If you've been a football fan for a while, I'm sure you've heard the old saying, "It's not the X's and the O's but the Jimmys and the Joes."
Sure, it's fun to think about the schemes and what adjustments might be made. But when it really comes down to it — especially when you get good teams together like Sunday's tussle between the Bills and Patriots — it's going to be about the players on the field, and certain matchups.
Expect Sunday's rematch to look a lot different than the Patriots' 23-20 victory in Week 5. Not just because the Bills played terribly (three turnovers that led to 10 Patriots points, 11 penalties with eight coming in the first half, Josh Allen trying to do too much), but because there are some critical differences in personnel with each team.
A look at those, starting with some huge recent injuries, before we break down the matchup more and give our game pick.
Bills CB Christian Benford (toe)
Buffalo's best cornerback by far cropped up with the injury on Thursday and didn't practice on Friday. In video from that practice, he appeared to be really limping. If Benford, who returned the pick-six against Joe Burrow last week, can't go or is even limited, I don't think the Bills have a prayer of stopping Drake Maye and the Patriots' passing offense. Tre'Davious White, nickel Taron Johnson and dime Cam Lewis are all decidedly below average. First-round pick Maxwell Hairston is decent, but he hasn't played that much (25 coverage snaps the past two games). Even with Benford at full strength, I'd be fine with the Patriots opening things up and letting Maye pick out matchups. If he's out or gimpy, the green light should be given.
Patriots LB Robert Spillane (foot)
