In Week 8, the Buffalo Bills will travel to Lumen Field to take on the Seattle Seahawks.
Both teams have performed well this season, with the Bills holding a 5-2 record and the Seahawks at 4-3. The Bills are the slight favorites, with just a three-point advantage, as the Seahawks, under first-year head coach Mike Macdonald, have proven themselves competitive on offense and defense.
Macdonald, formerly the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens for two seasons, leads a potent offensive unit featuring veteran quarterback Geno Smith. To improve their record to 6-2, the Bills must execute effectively.
However, there are several challenges that could hinder their execution in this matchup. Here are three concerns for the Bills in Week 8:
Firstly, the Seahawks throw the ball more than any other team in the NFL. Geno Smith leads the league in passing attempts, totaling 279, and particularly excels at throwing downfield.
While DK Metcalf’s absence due to a knee injury would limit the Seahawks’ deep threat, Smith is still likely to take risks in the passing game, challenging the Bills’ secondary and linebackers in coverage.
Additionally, the Bills recently announced that linebacker and captain Terrel Bernard will be sidelined for the game against Seattle, which is a significant setback for their defense. Bernard’s absence is especially concerning for this game, as he is the Bills’ top coverage linebacker and the key communicator for their defense. His lack of presence will likely make it easier for Geno Smith and the Seahawks’ offense to operate.
Lastly, while the Seahawks may not rank among the top defensive teams, they maintain solid performance across the board. Their secondary includes standout players like safety Julian Love and cornerback Tariq Woolen, with Devon Witherspoon also showcasing solid skills on the outside. According to Pro Football Focus, Love is graded as the eighth-best safety, while Woolen ranks eleventh among cornerbacks.
Their defensive line poses another threat, featuring a strong tackle duo in Leonard Williams and Jarran Reed. Josh Allen and offensive coordinator Joe Brady will need to be vigilant about the positioning of these key players on every play.
