Predicting the Buffalo Bills record against the AFC West in 2020
Week 12 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Similarly, the Buffalo Bills will have the luxury of playing this game at home rather than traveling across the country to play in Los Angeles. Although the Chargers just lost quarterback Philip Rivers and running back Melvin Gordon this offseason, the team is still full of talent and some young talent at that. Running back Austin Ekeler has shown that he can fill the void Gordon left without a problem.
The bigger issue for the Chargers in this game and the season in general will be deciding on the starting quarterback to replace Rivers in the offense. The Chargers did just select Justin Herbert with the 6th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, but it remains undecided if he will start over Tyrod Taylor. Bills fans know what Taylor bring to the table as starting Quarterback; he’s serviceable and competent at the position but is also a bit limited. Which begs the question, will Herbert be the starter by game time in late November?
On the other side of the ball, the Bills have a bit more to be worried about. Particularly, the edge rush ability from Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram could put Bills quarterback Josh Allen in some pressure to make quick throws. This would be problematic because the Chargers have a secondary that can capitalize on poor passes. Specifically, the combination of Derwin James, Casey Hayward Jr. and recently added Chris Harris Jr., all three can take advantage of any bad throws under pressure.
At the end of the day, the Bills defense will be able to capitalize on poor quarterback play from the Chargers regardless of who starts. Taylor is limited in his throwing abilities and Herbert is too inexperienced and unproven. This will push the Bills record to 2-1 against the AFC West in 2020.
Prediction: Win (2-1)