What a way to start the 2022 NFL season with a Superbowl Caliber matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and the Buffalo Bills! The reigning defending champs will have their hands full as they face one of the toughest schedules in the league, starting with who many believe will end up in the Superbowl this season in the AFC, the Buffalo Bills. Both teams are loaded with star power across the field on offense and defense, with elite matchups that football fans can’t wait to see Thursday night. With Aaron Donald getting after Josh Allen, and the Kupp/Stafford offense going up against one of the best secondaries in the league in 2021, it will put the Rams to the test right out the gate. In this article, I will break down the three key matchups in this game that will be the most significant factor in who takes home the opening night win.
Kupp and Robinson vs. Bills Elite Secondary
The Bills’ secondary had the best pass defense last year as they ranked first in completion percentage and yards per attempt against opposing offenses. Unfortunately, the Bills will be without Tredavious White for this contest as he is still recovering from his ACL injury. In his place will be Dane Jackson, who played well last season in his six starts, and rookie CB Kaiir Elam who was drafted 23rd overall in this year’s NFL Draft. The Bills also have an elite slot corner in Taron Johnson. With two versatile wideouts, which can line up inside and outside the numbers, Kupp and Robinson will see a mix of these three corners throughout the game. In addition, the Bills have two All-Pro safeties in Michah Hyde and Jordan Poyer, who both made the NFL’s top 100 list. So, they will definitely be a problem for the Rams receivers. It will be interesting how Sean Mcvay will scheme his versatile wideouts to get open in this game.
Rams Run Game vs. Bills Run Game
Pads are on here to kick off the week. Here’s a look at Devin Singletary, James Cook and Zack Moss. pic.twitter.com/Hhl52OJhlo
— Matt Parrino (@MattParrino) August 1, 2022
This one is interesting because both teams’ run games are very similar in the fact that they use a committee approach through various running backs in their run scheme. Rams running back Darrel Henderson, in 12 games last year, had 4.6 yards per attempt, while the Bills starting running back, Devin Singletary, also produced 4.6 yards per attempt in 2021. The Bills also drafted a rookie running back in James Cook, who looked good in preseason. Rams starting running back, Cam Akers, nursed an Achilles injury for most of last season but somehow managed to come back for the playoff and Superbowl run for the Rams. Although there is a lot at play for both teams in the run game, whichever backfield can perform the best Thursday night will play a massive part in setting up their teams for success through the air.
Josh Allen vs. Aaron Donald
The two best players for each club get to meet on the field for the first time since 2020, where the Bills ultimately ended up winning that day in Buffalo. We don’t usually get to talk about DT vs. QB matchups much. Still, this one will be interesting to see, as Allen is a different type of QB than Donald typically faces due to him being so big and mobile that it usually takes a couple of pass-rushers to take him down. But this is Donald we are talking about, a future Hall of Famer surrounded by a star-talented defense with Jalen Ramsey and Bobby Wagner. If Donald can put pressure on him and make Allen uncomfortable, it could swing the game in a matter of a couple of plays, just like the Superbowl. Allen is an ascending talent and has gotten incredibly better every season, and he has All-Pro Stefon Diggs to throw to, along with a mix of up-and-coming stars in Gabriel Davis and Dawson Knox. The Bills also picked up Jamison Crowder to solidify the slot receiver position with Isaiah McKenzie. If Allen isn’t pressured by the Rams’ defense enough and is allowed to do anything he wants, it will be the downfall for L.A. in this game.
This Blockbuster matchup between the Rams and Bills kicks off for what should be an exciting year for both teams, as they both get a chance to measure themselves against each other. The Bills are no joke and are perceived by many as this upcoming Superbowl favorites. With the Rams hanging their banner right before kickoff, they will look to prove to the world that they deserve to be the champions. Whoever comes out of this matchup victorious will gain ultimate confidence and momentum going into Week 2 of the 2022 NFL season.
