NFL Week 10
Advertisement
It would also allow the Bills to move Coleman around a bit more and not have to rely as much on Shavers and Curtis Samuel to take meaningful snaps. And if Coleman continues to struggle, it could be a one-for-one swap by the time the playoffs roll around. It’s something the Bills wouldn’t prefer, but when playing for a championship is on the line, they’re going to put their best players on the field. If it goes well enough, Davis can certainly find his way to the 53-man roster at some point, and round out the top four with Coleman, Khalil Shakir and Joshua Palmer.
Two units for the Bills really stood out against the Chiefs. The secondary and the defensive ends were key reasons why the Bills were able to execute as good a game plan as they did. However, the one trouble spot for the Bills’ defense, as it’s been for a good portion of the 2025 season, has been at linebacker. The starting duo of Terrel Bernard and Matt Milano have been out of position at times, and most notably, can’t seem to get off blocks well enough to become consistent run-game stoppers. It’s a relatively big reason why the Bills’ run defense has struggled this season, as it’s been unclear what to expect one week to the next. It’s not to say that they haven’t had good moments, but they have been more infrequent this year than in the past.
Now, it certainly doesn’t help that the Bills have had to use a new defensive tackle group nearly on a weekly basis this season, and that has definitely hurt some of their ability to keep the linebackers clean. And you also have to account for both Bernard and Milano being in their first game back from an injury absence. That said, that group needs to be much better than it has been. We’ve seen some games this year where Bernard is on it — the Saints and Patriots games stand out — but it hasn’t been common enough. For a player they invested in so heavily this offseason, they need him to shed blocks and be a factor in the running game far more than he has consistently this season, especially because he will be a mainstay in their lineup no matter what.
Milano has usually played well against the Dolphins, so there’s a chance he could have a bounce-back game. However, he’s on the last year of his deal, and should he continue to struggle while healthy, it’s fair to wonder if Shaq Thompson could become more of a factor once he returns from injury. Thompson has been the more consistent player this year for the Bills over Milano. No matter what, the linebacker group needs an uptick in production.
When Bills head coach Sean McDermott went through his weekly rundown of the injuries on Wednesday, he mentioned several players, with top cornerback Christian Benford not among them. But when the injury report came out that afternoon, Benford was listed as limited with a groin injury, signaling that another in-practice injury had occurred for the Bills. Then on Thursday, Benford was nowhere to be found on the practice field, putting his availability for Sunday in serious doubt.
Benford’s potential absence creates an opportunity for the Bills to see their rookie first-round pick, Maxwell Hairston, in a full-time role for the first time, without having to make any permanent decisions. If he flourishes, perhaps that might push the Bills closer to having him start ahead of Tre’Davious White when Benford returns from injury. After Thursday’s practice, Hairston spent a lot of time with Benford going through some mental reps, with the veteran likely helping the rookie ahead of his first potential start. The Bills could learn a lot on Sunday about how ready Hairston is to see his role expand for the long term.
Bills projected practice squad elevations: LB Baylon Spector, CB Dane Jackson
Bills projected inactives: DE A.J. Epenesa, DT DaQuan Jones, LB Shaq Thompson, NCB Taron Johnson, CB Christian Benford, KR/PR Brandon Codrington (**Subject to change after Friday’s practice)
This game has blowout potential, and even though the Bills’ downfield passing offense hasn’t busted out in a while, this is a possible get-right spot for that group and to create some chunk plays with high air yards to the wide receivers. Even if it doesn’t, the Dolphins allowed a lot of pass-catching opportunities to the Ravens’ tight end group last week, and that is likely transferable to Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox and Jackson Hawes on Sunday.
The Dolphins could be down a pair of key defenders in cornerback Rasul Douglas and pass rusher Chop Robinson, and they already sent out a starter in a trade when they moved edge rusher Jaelan Phillips to the Eagles. Even if either of those defenders plays, it’s still a well-below-average defense that is ripe to be exploited for yards and points. On defense, the Bills will need to be cognizant of two key skill players, De’Von Achane and Jaylen Waddle, but the overall defensive situation for the Bills has improved since the last time these teams met, and back then, the Dolphins still had Tyreek Hill.
Ultimately, I think the Bills jump out to an early lead, putting the Dolphins under pressure to mount a comeback. With how poorly quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has played in trailing scenarios, and without a real vote of confidence this week on his hold of the starting job, the Bills will likely have some opportunities for turnovers and shortened fields — and it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Bills see a different Dolphins quarterback by the end of the game, either. I think it will be a comfortable day for Josh Allen and company to get to 7-2.
Spot the pattern. Connect the terms
Find the hidden link between sports terms
Play today's puzzle