Bills face an (0-2)injury-riddled Chargers Team
The Buffalo Bills enter today’s matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers at 2-0, and the biggest storyline is whether Los Angeles can slow down an offense that has been one of the NFL’s most explosive through two weeks. Buffalo is averaging 38.5 points per game, leads the league at 7.07 yards per play and is averaging an incredible 9.43 yards per pass play. The Chargers are 0-2 and have struggled defensively against the pass, which creates another opportunity for Josh Allen and the Bills to dictate the game. (Buffalo Bills)
KEYS TO A BILLS VICTORY: Buffalo needs to stay balanced. James Cook enters the game with 192 rushing yards at 5.6 yards per carry, but Los Angeles has been strong against the run, ranking fifth in defensive EPA against rushing plays. That could push Buffalo toward Allen and the passing game. The Bills also need to pressure Justin Herbert. Los Angeles will be without starting offensive linemen Kayode Awosika and Trey Pipkins III, while Buffalo already has seven sacks through two games. If Greg Rousseau, Bradley Chubb and Buffalo’s front can consistently make Herbert move off his spot, the Chargers could have trouble sustaining drives. (Los Angeles Chargers)
INJURIES TO WATCH: Buffalo’s biggest questions are at wide receiver. DJ Moore is questionable with a shoulder injury and Keon Coleman is questionable with an ankle injury. Defensive tackle Ed Oliver is also questionable with a hip injury, while defensive backs Jordan Hancock and T.J. Sanders have been ruled out. For Los Angeles, Awosika, Pipkins, tight end Charlie Kolar, defensive back Elijah Molden, receiver Brenen Thompson and defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson are out. Those absences matter: the Chargers’ offensive-line injuries could expose Herbert to Buffalo’s pass rush, while Tomlinson’s absence could make it easier for Buffalo to establish Cook and the running game. (Buffalo Bills)
THE JOSH ALLEN EFFECT: This is where Buffalo has the biggest advantage. Allen has 582 passing yards and five passing touchdowns through two games, and his impact goes beyond the numbers. Defenses have to account for his arm, his ability to extend plays and his threat as a runner. Buffalo is averaging 9.1 yards on first down, which keeps Allen out of obvious passing situations and gives Joe Brady virtually the entire playbook. Even if Moore or Coleman is limited, Allen still has Khalil Shakir, Dalton Kincaid, Cook and other options to distribute the football. (Los Angeles Chargers)
WHO WINS AND WHY: I’m taking Buffalo because the matchup favors the Bills’ greatest strength: Allen and the passing offense against a Chargers defense that has allowed 273 passing yards per game. Herbert is talented enough to make this competitive, especially because Buffalo has allowed 31 points per game, so this isn’t necessarily a runaway. But if Buffalo protects the football, pressures Herbert and continues producing explosive plays, I expect Allen to be the difference.
Prediction: Bills 31, Chargers 23. The Josh Allen effect ultimately becomes too much for an injured Chargers team to recover.
-MUKI HAWKINS
