After what seems like a lifetime of waiting, the Buffalo Bills are back in action on Sunday Night Football against the San Francisco 49ers. While this would usually be a great game to watch, the 49ers are not the team they once were. In addition, they have been heavily affected with injuries to the point where they are missing half of their offensive line and two impactful defensive starters.
On the other hands, the Bills are relatively healthy other than not having the services of Dalton Kincaid. Although, Kincaid hasn’t been much of a factor this season (34 receptions, 356 yards, 2 TDs). Bills fans, however, should be excited for the potential return of Matt Milano, who hasn’t played a down of football since Week 5 of 2023 due to massive injuries.
With this game more than likely going to see some snow (or a lot), the 49ers have a massive disadvantage coming from California. It’s already hard to play in Buffalo on a warm-weather day. Now they will have to do it when it’s cold and snow is all over the place.
The Bills have a ton to look forward to in this game, and it would not be surprising to see any of these following four predictions come true under the bright lights.
Bills’ run-defense contains 49ers rushing attack
Even though the 49ers are coming into this game without a lot of firepower, their offense can still do some damage if they get going. San Francisco has a complex offense that runs through their running game and whether it’s Christian McCaffrey or Jordan Mason, they can punish a defense. Due to the fact that their offense is missing the left side of their line, don’t be surprised if Kyle Shanahan opts to run the ball more than often.
With that being said, this is a good opportunity for the Bills defense to focus on stopping the run and forcing Brock Purdy to win through the air. In their first eight games, the 49ers rushed for over 100 yards in each contest. Since their bye week, they are averaging over 15 yards less including a season low 44 yards last week in Green Bay.
Buffalo’s achilles heal has been their run defense so this is a perfect chance for them to clean it up and contain the rushing attack.
Bills offense plays turnover-free football
The Bills have committed atleast one turnover in their last four games, but they have only turned the ball over seven times this season. When the offense plays smart football and doesn’t try to force big plays, they are more effective.
With the weather potentially being a factor, Joe Brady may want to implement a run-first mindset and that could lead to a less like chance of giving the ball away. The 49ers defense can still take it away very easily, but the Bills have become disciplined in committing turnovers. Watch for Buffalo to go turnover-less on Sunday night.
James Cook & Ray Davis combine for 200+ rushing yards
The weather could play a major factor in this game, so there is no better opportunity than to unleash the rushing attack. James Cook and Ray Davis have created a solid young duo in the backfield for the Bills and they compliment each other very well. Cook has grown a lot in his game and Davis has shown that he can pick up tough yards and fill in should Cook not be available.
They can both catch out of the backfield, serving as security blankets for Josh Allen. San Fran’s defense has ben shaky this year and part of it is because of injuries. With injuries on the defensive line in Nick Bosa and Jordan Elliott, the Bills may want to steer away from the pass and focus on the run.
Buffalo leads by three touchdowns going into 4th quarter
With the struggles the 49ers have had, the Bills can certainly capitalize on taking advantage of the home field. Buffalo is riding a six-game winning steak while San Fancisco has dropped their last two and have been rattled with injuries.
Sean McDermott has yet to lose the week after a bye and it doesn’t look like that streak will end this season. Not only will the Bills get this victory, but it will be surprising if they aren’t up by atleast three scores going into the fourth quarter. This is no knock on the 49ers, but they have limited talent with all of their injuries. Look for the Bills to eventually get their backups in at the end of the game.