How does the Bills offense match up with the Bengals defense?

Even though the Bills offense put up 34 points in the wild-card win over the Dolphins Sunday, there were times that they looked sloppy. The Bills offense was the main reason the Dolphins were able to take a lead in the second half and nearly pull off the major upset.

The Bills allowed SEVEN sacks to the Dolphins, along with three costly turnovers. These offensive hiccups can’t continue this weekend versus Cincinnati if the Bills want to advance to the AFC title game. 

This Sunday, I’ll be paying close attention to how the Bills offense bounces back against the Bengals, who will come into Buffalo with a defense ranked 16^th overall — 7th against the run and 23rd against the pass. There are multiple advantageous matchups for both the Bills offense and the Bengals defense. Here is a breakdown of the head-to-head battles to watch for this Sunday:

Cincinnati’s defensive line versus Buffalo’s interior offensive Line
Bengals defensive lineman DJ Reader owns an 87.3 PFF Grade (#6 among DT) and is perhaps their best defensive player. He and fellow d-lineman, BJ Hill, will be a challenge for the Bills’ interior offensive line unit. “Underwhelming” is an understatement when it comes to Bills left guard, Rodger Saffold, who ranks among the worst guards with significant playing time in the league. Saffold, right guard Ryan Bates, and center Mitch Morse will have their hands full Sunday.
Advantage: Cincinnati’s defensive line

Trey Hendrickson versus Dion Dawkins
Trey Hendrickson is the Bengals lone defensive Pro Bowler. He recorded eight sacks along with three forced fumbles in 15 games this season and is an elite pass rusher. Hendrickson will be lined up across Buffalo’s best offensive lineman, left tackle Dion Dawkins, who grades highly against the pass rush. This should be a fun matchup.
Advantage: Even

Linebackers Germaine Pratt and Logan Wilson versus Devin Singletary and James Cook
Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt is among the best in the league at his position, and it’s not because of his run defense but rather his pass coverage. Pratt and fellow linebacker Logan Wilson don’t grade well against the run. If Bills running backs Devin Singletary and James Cook can get to the second level, it might be a long day for the Bengals.
Advantage: Devin Singletary and James Cook

Safeties Jessie Bates III and Vonn Bell versus Josh Allen
The Bengals have struggled against the pass this season and they haven’t played a legitimate quarterback since allowing 396 yards to Tom Brady in Week 15 (five weeks ago). If the Bills can’t establish a running attack, Josh Allen will pick on the Bengals secondary whose unit ranks in the bottom third of the league. Bengals’ safeties Jessie Bates III and Vonn Bell have a combined eight interceptions this season and are both above average against the pass, with Bates III being the best defensive back in coverage on the squad. Both safeties will need to step up as the Bengals’ starting cornerbacks typically get torched against much lesser quarterback/receiver duos than what Buffalo has to offer. Josh Allen has a chip on his shoulder and will look to rebound Sunday after committing three turnovers.
Advantage: Josh Allen

Cornerbacks Cam Taylor-Britt and Eli Apple versus Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis
This may be Buffalo’s most favorable mismatch. Stefon Diggs is an All-Pro and should be matched up against Cam Taylor-Britt, who wouldn’t be starting for most NFL teams. Say what you want about Gabe Davis, but he shows up in big games. Davis will be across from Eli Apple, who’s also a bottom-feeder-level cornerback. Look for Josh Allen to work the quick passes to his wideouts early and often to create the occasional deep ball.
Advantage: Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis