5 players who need to step up for the Buffalo Bills starting in Week 8

Ed Oliver

This pick probably seems odd considering Oliver has dominated opposing offenses this season — and he didn't play against the Patriots — but when Oliver returns from injury, he'll be responsible for singlehandedly anchoring the interior of the defensive line.

With Oliver and DaQuan Jones both missing with injuries against the Patriots, the Bills defense couldn't gain any push against the Patriots interior offensive line. Not only did the rotation of Jordan Phillips, Tim Settle, and Kendal Vickers fail to amount any pass-rush from the inside, but the Patriots were opportunistic on runs up the middle, scoring a 2-yard touchdown run with Ezekiel Elliot in the first quarter.

With Jones missing significant time due to a torn pectoral muscle, choosing to include Oliver was more of a 'please come back from injury' decision, than it was a slight to his game. If the Bills defensive front is keen on closing down the middle of the field, it will have to start with Oliver because outside of himself, the Bills appear thin at the defensive tackle position.