Game Preview: Buffalo Bills @ Los Angeles Chargers

When this game was scheduled back in April as the first game ever that is only available to Peacock subscribers, the league had hoped that it would be a battle between Josh Allen and Justin Herbert for the top seed in the AFC Playoffs. Instead, they will get the Chargers in their first game since firing their Head Coach and General Manager, led by backup quarterback Easton Stick against a Buffalo Bills team fighting just to make the playoffs. Not exactly what the league and NBC were looking for, I’m sure. Regardless, the game must be played, and it is a big one for Buffalo.

The Last Five

Bills 27 Chargers 17 (2020)
Chargers 31 Bills 20 (2018)
Chargers 54 Bills 24 (2017)
Chargers 22 Bills 10 (2014)
Chargers 37 Bills 10 (2011)

Prior to their victory in 2020, the Buffalo Bills had only beaten the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers five times since 1965. Most of their success against this franchise dates back to the AFL days, including back-to-back AFL Championship Game wins against them in 1964 and 1965. Saturday will mark the 41st time these two teams will play, with the Chargers franchise holding a 25-13-2 advantage.

What To Watch For: Buffalo Bills

Cookin’ With Gas – The Bills might have found a superstar on their roster. James Cook utterly dominated the Dallas Cowboys defense. And, with the exception of one drop, he did everything the Bills asked of him with massive success. Joe Brady has committed to sticking with what works. And not just stubbornly pushing his pre-determined gameplan if the game plays out differently than expected. It wasn’t in the gameplan to feed James Cook, but that is the way that the game played out. We will see what works early in the Chargers game, but I would be surprised to see a similar output from Cook this week. Nevertheless, it is good for the Bills to have the “Cook Game” in their back pocket for when they need it.

Miller Time? – The past two weeks Von Miller has been much more noticeable on the field. While the lack of production is still concerning for one of the team’s highest paid players, it is an encouraging sign for a player coming off of his second ACL tear. If Miller is ramping up his production, it cannot come at a better time for the Bills. Sean McDermott loves to rotate his D-line. Having a fresh Miller to come into the game on key downs will be important. A future HOF player lining up against a quarterback making his second career start could result in the first impact play(s) of the year from Miller.

No “Air” Allen Needed? – The Buffalo Bills always need Josh Allen, but apparently they do not need “Air” Allen every week. The Bills winning a football game in dominating fashion with Allen completing only 7 passes for 94 yards was not something that I saw coming. The Bills’ best player made some key plays with his legs to extend some drives and lead to points. However, even though Allen technically had one of his worst yardage games as a pro, seeing Cook explode was a welcome surprise. I suspect Allen will eclipse that total early in this game. And he will show he’s capable of being the “A student” when needed, but also taking a backseat when that is needed, too.

What To Watch For: Los Angeles Chargers

A Fresh Start – The Bills are catching the Los Angeles Chargers at a point of crisis for them, but also at the point of an opportunity. Fresh off of firing their HC and GM, the Chargers will go through the motions in these final three games before beginning an official search for a new regime. As often happens post-firing, there is a possibility that the team responds by coming out firing on all cylinders. I don’t expect that to happen in this one due to the reasons I will list below. Even if they do respond, it won’t be to a level where they could knock off the Bills.

Mr. Stick – Easton Stick will be the starting quarterback for the Chargers on Saturday. Despite having a Top-10 quarterback name of all time, Stick will have a tall task in his second NFL start. Sean McDermott’s defenses have done historically well against young quarterbacks. With the unit finally returning to form, it is shaping up to be a long night for Easton. The Bills have done a phenomenal job of forcing turnovers over the past four games. Again, with Stick making only his second career start, more turnovers almost seem like a given.

No Charge in Their O – The Chargers were supposed to have one of the best offenses in the league behind the likes of QB Justin Herbert, WR Keenan Allen and RB Austin Ekeler. At 5-9, there has been little to celebrate this year for the Chargers. They are now depleted by injuries. But, even before the injuries started to rack up, it was a season of untapped potential for LA. Keenan Allen is always a threat to break a game open. Unfortunately for them, Keenan Allen will miss the game with a heel injury. Without him, the Chargers offense does not present the slightest bit of threat. They truly are a shell of what they once were.

Prediction

Buffalo Bills 38 Los Angeles Chargers 10. There is no way the Bills lose this game, right? I believe the Bills are beyond the point of “trap games”, as they have used up all of their mulligans. I expect the Bills to have another dominant game, continuing to take care of their own business in the playoff race.

Featured Image Credit: Rich Barnes/USA TODAY Sports