Buffalo Rumblings
Two first-place teams are set to square off in Seattle
The Seattle Seahawks host the Buffalo Bills this week in the first meeting between these clubs since the 2020 season. In that game, the Bills rode an incredible performance from quarterback Josh Allen (31-of-38 passing for 415 yards and three touchdowns, adding seven carries for 14 rushing yards and another score) en route to a 44-34 win.
That was the second 400-yard game in Allen’s career, and it still ranks tied for the second-most passing yards he’s thrown for in a single game. Coming off his first 300-yard passing game of the 2024 season, Allen will look to build on his success against a tough Seattle squad.
How can the Bills knock off the Seahawks? Controlling some of their top players will be an important part of winning. Here are our five Seahawks to watch this week.
Here’s something I never thought I’d say: Smith leads the NFL in completions (191), attempts (279), and passing yards (1,985) this season. After looking like a flat-out bust with the New York Jets in the early days of his career, it’s been quite the turnaround for Smith since heading to the Pacific Northwest.
Another statistic where Smith is towards the top of the leader board, though, is sacks taken, with 20 on the year so far. He’s tied for third in the league, trailing only Deshaun Watson (33!) and Daniel Jones (21). Smith also has six interceptions so far this season.
If the Bills can pressure him, not only do they have a good chance at taking him down and setting the Seahawks up in adverse situations, but the also have a good chance at causing some turnovers this week.
Walker was sick last week, but he still carried 14 times for 69 yards and a score in Seattle’s win over the Atlanta Falcons. While he missed practice on Wednesday, he participated in a limited fashion on Thursday, so I assume that he’ll play this week.
Given Buffalo’s struggles with talented running backs this season, slowing Walker down will be paramount to success this week. The Bills cannot allow him to eat up chunks of yards on the ground, as it will open up the play-action game for Smith, which could spell trouble for the Bills whether DK Metcalf, who suffered an MCL sprain last week, suits up or not.
Veteran offensive tackle George Fant’s practice window opened this week, as he looks to return from a knee injury suffered in Week 1 against the Denver Broncos. If Fant remains inactive, then Jerrell will have to deal with defensive ends Greg Rousseau and A.J. Epenesa, who have been a formidable duo of late.
Rousseau had six quarterback hits and half a sack last week, giving him 3.5 sacks and 13 quarterback hits on the season. Epenesa has four sacks to lead the Bills, as well as eight quarterback hits....
