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Buffalo Bills (10-2) will face off against the Los Angeles Rams (6-6) this Sunday at 4:25 p.m. EST on FOX. The Bills are currently favored by 3.5 points according to BetMGM NFL odds, with their performance against the spread standing at 8-4, while the Rams are at 5-7. Historically, the Bills lead the series with a 9-5 record, having won their last encounter 31-10 in Inglewood, California on September 8, 2022.
Last week saw the Bills secure a decisive victory over the San Francisco 49ers, winning 35-10, while the Rams narrowly defeated the New Orleans Saints, finishing 21-14. Breaking down the offensive and defensive stats, the Bills rank 10th overall in offense, 11th in rushing, 17th in passing, and boast the second best scoring offense. Defensively, they stand 11th in total defense, 18th against the run, 8th against the pass, and tied for 6th in scoring defense.
The Rams, on the other hand, rank 18th overall in offense, 26th in rushing, 11th in passing, and 20th in scoring. Their defense ranks 25th overall, 28th against the run, 15th against the pass, and 21st in scoring. In terms of turnover differential, the Bills have a significant advantage at plus-17 compared to the Rams’ plus-3.
A key player to watch for the Bills is wide receiver Amari Cooper, who has become an important asset since being traded from Cleveland. Last week, Cooper made a spectacular one-handed catch and lateraled the ball to quarterback Josh Allen for a touchdown setup. He is recovering from a wrist injury and is projected to contribute more in the remaining games.
For the Rams, linebacker Omar Speights has emerged as a notable player. Initially overlooked after going undrafted from LSU, Speights recorded a career-high 10 tackles against New Orleans and will be vital to countering Buffalo’s potent offensive unit.
A critical matchup to observe will be between the Rams’ offensive line and the Bills’ defensive line. Protecting quarterback Matthew Stafford and creating lanes for running back Kyren Williams is essential for the Rams’ success, especially after a good performance last week where Williams rushed for over 100 yards. However, the Bills have two strong defensive ends in Gregory Rousseau and A.J. Epenesa, making this a challenging task for the Rams.
In terms of injuries, the Bills are monitoring tight end Dalton Kincaid, who has returned to practice following a knee injury. Rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman is also limited as he continues to recover from a wrist injury and has missed several games. Safety Taylor Rapp’s shoulder/neck injury is another point of concern. For the Rams, quarterback Matthew Stafford is dealing with a sprained ankle but is not expected to be hampered by it. Additionally, left tackle Alaric Jackson is managing a foot injury and tight end Tyler Higbee has resumed practice after a serious knee injury.
Historically speaking, the Bills dominated the Rams during the last meeting, marking a rough season for Los Angeles in their Super Bowl title defense. Buffalo has been victorious in three consecutive matchups against the Rams, scoring over 30 points each time.
Looking at the season stats, the Bills have secured their fifth straight AFC East title and are vying for the top seed in the American Football Conference, aiming to catch the Kansas City Chiefs. Buffalo boasts a strong record in December and January games, standing at 20-2 since 2020 and winning seven straight after a brief losing streak earlier this season. Allen is particularly effective when avoiding turnovers, while running back James Cook continues to impress with his scoring record.
In terms of fantasy football, Kyren Williams is becoming a reliable asset, showcasing his ability to perform on the ground with two consecutive solid outings. However, his receiving game has been less productive, and many anticipate that the Rams will look to utilize him more effectively as a pass-catcher in upcoming matches.
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