The Buffalo Bills are preparing to host the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 14 after two consecutive road games. The matchup will be played at home in cold weather, with the Bengals welcoming back quarterback Joe Burrow to their lineup.
Since 2020, the Bills have found success in December, posting an 18-3 record during that month. The team has averaged over 30 points per game while allowing fewer than 20 points per game in December contests. Quarterback Josh Allen has contributed significantly, averaging nearly three touchdowns and less than one interception per game over his last 21 December appearances.
Head coach Sean McDermott attributes this performance to a collaborative effort among coaches and players. “I feel like at the staff level, coaches are really honing in at this point in the season with what we do best, and who does it best as well, personnel-wise,” McDermott explained. “And then the players are really taking ownership led by Josh (Allen) of course of how important these games are late in the year and what you have to do to win ’em.”
Offensive coordinator Joe Brady noted that playing football in Buffalo during December presents unique challenges due to weather conditions and injuries but emphasized readiness for playoff-level competition. “There’s an element to playing football, and especially in Buffalo,” Brady said of December football. “When the leaves have all fallen, we hope we’re playing our best ball…You got to be playing your best football, hope to get an opportunity in the playoffs.”
Defensive coordinator Bobby Babich highlighted McDermott’s consistent approach as a factor behind strong performances late in the season: “The number one thing is to make sure your guys are fresh in December and January as best you can…We’ve got some veteran guys that understand and can help back the message of the December football.”
For Cincinnati, Joe Burrow returned from injury last week against Baltimore, throwing for 261 yards and two touchdowns. During Burrow’s absence between Weeks 3 through 12, Cincinnati struggled offensively but improved upon his return.
Buffalo’s defense enters Sunday ranked first in passing yards allowed per game (163.2), eighth in total yards allowed (304.5), and eighth in passing yards allowed per attempt (6.5). Babich commented on recent improvements: “There [were] a lot of different moving parts. But I think we’re starting to get in a flow and a rhythm…”
On offense, Brady sees potential opportunities against Cincinnati’s struggling pass defense—currently ranked last for passing yards allowed per game (256.8) and near the bottom for several other categories including rushing defense.
McDermott praised wide receiver Keon Coleman for his performance against Pittsburgh: “That was a big play for us in the game…I saw some signs of some pretty good football…” Brady also spoke positively about Brandin Cooks’ debut as a Bill: “He came in with energy … he’s going to be great for the room…”
The Bills’ run game also faces favorable conditions; Cincinnati ranks near or at the bottom of several defensive categories including rush yards allowed per game (153.3) and points allowed per game (31.2).
Buffalo’s defense had one of its strongest showings this season against Pittsburgh by limiting them to just 166 total yards and forcing two turnovers while holding them to only 58 rushing yards—a season low.
McDermott credited player preparation: “Credit to the players during the week with the staff of working on it over and over…” Analyst Dan Orlovsky observed progress from Buffalo’s defense on One Bills Live: “They were much better at the point of contact…that’s a moment where you can say we’re capable of it…”
Looking ahead to Sunday’s matchup with Cincinnati, Wood remarked on past struggles versus Burrow: “This is a Bengals team that with Joe Burrow has had our number…They’ve got to be buttoned up against this Bengals team because they’re a lot better than their 4-8 record.” The series between Buffalo and Cincinnati is tied at 17 wins each; Cincinnati has won their last two meetings.
Brady described Buffalo’s offensive identity as flexible rather than fixed: “I always want our identity to be finding the way to win that game.” He emphasized trust within all offensive units regardless if it’s running or passing making an impact each week.
Through Week 13, Buffalo leads all NFL teams with an average of 155.7 rushing yards per game while ranking tenth overall for passing offense with an average of 225.3 passing yards per contest.
