matchups – Syndication Server

Bills at Rams: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 14

The Buffalo Bills will travel across the country to face the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Week 14.

For this cross-conference battle between Sean McDermott’s Bills (10-2) and Sean McVay’s Rams (6-6), it will be the games, within the game, that will make all the difference.

Here are three key matchups to watch during Sunday’s Bills-Rams contest:

CB Taron Johnson vs. WR Cooper Kupp

The battle in the slot will feature All-Pro caliber players who have been around the NFL for a while. Taron Johnson is in his eighth year and is coming off of his first-career All-Pro selection last year (second-team). Cooper Kupp is in his ninth year and has an All-Pro selection under his belt as well (first-team in 2021).

Kupp continues to see the majority of his snaps in the slot. According to Pro Football Focus, Kupp has seen 278 slot snaps and 151 wide snaps this year.

Johnson will have his hands full. Not only is Kupp still a reliable route runner and pass catcher, but he has the ultimate trust and chemistry with quarterback Matt Stafford. The two won a Super Bowl together in 2022 and connected for the go-ahead touchdown in that game. A few wins from either side of this matchup could make a big difference.

Bills offensive line vs. Rams defensive line

Both the Bills offensive line and the Rams defensive line have had outstanding seasons to this point. Both have outperformed their expectations this year.

Heading into Week 14, both the Bills O-line and Rams D-line rank as the sixth-best unit on their respective side of the ball according to PFF.

Los Angeles has posted the league’s best quarterback pressure rate (39.8%) according to Next Gen Stats. Buffalo, on the other hand, has allowed the league’s fewest sacks this year (13), including zero over their last two games.

Something has to give. The battle in the trenches when the Bills have the ball will be one of the better matchups around the NFL and will play a big role in the outcome of the game.

RB James Cook vs. Rams front-seven

If the Bills can get running back James Cook rolling on the ground like they did last week (107 yards on 7.6 yards per carry), then it will keep the Rams’ impressive pass rush honest. And, although the Rams can get after the quarterback, they have their holes in the run game.

They rank 21st in the NFL in defense rushing DVOA, while ranking 22nd in EPA/rush. On top of that, they allow the fifth-most yards after contact per rush (3.25), according to Next Gen Stats.

Buffalo and offensive coordinator Joe Brady have found a lot of success on the ground this year (4th in rush DVOA). If they can get going once again, it will be worrisome for Los Angeles.

[lawrence-related id=143817,143825,143818]

Rams receiving corps is the next test for Saints’ young secondary

The Saints’ young secondary will see their first true test since Alontae Taylor and Kool-Aid McKinstry took over at the outside corner spots:

The end of the season is an important time for the New Orleans Saints secondary. Tyrann Mathieu is established, and he is the only member of the secondary who should feel confident about their future in New Orleans.

This is the first time this version of the Saints secondary will genuinely be tested. There’s no Marshon Lattimore to feel comfortable about. Paulson Adebo is on injured reserve. The Saints are now led on the outside by Alontae Taylor and Kool-Aid McKinstry.

Those two haven’t faced a pair of receivers like Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua before. Matthew Stafford isn’t going to catch you by surprise. He’s going to lean on his two lead receivers, so you can expect both corners to be targeted.

This will be a tough challenge for both Taylor and McKinstry. While it isn’t a make or break game, a strong performance would work wonders for them moving forwards.

At this point, everyone is auditioning for the next coaching staff. There’s not a big contract or a player entrenched in their role outside of Mathieu. Having a good showing against this caliber of receivers would generate optimism in whoever the coach will be.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Bills vs. Colts: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 10

The Buffalo Bills (7-2) will face the Indianapolis Colts (4-5) on the road in their upcoming Week 10 matchup.

The games within the game will make all the difference for the Bills as they try to win in Indianapolis for the first time since 1999.

Here are three key matchups to watch during Sunday’s Bills-Colts contest:

Bills front seven vs. Jonathan Taylor

The Bills’ front seven has been inconsistent this year in defending the ground game, and they have been under the microscope this week after allowing the Miami Dolphins to run all over them. Running backs De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert each averaged over five yards per carry and combined for 119 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. Now, they have Jonathan Taylor to worry about.

Taylor has been one of the best backs in the NFL when healthy since he entered the league. This year he is averaging an impressive 4.8 yards per carry and is 19th in the NFL in rushing yards (502), just ahead of James Cook (496).

The Bills will need execution and effort from their front seven throughout the game to keep Taylor in check. Guys like DaQuan Jones, Ed Oliver, and Greg Rousseau will be counted on to make an impact at the line of scrimmage.

CB Taron Johnson vs. WR Josh Downs

Slot cornerback Taron Johnson, a second-team All-Pro last year, will be tested by a young up-and-comer in Week 10. Second-year wide receiver Josh Downs operates out of the slot and has quickly gained rapport with quarterback Joe Flacco.

In four games together this year, Downs has averaged 9.75 targets, 7.5 receptions, and 69.25 receiving yards per contest. He has the most catches from Flacco by a decent margin and has been the most-targeted receiver in all four games.

Johnson has a tough task with keeping tabs on Downs and also being ready to head downhill to tackle Taylor in the running game. It’s a tall task but that’s nothing new for one of the best nickel corners in the game.

QB Joe Flacco vs. Bills pass coverage

We could more widely talk about the playcalling duel between Shane Steichen and Bobby Babich, but let’s zoom in a bit. Flacco vs the Bills’ coverage will be a chess match to watch.

Flacco has been around the block. In his 17th year, he is still proving he can be effective. He has seven touchdowns and two interceptions through four games played, and his 94.5 passer rating ranks 14th in the NFL.

The Bills passing defense struggled against the Dolphins last week as Tua Tagovailoa completed 89% of his passes. The Bills currently rank middle-of-the-pack in passing defense DVOA (15th).

The defense might have a little bit of an easier day if WR Michael Pittman Jr. can’t play due to injury, but what would really help them is having more of a pass rush.

Bills vs. Dolphins: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 9

The Buffalo Bills (6-2) will host the Miami Dolphins (2-5) in their upcoming Week 9 matchup.

In this divisional clash, the games within the game will make all the difference.

Here are three key matchups to watch during Sunday’s Bills-Dolphins contest:

Keon Coleman/Amari Cooper vs. Miami CBs

The Dolphins have one of the better cornerback duos in the NFL. Jalen Ramsey is still performing like one of the best in the NFL and Kendall Fuller is no slouch either. According to Pro Football Focus, Ramsey grades as the 13th-best corner in the league while Fuller grades 42nd-best.

They are going to make the Bills’ boundary receivers work for their catches. Insert Coleman and Cooper. We know what Cooper is capable of at wideout, and in the last couple of weeks, Coleman has emerged as well. These two can make catches with the best of them, and with Ramsey and Fuller in coverage, they might need to come down with some contested catches.

De’Von Achane vs. Bills’ front seven

Running back De’Von Achane is performing well despite Miami’s recent offensive struggles. He has averaged 87 rushing yards and almost seven yards per carry in their last two games. And, when the Bills visited Miami in Week 2, he was the lone bright spot for the Dolphins on offense.

In Week 2 he accounted for 165 yards from scrimmage and scored their only touchdown. He averaged 4.4 yards per carry and caught all seven of his targets.

The Bills have had an up-and-down season defending the run. They’ve had some games where they can’t defend it and some games where they can. In all, they rank middle of the pack in the NFL, allowing 120 yards per game on the ground. Last week, they completely shut down one of the better runners in the league, Kenneth Walker III, so it will be interesting to see which form of the Bills’ run defense shows up in Week 9.

Bills offensive line vs. Dolphins defensive line

Despite losing standout edge defender Jaelen Phillips to a season-ending injury earlier this year, the Dolphins still have a solid group on the defensive line. Calais Campbell, described by PFF as an “ageless wonder,” is still wreaking havoc on the interior of the line. Zach Sieler is another guy who can move bodies on the interior, but he is questionable with a facial injury.

On the edge, Emmanuel Ogbah and 2024 first-round pick Chop Robinson have shown flashes at times. The Dolphins’ defensive line currently ranks 13th-best in the NFL according to PFF. They have dropped seven spots in the rankings after back-to-back disappointing efforts.

The Bills offensive line is looking elite at the moment, coming off of a one-sack performance against the Seattle Seahawks. They have given up only ten total sacks in 2024 which ranks best in the NFL. According to PFF, the offensive line as a whole currently ranks seventh-best. There will be a lot of talent fighting in the trenches when the Bills are on offense.

Steelers-Raiders matchups to watch: Najee Harris vs. Robert Spillane

A matchup that is shaping up to be the most entertaining positional battle in Week 6, is RB Najee Harris versus LB Robert Spillane.

Pittsburgh’s Week 6 contest has some extra intrigue, as former Steeler and current Raiders LB Robert Spillane goes head-to-head with Steelers RB Najee Harris.

Najee Harris’s lack of yards stems from his inefficiency. Analyzing his average yards per carry from Weeks 1-5 reveals the key area of concern: 3.5, 4.1, 3.9, 1.5, and 3.0. While the Steelers’ offensive line has suffered key injuries that could play a role, the interior linemen consistently rank as the offense’s best players.

Robert Spillane has exploded onto the scene through five weeks of football in 2024. After producing 148 combined tackles in 2023, Spillane is on pace to shatter that number—averaging almost 11 tackles per game this season, putting his projected total at over 180 tackles.

Spillane and Harris have surely felt each other’s presence before—as both players have experienced the classic Steelers tradition of ‘Backs on Backers.’ Who will come out on top in Week 6?

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Packers vs. Cardinals: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 6

Three matchups to watch when the Packers take on the Cardinals in Week 6.

The Green Bay Packers are back at home this week for a Week 6 meeting with the Arizona Cardinals.

The Packers are hoping to build off last week’s win over the Los Angeles Rams after coming back from a halftime deficit. Meanwhile, the Cardinals are also looking to keep up their momentum on the heels of a big divisional victory against the San Francisco 49ers.

Arizona hasn’t been to the postseason since 2021, which is also the last time they faced Green Bay. Packers fans will remember that game for Rasul Douglas’ game-clinching interception in the final seconds.

Three years later, the Cardinals are still led by quarterback Kyler Murray, who is starting to look like the Kyler Murray of old. Green Bay’s defense must be on their toes if they hope to contain Murray’s dual-threat ability.

Offensively, this is a good matchup for the Packers, as they are about to face the 27th-ranked scoring defense. Jordan Love and company should have no issues putting up points on Sunday as long as they don’t shoot themselves in the foot with penalties and missed opportunities.

Here are three key matchups that will go a long way toward determining the outcome between these two NFC teams with playoff aspirations.

Packers’ containment vs. QB Kyler Murray

After missing most of last season while recovering from a torn ACL, Murray appears to have gained all of his mobility back. He is currently rushing for 49.4 yards per game, which is the most he has averaged since his first Pro Bowl season in 2020. Murray rushed for a season-high 83 yards on seven attempts against the 49ers, including a 50-yard touchdown on their first possession. Green Bay has already faced a pair of mobile quarterbacks this season in Jalen Hurts and Anthony Richardson. By playing more QB contain, they were able to hold both to under 40 rushing yards. Limiting the damage Murray can do as a runner will likely be a point of emphasis again this week.

RB Josh Jacobs vs. Arizona’s run defense

It’s expected to be a rainy day at Lambeau Field on Sunday, which could mean a heavy workload for the home team’s lead back. Jacobs scored his first touchdown as a Packer last week and could be in for a big day against a vulnerable Cardinals run defense. Arizona is allowing 4.6 yards per carry this season and 147.8 rushing yards per game. Matt LaFleur loves to air it out, but this may be the week to play it safe in questionable conditions and lean on the ground game. I’m expecting a bounce-back week for Jacobs, who has been averaging only 55.7 yards per game over the past three weeks.

LB Edgerrin Cooper vs. RB James Conner

My eyes will be glued to Green Bay’s rookie linebacker who has seen his snap count steadily increase over the past few weeks. Last week in LA, Cooper had his most productive outing to date despite playing only 38 percent of the defensive snaps, finishing with five tackles, a sack, and two QB hits. This week, Cooper could see his role expand even more, given Murray’s mobility and Arizona’s run game leaning on an ultra-reliable veteran in Conner. Currently sitting at 379 rushing yards and three touchdowns while averaging 4.6 yards per attempt, Conner appears to be aging like fine wine at age 29. The Packers need to have an answer for the Cardinals’ rushing attack and something tells me that Cooper will play a key role.

Packers vs. Vikings: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 4

Three matchups to watch when the Packers take on the Vikings in Week 4.

The Green Bay Packers aim to end the Minnesota Vikings’ perfect 3-0 start in this divisional showdown set for Sunday.

The Packers expect to have Jordan Love back after he missed the last two games recovering from a knee injury. Backup Malik Willis did an excellent job filling in for Love, leaning on the run game and well-designed game plans by head coach Matt LaFleur.

After six years of Kirk Cousins, the Vikings handed the keys over to Sam Darnold in 2024. Darnold has looked reinvigorated in Minnesota, frequently targeting stud receiver Justin Jefferson and handing the ball off to former Green Bay running back Aaron Jones.

Defensively, the Vikings have been stout against the run (T-2nd in the NFL), while the Packers lead the league in interceptions and takeaways.

In addition to it being one of the NFL’s best rivalries, there’s a lot to like about this Week 4 meeting.

Here are three key matchups to watch out for:

CB Jaire Alexander vs. WR Justin Jefferson

This has become one of the best individual matchups in the league after Jefferson has gotten the best of Alexander in previous meetings, only for Alexander to turn around and shut down Jefferson in Week 17 of the 2022 season, hitting his patented “Griddy” celebration in the process. An injury to Jefferson and Alexander’s suspension robbed fans of this marquee matchup last season, but this year promises a high-stakes battle with both players at their peak. Totaling 273 receiving yards and three touchdowns through the first three games, Jefferson is off to another strong. On the other side, Alexander recorded his first career pick-six last week against the Tennessee Titans and might be starting to flourish in a new scheme. Get your popcorn ready for what will be a must-see matchup between Alexander and Jefferson on Sunday. (Note: Alexander missed practice Friday and has an uncertain playing status.)

DTs Devonte Wyatt and Kenny Clark vs C Garrett Bradbury

Wyatt is off to an impressive start in his third season, with three sacks in three games and a team-high nine pressures. Meanwhile, Clark has been relatively quiet to start the year, having not registered a sack or a single QB hit. However, the tides could change this week for Clark going up against a familiar foe. Clark has had some success against Bradbury in recent meetings, and this one comes when he could use a confidence boost. Wyatt could also exploit this matchup against Minnesota’s center, who has given up ten pressures, the second most at the position. Bradbury’s status is still up in the air after missing Wednesday’s practice and being limited on Thursday due to an ankle injury. If they face a backup, Wyatt and Clark could be licking their chops even more.

HC Matt LaFleur vs DC Brian Flores

Over these past two weeks, LaFleur solidified his place as one of the best offensive minds in the game. Winning with your backup quarterback, but LaFleur made it look very achievable by crafting an executable game plan and playing to the player’s strengths. This week, LaFleur has work cut out for him as he faces one of the best defensive minds in the game. Flores is excellent at disguising coverages and generating pressure in creative ways to cause disruption. LaFleur’s scheme is a well-oiled machine when Love and company are firing on all cylinders. However, that could be difficult to realize on Sunday against a defense predicated on causing chaos for the offense. As much as this game will be about the players on the field, it will also be a chess match between LaFleur and Flores.

Steelers matchups to watch: Week 3 – T.J. Watt vs. Joe Alt

T.J. Watt and Joe Alt will be one of the premier matchups to watch in the league as the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3.

A matchup for the ages will take place in Week 3 as one of the greatest edge rushers of all time, Pittsburgh Steelers edge T.J. Watt, looks to keep his sack streak going against the Los Angeles Chargers’ rookie right tackle, Joe Alt. In a game with two underperforming offenses, this matchup could decide the outcome.

A former Defensive Player of the Year and 2023 sack leader, T.J. Watt is picking up where he left off last season. Watt was a force in the Steelers’ two victories. He has compiled two sacks, four QB hits, and six pressures on 62 pass plays.

Right tackle Joe Alt has been one of the Chargers’ best offensive players. On 126 snaps, he’s committed zero penalties, allowed only a single sack on 54 passing plays, and surrendered just two pressures.

Understanding that experience plays a massive role in these matchups, T.J. Watt should be the clear favorite here. With that being said, Steelers fans will have to tune in on September 22nd at 1:00 PM EST, to see if T.J. gives Alt his ‘welcome to the league’ moment.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Steelers matchups to watch: Week 3 – George Pickens vs. Asante Samuel Jr.

George Pickens and Asante Samuel Jr. will be one of the premier matchups to watch in the league as the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3.

Going off of statistics alone, some Steelers fans might assume that Pat Surtain II got the better of George Pickens in Week 2. However, many know this wasn’t the case, and Pickens will look to end this unfortunate production slump against Chargers’ cornerback, Asante Samuel Jr. in Week 3.

Asante Samuel Jr. has always been a dependable corner for Los Angeles, but heading into his contract year, the fourth-year corner may be playing some of his best football yet. Going up against Davante Adams in Week 1 presented some challenges, but his 11 yards allowed against Carolina in Week 2 was outstanding.

George Pickens’ stats may not reflect it yet, but he is one of the most threatening receivers in the NFL. Two weeks in a row, George Pickens’ production was removed by penalties, but his presence was always felt. His route running, his body control, and his reliable hands will make it a long day for the Chargers.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will need this matchup to swing in their favor if they hope to fend off the newly returned Jim Harbaugh and his Los Angeles Chargers on September 22nd at 1:00 PM EST.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Steelers matchups to watch: Week 3 – Najee Harris/Jaylen Warren vs. Chargers’ linebackers

Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren take on a triage of run-stopping linebackers in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Two of the nine undefeated teams in the NFL meet in Week 3, as the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Los Angeles Chargers. The Steelers’ running backs, Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, take on the Chargers’ run-stopping linebackers for an elite matchup to watch.

Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren ran the ball at a measly 3.5 yards a touch in Week 1. Harris would improve to 4.1 yards a carry, while Warren would increase proficiency to 4.7 yards a carry, in Week 2. As the offense continues to forge its identity, it is promising to see the running backs improving on every touch.

The Los Angeles Chargers’ linebackers are destroying the run this year, and it all starts with their second-year linebacker seeking his breakout season this year, Daiyan Henley. Henley has been good against the pass and is excelling in run stoppage, veteran Denzel Perryman is reliable against the pass, and the next linebacker up, Junior Colson, is more suited for run-stopping.

The Pittsburgh Steelers running backs will look to win the battle with the Los Angeles Chargers’ linebackers, in a game that will push one of these AFC teams to 3-0, all taking place on September 22nd, at 1:00 PM EST.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]