Bills Central

4 things Bills learned about Saints prior to Week 4 matchup in Orchard Park

New Orleans will visit Buffalo after an 0-3 start and blowout loss to Seattle
Buffalo Bills' quarterback Josh Allen (17) and New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94).
Buffalo Bills' quarterback Josh Allen (17) and New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94). | Chuck Cook-Imagn Images

While the Buffalo Bills got to sit back on a "mini bye" having played Thursday night, they got to see their Week 4 opponents play on Sunday.

Let's just say, the Bills' gaudy betting spread for their ensuing matchup with the New Orleans Saints is well earned. Of course, Buffalo is one of the best teams in the league at 3-0, but additionally, the Saints are 0-3 and are coming off a blowout loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3.

MORE: Saints' last visit to Buffalo featured epic beatdown of pre-Josh Allen Bills

So, there's definitely a lot to glean from that and New Orleans' showing through three games.

1) Saints still run through AK41

Alvin Kamara
New Orleans Saints' running back Alvin Kamara (41). | Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Even in his age-30 season, Alvin Kamara is still one of the most utilized backs in football. Just in Week 3, he totaled 19 touches, following a combined 40 touches over the first two games.

Aside from his performance against the 49ers in Week 2, Kamara has been bottled up thus far. If the Bills are able to keep Kamara under wraps, NOLA could have a tough time offensively.

2) Saints could be tough to run on

James Cook
Buffalo Bills' running back James Cook (4). | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Although James Cook has arguably looked like the best back in the NFL this season, New Orleans will be a lot tougher to run on than expected. The Saints have held their last two opponents under 100 yards rushing as a team.

RELATED: Josh Allen sees 'the same James Cook' after Bills' contract extension

Now, the Buffalo offensive line may have something to say about how well the Bills can run the ball in Week 4. Regardless, it looks like Josh Allen and the receiving corps may be leaned on even more against a fairly tough run defense.

3) Ratt-ling or Shough-ing?

Spencer Rattler
New Orleans Saints' quarterback Spencer Rattler (2). | Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Saints' starting quarterback Spencer Rattler has been a pleasant surprise with his play this season. But Week 3 was his toughest showing yet, He posted a season-low 41.9 QBR, threw his first interception of the year and was eventually replaced by rookie Tyler Shough in the fourth quarter.

It's not to say that Rattler is playing badly, but it does not help his case that he is now 0-9 as a starter.

There's still no word on if Rattler or Shough will be under center come Sunday, but it will be a piece to watch.

4) Joe Brady could stick it to team that missed out

Joe Brady
Buffalo Bills' offensive coordinator Joe Brady. | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Buffalo's offensive coordinator has to like his unit's chances of keeping things rolling against New Orleans. The Bills will face a Saints team that just allowed 44 points, as Buffalo is averaging 34.0 points and 425.3 yards per game.

But one storyline that may be forgotten is that Brady was slated to potentially take over as NOLA's next head coach. Ultimately, he withdrew his name for consideration to stick with the Bills, clearing way for Kellen Moore to land the gig.

Considering that, and the fact that he coached with the Saints from 2017 to 2018, Brady may be taking this matchup more personally than others.

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Khari Demos
KHARI DEMOS

Khari Demos is an award-winning sports media creator and is a contributor for Bills On SI. He has written sports betting article covering the NFL for The Athletic and has written pieces about the NBA, MLB, college football and basketball, and more, throughout his career.