The Buffalo Bills are one of the betting favorites to be the team representing the AFC in the upcoming Super Bowl. They’ve been one of the strongest teams all season long and have the probable MVP playing quarterback, and have suffered just three losses so far this year and locked up a division title weeks ago.
Bills Rushing Defense Could Prove To Be Costly
But Sean McDermott’s team will have to fix a specific flaw if they hope to win their first ever championship, or it could be their demise come playoff time.
There isn’t any problem with the offense. Josh Allen is one of the most dynamic players in the game with his dual threat ability, and only the Detroit Lions average more points per game than the Bills. They’re solid in their defensive efforts as well, as they rank in the top-ten in opponents passing yards allowed.
Bills run defense allows:
4.9 YPC (3rd-worst)
121.9 YPG (18th)There is no reason why the Rams shouldn’t run the ball 30+ times today.
— Sosa Kremenjas (@QBsMVP) December 8, 2024
It is their run defense that is their weak point. Through their first 13 games, the Bills have given up an average of 123 rushing yards per game. It isn’t one of the worst marks in the league, as their 19th place standing puts them more in the “below average” range, but it is where the other contending teams rank that is concerning for Buffalo.
The teams that are best in the NFL at stopping the run also happen to be some of the top Super Bowl contenders. The Ravens, Vikings, and Chiefs all give up fewer than 90 yards per game, and they make up the top-3 on the list. They’re followed by the Steelers, Lions, and Broncos, who have a combined record of 30-9.
In fact, of the 10 teams that allow the fewest rushing yards per game, only one is currently out of playoff position.
Running Game Becomes Magnified In The Playoffs
During the playoffs, the rushing game becomes even more important. And if the Bills hope to win some games this postseason, they’d better figure out how to slow down the running backs of their opponents.
There is a chance that they’ll see the Ravens during their run, who rank 2nd in rushing yards per game behind Derrick Henry. The Lions and Eagles are the two teams most likely to come out of the NFC, meaning that the Bills would have to face either the #1 or #4 rushing offenses. The Commanders are ranked #3, and the Steelers have the 9th most effective running attack.
Last year, the Bills finished the season with the 15th ranked rush defense. In their playoff loss to the Chiefs, they gave up 146 yards on the ground, well over their season average.
This coming Sunday, the Bills will take on the Lions in what could very well be a Super Bowl preview.
