Buffalo Bills: Who are the x-factors in Week 2 against the Miami Dolphins?

Emmanuel Sanders, Buffalo Bills (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
Emmanuel Sanders, Buffalo Bills (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
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Buffalo Bills
Sep 12, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (1) catches the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) defends during the first half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Buffalo Bills X-factor on offense: Emmanuel Sanders

On the offensive side of the ball, this has the potential to be that first big game with the Buffalo Bills for wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders. The Bills signed Sanders as a free agent this offseason as the replacement for John Brown and he was a big part of the offense against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

He was on the field for 93% of the snaps and had eight targets. While he did only have four receptions for 58 yards, those numbers could have looked much better if Josh Allen was able to connect with him on a deep throw early in the game.

This week, the Bills wide receivers go up against a good Dolphins secondary that includes Xavien Howard and Byron Jones. The thought process would be that the focus goes towards Stefon Diggs on the outside and Cole Beasley in the slot.

However, Sanders is a player that can be moved around by playing both inside as well as outside. This gives Brian Daboll an opportunity to create mismatches that Sanders should be able to take advantage of this week.

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