Four matchups to watch for the Bills' game Sunday vs. the Los Angeles Chargers:
Daryl Williams vs. Joey Bosa. Bosa ranks No. 1 among full-time edge rushers in pressure percentage (10.4), according to Pro Football Focus. He has 4.5 sacks. Bosa was the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL draft in 2016. He’s a two-time Pro Bowler. He has 40 sacks in 51 career games. He has the elite combination of power and bend off the edge. He rushing off right tackle 75% of the time. Williams is having a stellar season. If he plays well vs. Bosa, this could add significant dollars to the free-agent windfall he’s likely to score in March.
Keenan Allen vs. Taron Johnson & Co. Allen spends 50% of his time playing out of the slot, so that’s a problem for Johnson, who is capable and tough, but not elite in coverage. Allen leads the NFL in catches with 81, and 36 have come out of the slot. He also leads the NFL in third-down catches. The Bills are not shutting down Allen no matter what they do. Expect a lot of zone coverage, so it certainly will not always be Johnson on him. Will the Bills match up Tre’Davious White on Allen whenever possible? It’s a distinct possibility.
Stefon Diggs vs. Tevaughn Campbell. The Chargers generally do not match up on the outside, and they’re a heavy zone team, so matchups are going to vary at wideout. But they're without their top corner, Casey Hayward, who plays on the left side. Veteran Chris Harris, a quality slot corner, is back from injury this week. Campbell, who spent four years in the CFL, is in his first NFL season. He has been filling in for Harris in the slot but seems like the obvious choice to move outside. It will be a big challenge for him, regardless of who he faces.
Sam Tevi vs. Mario Addison & Co. The right side of the Chargers’ offensive line is pretty solid with Brian Bulaga at tackle and five-time Pro Bowler Trai Turner at guard. The left side is where the Bills need to win. Sam Tevi is a former sixth-round pick who has good size for a left tackle but not enough athleticism. Left guard Forrest Lamp and center Dan Feeney are not top-end starters, either. Feeney is starting because Mike Pouncey is out for the season due to injury. Whoever is playing 1-technique spot for the Bills should cause problems for the Chargers in the middle.
