Jacob Sisneros
2 min read • October 16, 2022
Posted in
This matchup between two of the most exciting offensive teams in the game features a fair amount of defensive injuries, potentially opening the game up even more for a track meet.
The Bills’ main injury weakness is in the secondary, where No. 1 cornerback Tre’Davious White remains out while rehabbing from his torn ACL last Thanksgiving.
All-Pro free safety Micah Hyde is also out after undergoing neck surgery that will likely keep him out until the postseason. Jordan Poyer missed last week with injured ribs, but is back this week.
Despite those absences, Buffalo ranks fifth in the league in passing yards allowed and second in passing touchdowns allowed. They have intercepted opponents 8 times this season, leading the league in that category.
Ed Oliver is back and Jordan Phillips will likely play through his hamstring issue, giving the Bills needed depth at the left defensive tackle position.
On offense, wide receiver depth is a slight issue with Jamison Crowder and Jake Kumerow on the shelf. However, Isaiah McKenzie is back from his concussion and Khalil Shakir had an impressive showing in his first game action last week against the Steelers.
The Bills lead the league in passing yards and the duo of Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs appear unstoppable at the moment behind a healthy offensive line.
The AFC West leader’s only injury issues come on the defensive side of the ball. No. 1 cornerback Trent McDuffie remains out after a severe hamstring injury Week 1 and slot cornerback Rashod Fenton is out with a recent hamstring injury.
That forces rookies Joshua Williams and Jaylen Watson into more action against Buffalo’s vaunted passing attack.
This season, the Chiefs have ranked 24th in passing yards allowed, 31st in passing touchdowns allowed and 28th in interceptions.
Weakside linebacker Willie Gay is also out as he serves a suspension for off-field issues. Darius Harris has filled in admirably, with a 69.4 overall grade on Pro Football Focus.
The team’s healthy offense ranks first in points scored, sixth in total yards gained and first in passing touchdowns.
Buffalo is favored by 2.5 points on the road and the over/under is 53.5, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
The Bills are +370 to win Super Bowl LVII, while the Chiefs are +650.
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Written by Jacob Sisneros
