The 8-4 Buffalo Bills will be at home, taking on the 4-8 Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday in a showdown between two premier quarterbacks. While the offense stepped up without two of its starting tackles against Pittsburgh last week, the team will need to focus heavily on its defense this week.
The Bengals continue to roll with wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase and two other offensive players the Bills defense will need to keep an eye on throughout the game.
Three players who work in unison for the Bengals every week to watch out for
1. WR Ja'Marr Chase
There's no stopping this game wrecker at wide receiver. At 6 feet, 201 pounds, Chase is one of the best receivers in the game. With excellent route-running and the ability to have chemistry with his quarterback, the former LSU product proves why he is a Pro Bowl-caliber target year in and year out.
Fans should worry when No. 1 steps onto the field for the Bengals. Last week, he racked up 110 yards on seven receptions and even recorded three tackles. On paper, the Bills may be without top pass rusher Joey Bosa, so if the pass rush isn't there and if the Bills sit back into zone coverage, Chase will literally have a field day against this Bills secondary.
This means the Bills must tackle in the open field.
2. QB Joe Burrow
While the older generations claim Joe Namath is "Joe Cool", the Millennials and Gen Zers say Burrow is their "Joe Cool". What is cool about Burrow is his calmness in the pocket and the tendency to stay "zen" at any moment.
At 6 feet, 4 inches, 215 pounds, Burrow has a tall frame to be able to see over his offensive line. He has a solid arm, but is most impressive with the touch he puts on his passes and the precision with which he throws them to his leading man, Chase.
Fans should be worried about Burrow because, while he lacks the running ability of Josh Allen, he is a majestic passer when he has time to throw from his offensive line. The bottom line for the Bills' defense is to get pressure on him early and often.
3. LT Orlando Brown Jr.
While Burrow and Chase get all the credit for their chemistry of making big plays, the main engine behind the mission is left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. The son of former NFL OT Orlando Brown Sr., Jr., is responsible for protecting Burrow's blind side and preventing sacks.
Brown Jr. is a big player, much like his father was. At 6 feet, 8 inches, 350 pounds, this season, he has started every game at left tackle after only starting in 11 games in 2024.
The skilled left tackle has a solid balance of being able to protect Burrow, which allows him to throw to Chase, and also open up running lanes for Chase, who is on pace for his first career 1,000 rushing yard season.
The fans should be able to point Brown Jr. out on the field. He is probably the largest player out there, and if the Bills' defenders aren't quick enough, he will literally push and throw players off their horse.
The Bills will face a Bengals team known for its pass-protection identity, one of the best in the NFL. Since returning on Thanksgiving night, Burrow has only been sacked once, and the Bills will be in trouble if Bosa is inactive for Sunday's game.