AFC Game Of The Week
Indianapolis Colts at Buffalo Bills
Colts: There was a time when they were being labeled as the biggest disappointment in the NFL. With Carson Wentz reunited with Frank Reich who was his offensive coordinator in Philadelphia, an offensive line who could protect him, a running game and a defense that could punish opponents. however, I look at things differently. Look at their first few games of the year. They played Seattle in week one followed by the Los Angeles Rams in week two and then you play Tennessee. That’s a tough three-game stretch against teams who made the playoffs a year ago. Now, I see a team that’s more settled in than what they were early on in the year. This is a different type of Colts team than what we’ve seen in previous years. Under Andrew Luck, they were spinning the ball up and down the football field and I don’t think I have to explain how things were under Peyton Manning. The highlights speak for themselves. This Indy team now is a run first team followed by a stingy defense. They have a duo of running backs in Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines that impact the game differently. What I enjoy about this Colts defense is the way they create takeovers. They’ll punch the ball out of the opposing players’ hands, force the interceptions, and force fumbles. On Sunday, they’ll face the team who ended their season ten months ago.
Bills: Sometimes, I find myself sounding like a broken record player when I discuss them. When I was on the “Sports Cubicle” in week one of the season, I remember being asked about them and what exactly was wrong with their offense. It’s simple: They are far too dependent on Josh Allen to bail them out. Now, look. I understand it’s a pass-happy, quarterback-driven league. After all, it is the most important position on the football team. I can’t stress this enough, I need the Bills to run the football a little bit more. Stop putting everything on your young quarterback and expecting him to get you out of binds every time they need it. A good running game is still essential to winning in this league and being successful. There’s no excuse for them to lose in Jacksonville how they did a few weeks ago. Just a few weeks ago, I thought they were the favorites in the AFC but I can’t give them that title anymore they’re able to add more balance to the offense. Now, their defense. I’m glad Sean McDermott has got them back to being bullies on the defensive side. They’ve shown you plenty of times that they can win a game with the defenses getting those takeaways. Remember, they pitched two shutouts earlier in the year! This is the scariest team in the league when they have everything clicking for them. They return home in week 11.
Colts X-Factor: DeForest Buckner– While Darius Leonard might be their best defensive player, DeForest is their most important. He’s that glue piece that I often discuss amongst defenses that holds everything together. At 6’7, he has the long arms to swim past offensive tackles and can get those hands up to knock the ball down. Also, DeForest can provide that push up front to rush the passer.
Bills X-Factor: Emmanuel Sanders– It took him a while, but he’s now more acclimated with this offense. Emmanuel has played with some big named quarterbacks over the years. Ben Roethlisberger, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, and Josh Allen are a few. I just like how Emmanuel knows his role within an offense. He’s a true number two option at this point of his career. Josh knows he can find this guy on the other side of the field when Diggs is locked up or double-teamed.
Final Thoughts: When they last played, it was back in January. It was the Bills’ first home playoff game since 1995. This would also end up being the final game of Philip Rivers’ career as he announced his retirement weeks later. These teams each have something in common and that’s the ability to take care of the football along with creating those takeaways. I see this game coming down to who can control the clock more and doing what I listed up top (taking care of the ball). Whoever does that should come away victorious. Buffalo will bottle up the run and make Wentz who’s been serviceable beat them. Indy should take a page out of Jacksonville’s playbook. Come to the line as if you’re showing blitz, but drop back into that zone look. This will be a tough test for a Colts defense who will have their hands full with a Buffalo offense with many weapons.
Prediction: Bills 28, Colts 19
