Packers vs Lions:
When: 4:25 PM ET, Sunday, December 8, 2024
Where: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
Buffalo Bills vs. Los Angeles Rams Preview: Can McVay Find an Answer for Josh Allen?
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay is widely regarded as one of the sharpest minds in football. But when it comes to stopping Josh Allen, even McVay admits there’s no easy solution.
“If I had the answer, it would be a lot easier,” McVay said. “Everybody’s trying to figure that out week in and week out.”
Allen and the Buffalo Bills (10-2) are in elite form heading into Sunday’s matchup against the Rams (6-6). Buffalo rides a seven-game winning streak, including a dominant 35-10 victory over the 49ers last week. With the AFC East already locked up, the Bills now chase the top seed in the conference, trailing Kansas City by just one game.
The Rams, meanwhile, have been inconsistent, alternating wins and losses over the last five weeks. They’re coming off a gritty 21-14 road win against the Saints, but Sunday’s test is their biggest yet: slowing down Allen, who’s playing at an MVP level.
Josh Allen’s MVP-Caliber Season
Allen has been unstoppable, throwing for 20 touchdowns with only five interceptions this season and posting a 100.3 passer rating. Add in 334 rushing yards and six scores on the ground, and his versatility makes him a nightmare for any defense.
Last week’s performance against San Francisco was a showcase of Allen’s brilliance:
2 passing touchdowns
1 rushing touchdown
1 receiving touchdown
Only 4 incompletions all game.
“We’re having fun doing what we do,” Allen said. “At the same time, we’re intentional about it. We know we’re heading across the country to face a team that’s hungry, playing really good football, and has a tough defensive front.”
Key Matchups to Watch
Josh Allen vs. Rams Defensive Line: The Rams’ front four is young but talented. Players like Byron Young and Kobie Turner are emerging as serious disruptors, and they’ll need to pressure Allen early and often to have a shot at containing him.
Matt Stafford vs. Bills Secondary: Stafford has had a solid year, throwing for 17 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. His chemistry with star wideout Cooper Kupp (565 yards, 5 TDs in 8 games) and breakout running back Kyren Williams (926 yards, 10 TDs) will be critical as they try to keep pace with Buffalo’s high-powered offense.
Offensive Leaders to Watch
Bills:
James Cook: 703 rushing yards, 11 TDs.
Khalil Shakir: 60 receptions, 629 yards, 2 TDs.
Rams:
Kyren Williams: 926 rushing yards, 10 TDs.
Cooper Kupp: 565 receiving yards, 5 TDs.
Rams Defense Gets a Boost
Los Angeles made a move this week, claiming cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. off waivers. The former 2023 first-round pick struggled in Washington but brings talent and potential to a Rams secondary looking for answers.
“Be yourself and play with confidence — that’s one thing they told me,” Forbes said. “I’m ready to just go out and play ball.”
Last Time They Met
The Bills and Rams last squared off on Sept. 8, 2022, with Buffalo rolling to a 31-10 win. Allen was surgical, completing 26-of-31 passes for 297 yards and three touchdowns, while Stafford struggled, tossing three interceptions.
