Three Key Matchups For Buffalo Bills vs. Jacksonville Jaguars on MNF

Tonight on Monday night, the Buffalo Bills host the Jacksonville Jaguars at home - a team that hasn't traveled to Buffalo since 2018, Josh Allen's rookie season. The last few times these teams have faced each other, it hasn't gone particularly well for the Bills, with them being 1-3 in their last four matchups against the Jaguars, with all of those losses being on the road, and one being over in London last season.

Make no mistake, this will be a test for the Bills on Monday night. If they're going to succeed and come out with the victory on Monday night, there will be three key matchups to watch for that the Bills must win.

1 - Jacksonville offensive line vs. Bills pass rush

It's no secret that through three weeks of the 2024 season, the Jaguars offensive line has vastly underperformed. Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence has been running for his life, which has definitely contributed to his early season struggles. The Jaguars brought in C Mitch Morse from Buffalo to add a veteran presence to a relatively young offensive line, and they just recently signed LG Ezra Cleveland to a three year deal to keep him in Jacksonville, despite his struggles throughout 2023 and into this year.

The Bills, on the other side of the ball, have been able to consistently get to the opposing quarterback, posting a 47% Pass Rush Win Rate (PRWR) to begin the 2024 season. Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray and Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa struggled to develop any chemistry in their respective offense's passing game against the Bills, and for the struggling Jaguars offensive line, seeing the Bills on the other side must be a frightening experience.

If the Bills pass rush can continue its dominance against an offensive line that has already seen some struggles against other top pass rushing units, particularly the Cleveland Browns with LB Myles Garrett, Lawrence will struggle to find his open receivers due to the onslaught coming at him at all times.

2- Bills secondary vs. Jaguars star receivers

Bills cornerbacks Rasul Douglas and Christian Benford have been making a mark on the league through the first two weeks of the season, holding Cardinals rookie WR Marvin Harrison Jr. to one catch for four yards in Week 1, and holding the Dolphins elite receiving duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle to a combined 65 yards in Week 2. Backup nickel cornerback Cam Lewis has been playing really well in place of injured All-Pro NCB Taron Johnson, further serving to lock down passing lanes for even the most potent offenses.

Their next challenge comes in the form of Jaguars rookie WR Brian Thomas Jr., who has slowly become one of Lawrence's favorite targets in the passing game as WRs Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis continue to receive extra looks. The Jaguars have also ruled out TE Evan Engram for Monday night's matchup, giving them one less option in the passing attack against a secondary that has been playing lights out football.

If the Bills secondary can continue to dominate like they have in recent weeks, Lawrence's receiving options will dry up, forcing Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson to adjust to a more run-heavy style of play. The Bills have the potential to control the matchup entirely through defense, which should make all of Bills Mafia feel comfortable.

3- Bills offensive line vs. Jaguars pass rush

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Bills offensive line has done an incredible job at keeping QB Josh Allen safe from pressure and sacks. This week, they'll be contending against a formidable Jaguars pass rush, anchored by LB Josh Hines-Allen and DT Arik Armstead. Hines-Allen, in particular, has been historically successful against Allen in their past few matchups. Protecting Allen from this duo will be key to moving the ball downfield, along with keeping the run game moving with RB James Cook.

The Jaguars defensive front is a stout unit, which should pose a challenge for the Bills offensive line. Regardless, the mobility and playmaking ability of Allen should limit any potential pressures or sacks, both of which can lead to costly turnovers. If the Bills offensive line can keep Allen clean in the pocket against another formidable pass rush, it will be a sign of optimism that they can keep Allen safe from even more threatening units during the final portions of the regular season into the playoffs.