Bills Set To Visit Browns - Five Things To Keep An Eye On
A fully healthy Bills team gets back on the road with a week 10 match up in Cleveland on Sunday. Here's a look at five things to watch...
1. Run Defense needs to shut it down
The Bills team defense is ranked third overall in the NFL for the season- but their run defense has struggled the past two weeks.
Against Philadelphia, Buffalo gave up 218 yards rushing and then they were gashed again by Washington's Adrian Peterson - who had over 100 yards rushing in the first half.
Over the last three games the Bills have given up an average of 151 yards.
And, here comes another test. Nick Chubb has led the way for Cleveland's ground game. He already has six touchdowns on the season and has performances of 131, 122 and 165 yards - ranking fifth best in the NFL this season.
2. Can Singletary keep it up?
Fantasy football fans are all-in on Buffalo running back Devin Singletary this week - and for good reason.
Singletary had a breakout game against the Redskins - rushing for 95 yards and his second touchdown of the season.
Veteran Frank Gore has cooled off, with just 15 yards on eleven attempts last week, opening the door even more for Singletary.
The run game should have a field day in Cleveland as the Browns defense ranks third to last in rush defense - giving up an average of 141 yards per game.
3. What to expect from OBJ?
One of the biggest story lines in Cleveland this week - and this season - has been Odell Beckham Jr.'s lack of targets, especially in important situations.
He was only targeted six times in the Browns loss to Denver. He has only scored once this season, back in week two. The recently turned 27-year old is averaging just 14.7 yards per game.
The star has been publicly frustrated with his performance this season - and the Browns know it. So, this could be the week he and Baker Mayfield get on the same page - the quarterback said Cleveland need's to "force-feed" OBJ the ball earlier this week.
4. On the road again...
The Bills are coming off a three game home stand where they finished 2-1.
On the road so far this season, they are undefeated. With wins over the Jets, Giants and Titans.
The Browns have struggled at home - and are winless this season at FirstEnergy Stadium.
This has to be frustrating for Cleveland - who entered the season as one of the most hyped up teams. In fact, before the season started they were given 9-1 odds to win the AFC on Vegas sports books.
So, for the fourth week in a row, the Bills will face a hungry team trying to get back on track. The Eagles were able to pull off a win while Buffalo was able to keep Miami and Washington at bay.
5. Will 7-2 get it done nationally?
If the Bills do pick up a win, and improve to 7-2, will they finally receive national recognition?
Despite leading the AFC Wildcard race, Buffalo mostly stays out of the spotlight - with all attention going to New England - who lost for the first time this season to Baltimore last weekend.
Despite Cleveland's 2-6 record, they are still favored by 2.5-3 points on Sunday, according to Vegas.
With the Patriots on a bye this weekend, maybe the Bills will receive the league respect they deserve if they get the job done and add an "upset" win over the Browns to their record.
