3 big matchups for Buffalo Bills vs. Los Angeles Rams heading into Week 14

The Buffalo Bills are coming off a significant victory in one of their biggest statement games of the season. Josh Allen played a crucial role, breaking the Bills' all-time franchise record for touchdowns. In a snowy Sunday night primetime game, he accounted for four touchdowns—one of which was a passing and receiving touchdown on the same play, a remarkable feat the Bills have dubbed the "Lake Effect Lateral."

There will be a change of scenery as the Bills will travel to the other side of the country to play the LA Rams, who are fighting for their life for a playoff spot. The NFC West is up in the air right now, as the Seahawks lead the division at 7-5, with the Cardinals and Rams tied at 6-6.

At this rate, every game matters within their division, and they are all desperate to stay in the race. However, the Bills are also fighting for the one-seed in the AFC, as the Kansas City Chiefs are one loss away from potentially giving the one-seed to Buffalo.

The Rams are a talented team with game-changing players that Buffalo needs to contain. Buffalo can use these matchups, especially as they're getting healthier by the week.

Amari Cooper and Keon Coleman vs. Darius Williams and Cobie Durant

The Bills haven't gotten the full Cooper and Coleman experience since Week 9, as Coleman has been dealing with a similar injury as Cooper when he first set foot in Buffalo. If Coleman is healthy for this upcoming game, he and Cooper will have a crucial role in attacking the weakness of this defense, which is two outside corners for the Rams.

Willaims previously backed up former Buffalo Bill in Tre'Davious White, who's now on the Baltimore Ravens. Williams is the veteran of the duo, joining the team as an UDFA in 2018 as a backup. Williams would become a starter in 2020 and have his best year in Jacksonville in 2023, but he was ultimately resigned by the Rams this year and hasn't performed well, as he's allowed a 135.8 passer rating when targeted this year.

Durant has been the starter for most of the season and has been the better corner, but he still has some weaknesses in coverage. Whether the matchup is for both corners, regardless, both of them will have a challenge, and Cooper and Coleman should look to have a ton of targets for this game and take advantage of the struggling veteran and the younger Durant.

Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua vs. Bills' Secondary

Another matchup that includes a veteran and a young player, the 31-year-old Kupp and 23-year-old Nacua are a duo that shreds defenses. Both players aren't flashy but are great technical football players, both being elite route runners, have great catching ability, and have great chemistry with their quarterback Matthew Stafford.

As Kupp is getting up there in age, he's not as much of a threat as Nacua, who broke the rookie receiving record and reception record last season, becoming one of the best young players in the NFL. Nacua is a similar player to Kupp but has a bigger frame, plays on the outside more, and is much shiftier.

Rasul Douglas and Christian Benford will likely be matched up with Nacua mostly, and Taron Johnson will likely be matched up with Kupp, as he tends to play in the slot. However, Sean McVay is very good at scheming his receivers open, so this matchup may be more difficult beneath the surface.

Rams' Offensive Line vs. Bills' Defensive Line

This is by far the most important matchup, as getting into the backfield against an injured Matthew Stafford will be key to whether or not the Rams do much on offense.

The Rams' offensive line is arguably the second weakest position group on their team, specifically their left guard, center, and surprisingly, their veteran right tackle. The Bills' defensive line is in the middle of the pack in pressure rate (16th in the NFL) and needs to take advantage of the struggling Rams' offensive line.

Greg Rousseau is having a great season, tied for 8th in the NFL in pressures, and needs to be one of those players to continue to dominate in this game, along with the interior and Von Miller in passing situations. Especially since Stafford will be playing with an injured ankle, he won't be very mobile and will be forced to take more sacks or force more throws.

Overall, the Rams are a .500 team but aren't a cakewalk. They'll be fighting hard to win this game as they still have an opportunity to take the throne to the weak NFC West. Sometimes desperate teams are the most dangerous teams, especially in December.

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