On a two-game losing streak with the offense sputtering and now back below the .500 mark, the Indianapolis Colts will face the difficult task of trying to get back on track against the 7-2 Buffalo Bills.
Although both the Colts and Bills are in the AFC, Buffalo is a somewhat uncommon opponent–at least as of late–with the last matchup between these two taking place in 2021 and the last time the Bills traveled to Indianapolis was in 2018.
From the Colts perspective, getting the run game going will be important and although the defense has played well over the last month, Josh Allen and the Bills offense will provide a massive challenge.
But to provide us with some insights into this 2024 Bills team, Nick Wojton, the managing editor of Bills Wire, answered five of our questions to help us preview the upcoming matchup.
The Bills are rolling, what’s working well for this team?
Wojton: For the Bills on offense, they’ve found a balance they previously did not have. Of course most things will roll through quarterback Josh Allen, but James Cook has arrived as a top running back because he gets a chance to shine… and it works for this team.
On the flip side, if opponents have found some success against Buffalo, how have they gone about that?
Wojton: Always a bit wary about the Bills stopping the run on defense. Occasionally teams will find room to do so. Some injuries at the linebacker position has likely played a role there.
Who is an under the radar player for Colts’ fans to know?
Wojton: With Amari Cooper now in the fold after the trade deadline and Keon Coleman as Buffalo’s top rookie draft pick, the attention gets taken away from Khalil Shakir. The slot receiver is really good and has a ton of trust from Allen,
What do we need to know about the Bills injury report and the potential impact on Sunday’s game?
Wojton: The Bills should have some worry on offense being without Coleman, That will allow the Colts to really focus in on Cooper… if he even plays since he has a wrist injury like Coleman. Defensively, the biggest loss all season has been at linebacker in Matt Milano. He’s one of the best in the business.
What does the Bills path to victory in this game look like?
Wojton: With the banged up players on offense, it feels like a game where Cook will need to perform. If the Bills can do that, the defense should follow because when opponents are forced to throw, it plays well into Buffalo’s talented secondary.
