How confident are you the Bills beat the Bengals?

[Kirby Jackson]

I really don’t know how to feel about this game. I’m kind of numb. My nerves and anxiety are out of control already.
 

This has been a weird year for me. I honestly believe that this Bills team could have been one of the greatest teams ever. 17-0 was on the table imo. They haven’t played anywhere near their capability. There have been good 1/2’s and moments but we haven’t seen them play a whole game at the level that they’re capable of. I hope that we see that over the next 4 weeks. If we do, they’re not getting beat.

[Da webster guy]

10 hours ago, Lieutenant Aldo Raine said:

 

and we didn't? 

 

Everyone assumes the Bengals were just gonna wipe the floor with us 7-minutes into the game.  Bills moved the ball just as easy against their defense too.  

And our Oline was opening holes.  Thats always the first thing I watch early on, how are we handling them upfront, because it usually tells you who has the better chance.  

If Cook/Motor are slashing them for 7 yds a carry it generally means we're enroute to a 35 point game, which is good because they'll score a bunch on us too.

 

Vegas spread is 5 pts, seems a little generous to me but overall I'm glad we finally face off again to settle the score.  

 

In other news, our home crowd needs a tune up.  Tons of people making zero noise when Fins were snapping the ball but then being loud after we score.  Cmon people lets not act like Miami fans.

[nucci]

I'm confident. We have Allen

10 hours ago, peterpan said:

I hate to say it but maybe 30%?  We have been playing poorly for way too long.  Bengals are a good team with a chip on their shoulder.  I think it’s a safe bet that they win.

So many comments about a chip on shoulder. I hate that cliche. Blazing Saddles. We'll head them off at the pass

Edited January 18, 2023 by nucci

[Forward Progress]

80%
 

The only team that can beat the Buffalo Bills is the Buffalo Bills.  

[GreggTX]

We have to play well for 4 quarters to beat them.

 

[nucci]

1 hour ago, LondonBill said:

As confident as I would be in most divisional rounds. Either team could win it, which is why they are there. Given the season we've just watched, it would be foolish to think the win in the bag or that a loss is inevitable. Home field probably the factor I'm most confident about. Bengals at theirs would be a much, much bigger ask. 

 

Best team will win. I can't confidently say I know who that is. 

obviously

[billybob71]

Bills gonna win and it won't be close

[thenorthremembers]

Not confident at all, but also not feeling doomed.

 

Oddly enough I felt more worried about last week.   Probably more about not wanting to be upset by the Dolphins and having to listen to their insufferable fans for 8 months until next season.

 

Bengals fans seem ok.  But I will say I find their QB to be arrogant as hell.  

[GunnerBill]

1 hour ago, Kirby Jackson said:

I really don’t know how to feel about this game. I’m kind of numb. My nerves and anxiety are out of control already.
 

This has been a weird year for me. I honestly believe that this Bills team could have been one of the greatest teams ever. 17-0 was on the table imo. They haven’t played anywhere near their capability. There have been good 1/2’s and moments but we haven’t seen them play a whole game at the level that they’re capable of. I hope that we see that over the next 4 weeks. If we do, they’re not getting beat.

 

Definitely been a weird year. And when you look at out losses... we had the ball at the end in all 3 with a chance to get it done and couldn't. So absolutely 17-0 (16-0 in the end I suppose) was on the table. 

 

I wonder about the constant shooting ourselves in the foot on offense. At some point when you keep doing it you have to look at coaching, right? I hate the "it's because Daboll has gone" narrative that the talking heads are running with because (even though I was a big Daboll guy) I don't think Dorsey has done a bad job. There have been a few issues here and there with the scheme but most of the mistakes are player mistakes. How much of that comes down to the way they are being coached day to day and week to week.... how much of it is just that the offense has a lot of decent players but not many star players and with decent guys you get that inconsistency here and there?

 

It's hard to know. But I feel like if we get out of own way for 3 games it is still right there in front of us.

[TH3]

Bills win

[Matt_In_NH]

Don't turn it over/make silly mistakes on special teams, Josh does his thing running and throwing and Bills win.

[ProcessTruster]

Will be a very competitive game, back and forth on offense.   I don't see either team stopping the other teams offense much. 

 

Turnovers and the short fields that come with them will decide it for sure.   So who knows,, will be a battle unless turnovers turn it into a joke. 

[oldmanfan]

Let me preface this by saying I have been a fan since opening day of 1960, and many times I have been accused of being too much of a homer, especially when we had guys like Whaley running the show.  And let me also say that, like everyone, I love Josh.  I think he is the guy who will get us over the top and win the big one.

 

That said, my confidence for us winning the game Sunday is 0%.  Not because I think their receivers will destroy us; Leslie and McD will figure out ways in the back end to slow them down, and I think their losses on the O line will allow us to pressure Burrow more.  Not because I think there's a huge discrepancy in coachng, or tanet, or anything else.  My reasoning is based on one thing only:

 

Josh

 

As much as it pains me to say this, and as much as I know I'll get roasted here, and as much as I hope I look like a complete idiot come Monday morning, I think it has been clear for a while now that Josh is not the same Josh we've seen in the past.  As my daughters and I put it, the Good Josh.  I think the burden of having to be the guy who constantly carries the team (and to a large extent the hopes of the Mafia) on his shoulders, the injury to his arm, and most importantly the shock of the Damar incident has affected Josh's psyche.  When he talked about the Damar incident as something spiritual clued me in that Josh is carrying a tremendous burden, and I think it is getting the best of him.  And it is exemplified by the turnovers, and by him not taking easier passes instead of resorting to hero ball.  This is where we really miss Daboll.  Not so much play calling, but Daboll had no problem getting in Josh's face (and head) and making his see the under routes and such.  Dorsey either hasn't done that, or Josh is not listening when he does so.

 

So, regretfully, I think the balloon bursts Sunday.  There is only so many times you can play with fire before you get burned, and I think Josh is going to make some critical mistakes this Sunday that swing the game towards the Bengals.  I see a couple picks and/or an untimely fumble, and the Bengals winning by a FG.  Call it 23-20.  And again I hope I can come on here Sunday night and start a thread with the title "I am an idiot".  

 

 

[Ray Finkel]

I don’t think we match up well against them.  We do not get enough pressure on QB and Burrow will carve us up with our soft coverage.  They have 3 quality receivers and a solid TE which will be a matchup nightmare for us.  We will have to put up a lot of points and have to stay away from turnovers to have a shot.  The 12th man needs to bring their A+ game.  Go Bills!

[PaattMaann]

13 hours ago, Orlando Tim said:

I think playoff Josh returns this week. I am 75% sure of playoff Josh so 70% sure of win because we could still screw it up.

 

He was there last week man. He had 1 bad INT...ill take that when you get the laser beam lights out throws that come with it. Dude was dialed in. 

 

Miami had a good game plan to get pressure and stop him from using his legs, and his fumbles are always going to be a problem (sadly). 

 

Josh as a passer was pretty damn electric. I expect that to continue Sunday against the Bengals. 

[H2o]

13 hours ago, Steptide said:

I'm at about 65%. I think the bills are the better team overall, but we've watched them shoot themselves in the foot so many times this season. While I think the bills are fully capable of playing a mistake free game, it's hard to comprehend they will. Being at home is a big advantage (I think). 

Any given Sunday the Bills, Chiefs, and Bengals could all beat the other team. My thought on this one?

 

[Bigantall]

I think if Josh Allen doesn't think he is the only one who can win this for us and stop with the unnecessary long low percentage side line bombs and stay with what is presented by the defense then Buffalo all the way through 

 

 

[frostbitmic]

12 hours ago, Lieutenant Aldo Raine said:

 

and we didn't? 

 

Everyone assumes the Bengals were just gonna wipe the floor with us 7-minutes into the game.  Bills moved the ball just as easy against their defense too.  

The play following the medical emergency that ended up ending the game could've been a pick 6, we'll never know.

[GunnerBill]

14 minutes ago, oldmanfan said:

This is where we really miss Daboll.  Not so much play calling, but Daboll had no problem getting in Josh's face (and head) and making his see the under routes and such.  Dorsey either hasn't done that, or Josh is not listening when he does so.

 

 

Daboll definitely had a way of getting through to Josh that was special. You heard them talk about one another in pressers and he clearly had ultimate trust in Dabes. It isn't that I don't think he trusts Ken Dorsey, I'm sure he does, but there isn't quite that same relationship. 

[ddaryl]

I'm on the fence. This one can go either way. If we push the ball downfield and don't hit then its going to be a rough day. If the D plays bend don't break and can't get to the QB while the Cincy WRs find the spaces it could be a long day.

But if the opposite happens it shall be a great day

[The Avenger]

Very nervous about this game. Cincy has been playing very well and they are very good at doing some of the things Buffalo has struggled with. They have not 1, not 2 but 3 very good receivers who have all been excellent is catching passes in the open spot in zone defenses - between the linebackers and the defensive backs. Burrow is able to get rid of the ball very quickly and make these 7-12 yard throws and I can see Buffalo just getting killed by these.

 

Losing Von was a big loss - the Bills just haven't been able to get to the quarterback that much, at least not in a hurry. With Burrow's quick release and his multiple options the Bengals are going to move the ball and put up points - they don't need to throw the deep ball. Not saying the Bills can't play well and outscore the Bengals, but unless turnovers are a factor Cincy isn't scoring less than 28 and potentially a lot more.

[SoCal Deek]

Something I haven’t seen discussed is the impact of the cancelled game on the coaches and game planning. Neither team got to show/reveal much in under a quarter of game time three weeks ago.  If there’s an advantage here, it goes to the Bills who saw two possessions from the Bengals, and of course the home field crowd. 

[Riverboat Ritchie]

50-50.  Since the second half of Green Bay game, it seems like Bills have skated along a dangerous line all year.  Bad turnovers, letting teams hang around, mid-game funks, etc.  Something has been off.  Still, they can turn it around and win this but I’m not sure. Let’s Go Buffalo!  

[SWATeam]

Very.

 

Bengals are a one dimensional offense coming into a hostile environment with a very beat up OL.

 

Bills are the home team and are much more balanced.  Take care of the ball and we roll. 

[frostbitmic]

50/50

 

Will the good Bills that can squish any team in the league show up or the team that shoots themselves in the foot (cough Vikings cough) ?

 

Bengals have won 9 straight, Bills have won 8 straight. If the Bengals have three OL starters out, that's a huge benefit to us. Hopefully the defense won't be playing prevent all day.

 

With his wingspan, playing Groot on the interior and moving Oliver outside on some plays could prove beneficial.

[muppy]

Interesting reactions to this sundays game. It is nowhere near a landslide of confidence.  but it reads to me that Confidence is pretty high. For reasons mentioned.

 

Reading @oldmanfan and the crash and burn Josh scenario I thought "well that MIGHT happen" In my worst nightmare *cringe* I just don't think

 

he is that fragile a guy to totally melt down  and lose a game for us.  He is the main reason we are where we are. But beyond that 

 

I expect our Bills to be  straight and focused on performing their very best on Sunday. #17 included.  I hope the game plan is one we agree will

 

play to the team strengths and advantage from what he sees.  I Billieve he will 🙂

 

 

 

 

Edited January 18, 2023 by muppy

[Stuartjohn]

13 hours ago, somnus00 said:

If Josh Allen takes what the defense gives him and the offense pays with rhythm... Bills 34 - 24.

The Jey to the Game will be Buffalos Pass rush with 3OL missing the game for Cincinnati ! Need to get Burrow off his game like Baltimore did on dee andBills win!!

[D. L. Hot-Flamethrower]

3 minutes ago, muppy said:

Interesting reactions to this sundays game. It is nowhere near a landslide of confidence.  but it reads to me that Confidence is pretty high. For reasons mentioned.

 

Reading @oldmanfan and the crash and burn Josh scenario I thought "well that MIGHT happen" In my worst nightmare *cringe* I just don't think

 

he is that fragile a guy to totally melt down  and lose a game for us.  He is the main reason we are where we are. But beyond that the

 

I expect our Bills to be  straight and focused on performing their very best on Sunday. #17 included.  I hope the game plan is one we agree will play to the team strengths and advantage from what he sees.  I Billieve he will 🙂

 

 

 

 

Some fans sound like he (JA17) is holding us back and it makes laugh!

[SoCal Deek]

Two things for sure, nobody will be looking past this game to a rematch with the Chiefs, and nobody will be looking at it as if the Bengals don’t belong here. Both are a good thing. 

[SCBills]

Honestly, I'm pretty confident.  

 

With Cincy's OL injuries, the edge swings pretty heavily to us.   

 

I feel way more confident in our secondary going into this match-up, than I did a few weeks ago. 

 

On Offense, we have the better QB, the healthier/better OL and our weapons look like they're rounding into form at the perfect time.  

 

Home field is icing on the cake.  

 

Cincy will come out with an edge, feeling like they were slighted, but with McDermott being a very strong defensive coach.. having that quick look at Cincy's opening game plan a few weeks back isn't inconsequential. 

 

 

[D. L. Hot-Flamethrower]

I am very confident because I believe Josh Allen is an asset to the team and not something that needs to be overcome to win. Be who you are Josh and I'm good because you're the player I've always wanted this team to have as QB. Don't change just learn from mistakes.

[newcam2012]

4 hours ago, Chandler#81 said:

To answer the OP’s question, reasonably. We know their Defense is susceptible and the OL is in tatters. Fairly sure no QB has been sacked more times, than Burrow than any other -for the games he’s played. WRs? They have them in Spades. They’re the defending AFC Champs so no slough, to be sure. Imo, the only team left who can beat us is…. Us! -and sadly, we’re capable of self-destructing..

🤦‍♂️

"The only team that can beat us is us." To be fair, don't you think KC and Cinci can say the same thing?

 

If you go back to last year's Cinci team their Oline was terrible. They still went to the Super Bowl. Correct me if I'm wrong. Another concern is the Bills pass rush. They are inconsistent, young, and to be honest not elite. The Bills just faced a vulnerable Miami Oline with mixed results. Burrow is no Skylar Thomspson. 

[quinnearlysghost88]

The D has been playing bend don’t break all season, I would like to see them take more chances, show more looks and blitz. The bengals are going to get their points, you may as well gamble more and try to swing the game. 

[newcam2012]

53 minutes ago, The Avenger said:

Very nervous about this game. Cincy has been playing very well and they are very good at doing some of the things Buffalo has struggled with. They have not 1, not 2 but 3 very good receivers who have all been excellent is catching passes in the open spot in zone defenses - between the linebackers and the defensive backs. Burrow is able to get rid of the ball very quickly and make these 7-12 yard throws and I can see Buffalo just getting killed by these.

 

Losing Von was a big loss - the Bills just haven't been able to get to the quarterback that much, at least not in a hurry. With Burrow's quick release and his multiple options the Bengals are going to move the ball and put up points - they don't need to throw the deep ball. Not saying the Bills can't play well and outscore the Bengals, but unless turnovers are a factor Cincy isn't scoring less than 28 and potentially a lot more.

I agree. I think this game will have to be won by the Bills offense. I think they will need to put up 35 plus points to win. If the Bills commit 2 turnovers or more it's unlikely they will win the game. 

[oldmanfan]

13 minutes ago, D. L. Hot-Flamethrower said:

I am very confident because I believe Josh Allen is an asset to the team and not something that needs to be overcome to win. Be who you are Josh and I'm good because you're the player I've always wanted this team to have as QB. Don't change just learn from mistakes.

My concern is that for the past few weeks he keeps saying he needs to learn from his mistakes but keeps making them.  I love Josh but we need the Good Josh from here on out.

[teef]

1 hour ago, Bandito said:

I am worried but with their OL out, hope we can pressure burrow enough to make him uncomfortable

what up meaty?!

[D. L. Hot-Flamethrower]

5 minutes ago, oldmanfan said:

My concern is that for the past few weeks he keeps saying he needs to learn from his mistakes but keeps making them.  I love Josh but we need the Good Josh from here on out.

Not too many losses in there

[RG Murdock]

The Bills have come a long way this season. The Bills are a well seasoned, and mature team at this point in Josh's journey. They seem to enjoy the in-game chaos. They never panic. Bad turnovers are like water off a ducks back to them. It's just who they are this year. The Bills have this. Who knows what Bills team will show up? But which ever one does, I like our chances this Sunday. Bills 31-24

[Your Brown Eye]

Confident we can go toe-to-toe in a shootout. But if it went into a shootout 10 out of 10 games, I could see the Bengals winning 6 or 7 of them only due to our secondary being young or coming back from injuries.

[SRQ_BillsFan]

I think we win comfortably with some close scores through 3. 
 

I think the 7 minutes does give our staff something to look at in how they wanted to attack us at least initially.  
 

What scares me about the 7 minutes was our poor tackling and we may have overcome this. But I hope it’s a point of emphasis this week from the coaching staff. 
 

Put me at 80%, because of Josh Allen. But I think he needs to run a little to further complicate things for the Bengals defense.