Packers: 3 key matchups vs. Bills in Week 8 matchup
A look at three key matchups as the Green Bay Packers take on the Buffalo Bills in Week 8.
The Green Bay Packers have lost three in a row and must now find a way to beat the Buffalo Bills on Sunday Night Football.
Few expect Green Bay to win this game, and for good reason. But if Matt LaFleur’s team are to find a way to pull off an upset, it could come down to a few key matchups.
Let’s look at three matchups that will help decide this game.
1. Jaire Alexander vs. Stefon Diggs
The Packers know how good Stefon Diggs is. He has at least one touchdown catch in his past seven games against Green Bay, all with the Minnesota Vikings.
Diggs could see a lot of Jaire Alexander in this matchup.
Alexander didn’t have his best game up against Terry McLaurin last week, but he is still one of the league’s top shutdown cornerbacks.
This is an All-Pro vs. All-Pro matchup, and it could help determine the winner of the game.
2. Packers’ defensive line vs. Bills’ offensive line
There aren’t many matchups where the Packers could be stronger in this game. If there is one, this may be it.
Buffalo will be without starting right tackle Spencer Brown again this week.
According to ESPN, the Bills rank 15th in pass block win rate and 26th in run block win rate. The trouble is that even if the Packers get pressure, Josh Allen is so good that it might not matter.
But if the Packers are to win this game, they need a strong performance from their front seven.
3. Packers’ run game vs. Bills’ run defense
Green Bay’s strength on offense is its running back duo. I know, you might not think it, considering how often the Packers abandon the run.
Unfortunately, the Bills enter Week 8 with the league’s top-ranked rushing defense, allowing only 76.2 yards per game on the ground.
While it’s a challenging matchup for Green Bay, it’s one they absolutely must win. If this offense can’t move the ball on the ground, forget about it.
This is the week to remain committed to the run. They simply have to.