2 min read • January 02, 2023
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This much-anticipated potential AFC championship matchup features injuries at key positions on both defenses. Projects to be an offensive shootout that will likely have big implications for playoff seeding.
Buffalo’s defensive injury issues continue with the absence of Von Miller and the slow ACL recovery of cornerback Tre’Davious White. Free safety Jordan Poyer is also dealing with a knee injury that has him questionable for this huge matchup.
Poyer will likely play through, but could have limited mobility against the Bengals’ stacked passing attack.
On offense, Josh Allen is healthy and has veteran center Mitch Morse back. Morse missed last week while in concussion protocol.
The Bills rank 7th in passing yards and 8th in rushing yards this season, plus they have their entire offensive line healthy.
Ohio’s best football team lost a key piece in right tackle La’el Collins in Week 16. Other than that the offense is completely healthy, including star wideouts Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Tight end Hayden Hurst is also back in full this week from his calf strain.
On the defensive line, Trey Hendrickson is playing despite suffering a broken wrist two weeks ago. Fellow defensive end Sam Hubbard is questionable to play after missing the last contest with a calf strain.
Calf injuries are notoriously tough for defensive linemen to play through effectively and Hubbard will likely rotate in with the backup if he’s active.
The loss of No. 1 corner Chidobe Awuzie continues to have a big impact in the secondary, where the Bengals have allowed the 12th most passing yards in the league.
Expect Stefon Diggs to be targeted early and often.
The Bills are favored by 1.5 points on the road and the over/under is 49.5, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Through Week 16, our SIC Picks staff is 55.4% on live bets and 51% on player props.
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Stefon Diggs O73.5 receiving yards
The Bengals's secondary remains thin without top CB Chidobe Awuzie, who was lost to a torn ACL in Week 8.
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