5 Buffalo Bills who have to step up in Week 18 against the Dolphins

Terrel Bernard

The final player on defense who will need to step up is linebacker Terrel Bernard. He has been excellent in the middle of this defense and Bernard doesn't need to do more than he has shown, but he is going to be tested in this matchup.

Bernard has done a great job this season in making impact plays with 6.5 sacks on the season, including three in the past two games. He also has three interceptions and three fumble recoveries with one of those fumble recoveries occurring in Week 4 against the Dolphins.

This week, the reason that Bernard could be tested is that the Miami Dolphins have some excellent running backs that are some of the most explosive in the league. There are questions about Raheem Mostert's availability but if he doesn't play it could be a lot of De'Von Achane in this game.

The last time the Bills played the Dolphins, Achane had 101 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. However, an injury forced him to miss a number of games in the middle of the season and since returning he hasn't had the same impact until last week.

While the Ravens won big, Achane had a good week with 107 rushing yards, four receptions, 30 receiving yards and a touchdown. It is going to be very important for Bernard to understand where the play is and not get out of position. If that happens, Achane has the speed to break big plays that can swing momentum quickly.