Buffalo Bills: 5 key players to watch on defense in Week 6 vs. NY Giants

2.) A.J. Epenesa

There is an argument to be made that Epenesa was the most valuable player for this Bills defense in Week 5. As a matter of fact, Epenesa saw the field on 67% of the defensive snaps, which is his highest all season so far (next closest is 46%).

He not only sacked Trevor Lawrence 2 times, as well as forced a fumble, but he also batted down 3 passes, one of them was right near the Jaguars’ endzone where if Epenesa was able to get into better position, it could have potentially turned into six points for Buffalo. 

With Epenesa displaying this type of play, Bills fans should expect to see him see similar snaps against the Giants, who have one of the worst offensive lines through 5 weeks, giving up 28 sacks so far.

If Epenesa gets the chance to lineup against Giants’ offensive tackle Evan Neal, Epenesa could yet be in for another productive game as Neal has been one of the worst offensive tackles in the league going into Week 6.

1.) Christian Benford

Two cornerbacks on this list in Taron Johnson and now Christian Benford, who missed Week 5 due to a shoulder injury he sustained against the Miami Dolphins. Benford was named the starter at the second corner position opposite of Tre’Davious White after beating out teammate Kaiir Elam.

While Benford has not been a superstar, he has been solid in the first four games before injuring his shoulder. He has been targeted 13 times this season and allowed 9 catches for 148 yards but has not given up a touchdown.

Sean McDermott said that Benford is improving from his injury, but it is still important to keep an eye on how Benford responds from his Week 4 injury, seeing how thin the Bills are at secondary at this point.