The Buffalo Bills have moved past their bye week and are preparing for the final stretch of the regular season, starting with a matchup against the defending NFC champions, the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers have been a dominant force in the league for several years, consistently reaching either the conference championship or the Super Bowl.
However, this season has been unusual for San Francisco. They’ve dealt with injuries to key players like Brandon Aiyuk and Christian McCaffrey, but their talent level still keeps them among the NFC favorites, despite their current struggles. It seems unlikely that they will make a serious Super Bowl push this year.
On the other hand, the Bills are riding high on a six-game winning streak and are fresh off their bye week. Under Sean McDermott, the Bills have never lost following a bye, and they will host the 49ers at home this Sunday, where the cold weather is expected to be a factor.
This game is expected to be a physical battle, with both teams facing challenges despite their records. While the Bills have almost secured the AFC East title, they are still vying for the top seed in the AFC, currently held by the Kansas City Chiefs.
The game will also feature a reunion, as former Bill Leonard Floyd returns to Buffalo. Floyd, who was a key contributor to the Bills’ early-season success in 2023, left the team in the offseason to join the 49ers.
Now, Floyd, part of a fearsome pass-rush duo with Nick Bosa, will be tasked with trying to contain Josh Allen. Floyd was a major force with 10.5 sacks last season, the most by a Bills player, but his impact waned as the season progressed. This Sunday, he will be eager to disrupt Buffalo’s offense and help the 49ers derail their winning streak. Whether he’s lined up against Dion Dawkins or Spencer Brown, Floyd will look to make a significant impact in the game.
