New York Giants - Buffalo Bills Matchups to Watch

The Giants need a strong showing across the board to even out their win-loss record, but in particular, they could use wins in these two matchups.

Author:
Hunter De Siver
Publish date:
Oct 14, 2023 10:00 AM EDT

In this story:

New York Giants

Buffalo Bills

The New York Giants will face the Buffalo Bills in their sixth game of the 2023 season, hoping to avoid a four-game losing streak.

The two adversaries have several talented players matched against one another, making for some great entertainment. Still, these two particular matchups are among the key ones that could influence Sunday night's outcome.

When the Giants Have the Ball

The Giants offense is at a huge disadvantage ahead of Sunday night, as numerous impact players, including quarterback Daniel Jones and left tackle Andrew Thomas, have already been ruled out. Running back Saquon Barkley, who has been nursing an ankle injury for the past three weeks, is also expected to watch the game from the sidelines again.

Tyrod Taylor will be Jones' replacement, and Matt Breida will fill in for Barkley. Due to Breida having more time on the field this season (three starts), he will likely be more of a focal point for the Giants.

Breida has run the ball 30 times for 82 yards and a touchdown in the five games that he's spent time on the gridiron this season. The 28-year-old's 2.7 yards per carry are certainly problematic, and he'll need to boost those numbers if New York has any shot at upsetting Buffalo. To add insult to injury (literally), the Giants' offensive line couldn't be in a worse position, and the Bills front seven is prepared to take advantage.

The Giants will be facing eight-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Von Miller. The future Hall-of-Famer was limited in last Sunday's game in London after spending the first four weeks on the IR, recovering from a 2022 ACL tear. Now off the injury report, he is expected to return to tackling running backs behind the line of scrimmage consistently.

In addition to effectively using Breida on the ground, Taylor will likely throw to him a few times for check-downs or short gains. The running back has shown to be a valuable pass-catcher this season, as he's hauled in all 10 of his targets for 49 yards.

Taylor will have to quickly find him in spaces where Miller isn't if New York wants to move the ball efficiently. That said, Taylor must release the ball as soon as possible because Miller can wear out anyone on the Giants' offensive line.

When the Bills Have the Ball

Bills quarterback Josh Allen can be a lot to handle through the air and on the ground. The two-time Pro Bowler's strong arm and impressive speed for his large frame are two reasons why the Giants need two players watching him at all times. Inside linebackers Bobby Okereke and Micah McFadden are the candidates.

When Allen drops back to pass, Okereke is the Giant that needs to step up. Allen's reputation can't get much higher, and with Buffalo as a heavy favorite, he's expected to have a big game on Sunday night. Of course, Okereke can't defend Allen's jaw-dropping deep throws, but he can control the middle of the field.

After five games, Okereke leads New York in tackles (42), but he's also logged three pass breakups, a forced fumble, and an interception. Giants cornerbacks Deonte Banks and Tre Hawkins will have their hands full with three-time Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis, who scored a touchdown in the past four games. However, if either of them bursts over the middle of the field, Okereke must make a tackle or break up the pass if New York wants to disrupt Allen and the air attack.

When Allen begins to use his legs- whether to find an open receiver or run the ball himself--that's where McFadden comes into play. The 23-year-old has the second most tackles on the team (31) but leads the team with five tackles for loss.

The Bills' offensive line is among the best in the league, and their nine sacks allowed thus far reflect that. The Giants' talented defensive line, mainly Kayvon Thibodeaux, has shown a few flashes of last season's success, but McFadden must step up when Allen scrambles out of the pocket and attack him before he finds an open receiver or a lane to run through.

Nevertheless, it is uncertain if McFadden will play on Sunday night due to an ankle injury he's been nursing. He didn't participate in Wednesday's practice and was limited in Thursday's. If he's sidelined for the game, preseason trade acquisition Isaiah Simmons will have to fill his role and responsibilities against Allen.