The Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals are set to face off in a thrilling Week 14 matchup. However, the NFL failed fans by not having this game in a more prime window — but fortunately, most of the country is going to be able to watch the contest between two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL anyway.

Ahead of the contest, I spoke with Bengals expert John Sheeran about some big questions heading into the contest. Buffalo has struggled in the past against the Bengals, but this is a new season with new players on both sides of the football.

One thing is for sure: It’ll be a dogfight in Western New York, and we can’t wait to see what unfolds. Without further ado, let’s jump into some of the biggest questions surrounding the upcoming game.

What do you expect the Bengals to key in on or try and stop Allen and the offense?

“Cincinnati has a turnover-or-bust defense at this point. It’s made notable progress over the last few weeks with Myles Murphy and Joseph Ossai pushing the pocket and disrupting quarterbacks at a higher rate, and the rest of the unit has capitalized on those increased chances for turnovers.

“This should always be the focal point of playing Buffalo because when Allen and Cook play clean games, which defense can hold them to a reasonable amount of points? Certainly not the Bengals. Forcing errant decisions by Allen and taking Cook out of the game as much as possible is going to be the key, as it’s the only feasible way to avoid the latter from running all over you.” – John Sheeran, A to Z Sports Cincinnati

Josh Allen and the offense have struggled in the passing game, and it’s looking like the team might be down at least Josh Palmer with tight end Dalton Kincaid still battling through injury as well. If Kincaid can be back and healthy, despite Palmer being gone, Buffalo will get their best pass-catcher back on the field. Pair that with the success James Cook has had on the season, with how poor the Bengals’ defense is, it could be a fun day at the office for both the passing and rushing attack for Buffalo.

With Burrow’s return, how do you think he’ll fare against a Bills defense that’s finding its rhythm late?

“I think Burrow will play like Burrow. The formula for throwing him off his rhythm is having elite press-man cornerbacks who are able to keep up with both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, and a relentless pass rush that can either win incredibly fast or collapse pockets from the inside out.

“Buffalo’s defensive line deserves respect, starting with Greg Rousseau, and Deone Walker may surprise some Bengals fans as well. I just favor the weapons for Cincinnati over the Bills’ defensive backfield, which is why Burrow should be able to put up points in this game.” – John Sheeran, A to Z Sports Cincinnati

Burrow may be able to put up points in the contest, but don’t count out the Bills’ secondary just yet. Cornerback Christian Benford has come alive in the last few games, playing at a near All-Pro level once again. That, and fellow cornerback Tre’Davious White has been playing lights out alongside him, sharing snaps with rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston. It’ll be Buffalo’s biggest test yet for the secondary, but Benford and company seem more than ready for the challenge ahead.

Final score prediction? Who do you have winning

“It’s always a joy when two elite quarterbacks play against one another because you know they’ll be eager to make a statement.

“Allen and Burrow have had great duels, and while Burrow has had the edge in their history, this game should certainly be close. I think the Bengals pull off a 34-31 win here.” – John Sheeran, A to Z Sports Cincinnati

To be quite frank, I have never once nailed a final score prediction. Every year, well before the drought started, I would always say that this is our year. While the Bills are struggling in some key areas, this feels like a must-win game for the organization. Josh Allen and company take care of business and finally get a win over Cincinnati, 32-24.

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