The long offseason is finally coming to an end, and the Buffalo Bills are just two ways away from opening their season against the defending Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams. Even though the game will be played in Sofi Stadium against the defending champs, the Bills are still 2.5-point favorites.
Here are four keys to victory that the Bills must unlock to make the oddsmakers look smart and come out with a win in this heavyweight tilt.
What are the keys to victory for the Buffalo Bills in Week 1?
Own the line of scrimmage against a weak Rams offensive line
Even during their Super Bowl run, the Los Angeles Rams struggled to win the line of scrimmage and run the football. During their last three postseason games, they put up some very lackluster performances on the ground, rushing 30 times for 73 yards in the divisional round, 29 times for 70 yards in the NFC Championship game, and 23 times for 43 yards in the Super Bowl.
The Rams lost the best player on that offensive line this offseason when Andrew Whitworth retired. Additionally, they lost a crucial cog in Austin Corbett, who started every game for the Rams the last two seasons when he left in free agency and signed with Carolina.
The Bills significantly improved the middle of the defense this offseason by adding DaQuan Jones and Tim Settle, and I think Ed Oliver will have a breakout year. Instead of facing off against Hall of Famer Andrew Whitworth, new Bills pass rusher Von Miller will get to have his way against the inexperienced Joe Noteboom.
The Buffalo Bills’ front 4 appear to have a considerable advantage against this Rams’ offensive line, and they must treat it as such.