Buffalo Bills: 3 matchups to watch in Week 13 against the 49ers

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 29: Head coach Sean McDermott of the Buffalo Bills leaves the field after the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers at Bills Stadium on November 29, 2020 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 29: Head coach Sean McDermott of the Buffalo Bills leaves the field after the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers at Bills Stadium on November 29, 2020 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
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Buffalo Bills
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 29: Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers is tackled by Tremaine Edmunds #49 of the Buffalo Bills during the fourth quarter at Bills Stadium on November 29, 2020 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images)

49ers running backs vs. Bills linebackers

When looking at the matchup between the Buffalo Bills defense and San Francisco 49ers could come down to the Bills linebackers going up against the 49ers running backs. Both groups at one time were one of the best in the NFL but have been hit hard with injuries. However, they are also getting healthy just at the right time.

The emergence of A.J. Klein over the past few weeks has been a welcomed surprise but a potential return of Matt Milano, who has been on injured reserve, could be the final piece to turn the defense around. He is an excellent coverage linebacker and having Milano on the field should limit what the 49ers running backs can do out of the backfield.

As for the 49ers, they had Raheem Mostert return last week after missing the past five weeks. He has been the 49ers primary running back and was coming off a breakout season last year. Mostert, along with Jerick McKinnon, can create problems for the Bills’ defense and will put pressure on Tremaine Edmunds, Matt Milano, and A.J. Klein.

Schedule