Buffalo Bills: Picking three players who could be X-factors in Week 2

Tyrel Dodson

This seems like the obvious one but Tyrel Dodson is going to be under serious pressure replacing Tremaine Edmunds as the team’s starting middle linebacker. Edmunds has been a crucial part of the defense’s success over the past two years and this will be the first time in his career that he misses a start.

Meanwhile, Dodson is an undrafted free agent that joined the Buffalo Bills last offseason and spent last season on their practice squad. He did step in for Edmunds last week when he was hurt and has been practicing as the team’s backup middle linebacker through training camp.

One of the reasons Dodson is probably the team’s biggest X-factor is because he not only has to take the responsibilities Edmunds has after the ball is snapped but he will be handling all of the pre-snap responsibilities. This includes getting the play from the sideline and ensuring everyone is lined up in the right spot.

This is certainly a lot for a second-year player making his first career start. The Miami Dolphins would be smart to test him early and if he responds well it is going to be tough for their offense to move the ball in Week 2.