Built in Buffalo Roundtable: predicting MNF clash with Bengals

Built in Buffalo writers weigh in on the Bills’ Week 17 game against the Bengals

The Bills (12-3) take on the Bengals (11-4) in Cincinnati on Monday Night Football, as Buffalo looks to remain as the No. 1 seed in the AFC. The importance and intrigue surrounding the game can’t be understated. This will mark just the third time in MNF history where both teams playing have at least 11 wins. Check out our predictions below and let us know yours!

Peter DiBiasi: For the Bills to come out on top in this AFC clash, they will have to go back to their old offensive ways. But not too far back; the Dolphins game from a couple of weeks ago is exactly what the Bills need to do. Josh Allen needs a clean pocket and needs to limit the turnovers. The boys up front will have to keep the pocket clean for Allen so he can get back on track with Diggs. The biggest question is how the Bills secondary will fare against the Bengals aerial attack. Tre White needs a monster game, and I would expect to see a good amount of Kaiir Elam, as the physical nature of his play will help against the weapons of the Bengals. Ultimately, I think the Bills immediately change the game up front and create havoc on Burrow all night. Prediction: Bills 28, Bengals 24.

Daniel Adams: The Bengals are currently on a seven-game win streak while the Bills are on a six-game win streak. Buffalo was very run heavy in their last matchup against the Bears and I believe they will try to be very balanced against the Bengals. Josh Allen will settle in and pass for 2 touchdowns and 250 yards, while James Cook leads the backfield. On the defensive side of the ball, the Bills will have to face a very good offense who put up more than 25 points in four of their last seven wins. The Bills have been playing very good defense as of late, holding their opponent to 14 or less in three of their past four games. I think the Bills win a close, entertaining game. Prediction: Bills 33, Bengals 27.

Matt Homan: Not only is this duel a battle of two of the league’s top offenses and top superstars in Josh Allen and Joe Burrow, but top AFC seeding is on the line for both teams.
In recent weeks, the Bills offense has successfully run the football to alleviate the wear on Josh Allen’s elbow and open up easier passes. The Bengals run defense is one of the best in the league, allowing under 100 yards in five of their last six games. Their passing defense, however, is bottom third in the NFL right now and have given up on average 345 yards passing per game over their past six games. Look for the Bills to test the water with their run game again versus the Bengals. If they can have any success, this should allow Josh Allen to get the pass game cooking.
Both Josh Allen and Joe Burrow threw two interceptions last week. The turnover battle might be what this close game comes down to.
Prediction: Bills 27, Bengals 24.

Kam Towle: These teams are pretty similar in what they want to do and it should be a fun one on Monday night. I think this is a spot where both passing offenses will be the identity of the game. The Bengals boundary cornerbacks haven’t played well this year, as Eli Apple and Cam Taylor-Britt are ranked 100 and 101 at the CB position by PFF, respectively. They do have one of the league’s better nickel backs in Mike Hilton, but I think Allen should be attacking the outside to Diggs and Davis in this one. And on the other side of the ball, the Bills secondary will be tested. Poyer being active will be huge for the secondary, but the CB position opposite of Tre White, whether it’s Dane Jackson or Kaiir Elam, will be magnified in this one to see how they keep up with Chase and Higgins on the outside. And this will be a big test for White to see where he’s at physically. I think the Bills having a more well-rounded defense will be the difference and they will make a crucial stop when needed. Prediction: Bills 31, Bengals 27.