3 defensive players the Bills need to shine in Week 14 to beat the Rams

With a lack of a run game, the Bills' focus will primarily be on the two dominant receivers, Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp.

San Francisco 49ers v Buffalo Bills
San Francisco 49ers v Buffalo Bills | Timothy T Ludwig/GettyImages

The Buffalo Bills look to add to their seven-game win streak this week against the Los Angeles Rams. The Bills are -4.5 point favorites in this game, according to BetMGM, and this game really shouldn’t be close. The Rams' offense hasn’t been spectacular this year, specifically their run game, which ranks 26th, according to Fox Sports. With a lack of a run game, the Bills' focus will primarily be on the two dominant receivers, Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp. Combined this year, they’ve totaled 1,111 yards and seven touchdowns. It will be another test for the Bills’ secondary, but one they will live up to. Let’s take a look at three defensive players the Bills need to shine.

Cornerback Christian Benford

Benford will be pivotal in stopping the Rams’ passing game. The Rams have seen a bunch of injuries to their offense over the course of the season, but have still found ways to move the ball. Matthew Stafford has totaled 2,983 yards, 17 touchdowns, and seven interceptions up to this point. Meanwhile on the other side of the ball, Benford 219 yards and one touchdown on 25 receptions, per PlayerProfiler. Benford has quietly been playing lockdown this season, and he’s showing the NFL world what Bills fans already saw from him. He can be a top cornerback in this league, and he’ll have another exceptional game against Puka Nacua and Co. 

Safety Damar Hamlin

Hamlin has played well in his first year as a full-time starter, to many people’s surprise, totaling two interceptions, five passes defended, and one forced fumble. The news at the beginning of the season that Damar would be the starter came with a lot of mixed opinions from the fanbase. However, through 14 weeks, Hamlin has shined. Hamlin has been someone that the Bills rely on in their secondary, and he’ll play a big part in stopping this Rams offense. 

Defensive end Greg Rousseau

The Bills’ pass rush has been excellent this season, led by Greg Rousseau’s 6.5 sacks. Los Angeles’ offensive line hasn’t been spectacular this season, allowing Matthew Stafford to be sacked 28 times already. For comparison, Stafford was sacked 30 times in 2023, and 29 times in 2022. Rousseau hasn’t been able to be contained this season, as he’s also totaled 27 pressures and 12 knockdowns in 2024. Seeing a healthy Von Miller with Rousseau has brought the Bills’ pass rush back to life, and we’ve seen a brand-new defense because of that.

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