 6-2 after their win over the Washington Redskins on Sunday, while their opponent the Cleveland Browns fell to 2-6 after their loss to the Denver Broncos.
It’s been a tumultuous season for the Cleveland Browns who were deemed Super Bowl contenders after their seemingly sensational off season. Yet, they haven’t lived up to the hype.
That being said, here are the matchups to watch when the Buffalo Bills play the Cleveland Browns:
Star Lotulelei, Jordan Phillips vs. Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt
The Bills run defense has seemingly been exposed in the past three weeks, allowing 454 yards in the past three games on the ground. That is not good enough for the seemingly elite defense.
Buffalo’s defense is now allowing 111.6 yards per game, which is 19th in the league. Overall, Buffalo has the third-best defense. You can see the discrepancy. In the first half against Washington, running back Adrian Peterson rushed for 101 yards and simply couldn’t be stopped. The defense made adjustments in the second half and held him to just seven yards but the Redskins were also behind and had to throw.
The Browns have been struggling this season, but their one consistent weapon on offense has been Nick Chubb. Chubb has 803 rushing yards on 154 attempts, an average of 5.2 yards per carry, and six rushing touchdowns.
Chubb is a dominant runner and shown that he can carry the Browns offense, but he hasn’t had consistent touches throughout the season. Fans and media have pointed to his lack of touches as one of the reasons Cleveland haven’t reached their full potential.
Did I mention that Kareem Hunt is returning? It could be a long day for the interior of Buffalo’s defense. The No. 1 and No. 2 guys in the middle there last week were Star Lotulelei and Jordan Phillips. It remains to be seen how much of a role Ed Oliver and Corey Liuget play.
Tre’Davious White vs. Odell Beckham Jr.
Star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., hasn’t had the start to his Cleveland career that he would have wanted, he has 39 catches, 575 yards, and one touchdown through eight games. On Sunday, he’ll be lined up against Bills starting cornerback Tre’Davious White.
White hasn’t faced any super star talent this season, but he has still locked down his opponents through eight games, and is coming off another dominant game. White has three interceptions this season, and has been able to break up five passes.
Odell is coming off a poor game by his standards and is demanding more of the ball. This could see more targets for Beckham Jr., this could lead to Mayfield forcing the football into tight situations, and into the hands of Tre’Davious White.
Last week White followed Redskins’ No. 1 around the field in rookie Terry McLaurin. He could do that again this week.
Buffalo pass rush vs. Browns offensive line
The Bills defense has yet to generate a lethal pass rush this season, they are tied for 21st in the league in sacks with 20, but they will be facing an offensive line that has allowed 23 sacks this season.
If the Bills want to create pressure on quarterback Baker Mayfield, Buffalo will need defensive tackle Jordan Phillips to create pressure which he has done well so far this season. Phillips has six sacks, and eight quarterback hits this season.
They will need more production from the rest of their defensive front though. Jerry Hughes has just 2.5 sacks, Ed Oliver has one, and Trent Murphy also has one. If Buffalo wants to create more pressure, they may need to utilize different schemes and pass rushers coming from different positions.
Jon Feliciano, Cody Ford vs. Myles Garrett
The former number one pick, Myles Garrett has been a force of nature since his arrival in the NFL. Through his first three seasons he has amassed 30.5 sacks, and this season alone he has ten. The Bills need to be wary of Garrett because he can change the game for Cleveland if he can reach the quarterback.
This season, the Bills have struggled in protection. The offensive line has allowed 22 sacks this season, just one less than the Cleveland Browns. Throughout the season the Bills offense has stalled during key moments, due to Josh Allen taking untimely sacks.
Allen needs to be cautious of Garrett, because Garrett currently has two forced fumbles, and Allen has fumbled the ball nine times this season.
Devin Singletary vs. Browns run defense
The Cleveland Browns have one of the worst run defenses in the NFL, and if the Bills want to avoid Myles Garrett they will need to run the ball. After Sunday’s performance against Washington, rookie Devin Singletary should be getting the bulk of the touches.
On Sunday, Singletary had 95 rushing yards, 45 rushing yards, and one touchdown. He showed his quickness, and ability to make defenders miss. If Buffalo wants to have a balanced offense they will need for him to get the ball.
Against the Broncos on Sunday, the Browns allowed 127 rushing yards. The Browns also showed their lack of ambition to make crucial tackles, which can lead to plenty of touches for the elusive Singletary.