Green Bay Packers vs Buffalo Bills: 5 matchups to watch

1. Packers O-Line vs Bills D-Line

Last week, Jerry Hughes looked as good as he has looked in his career. Also last week, right tackle Bryan Bulaga left the game with a back injury. Hughes primarily lines up against left tackles, however, this week will likely be different for him. David Bakhtiari is still the most underrated left tackle in the NFL, and Hughes will likely try to avoid him Sunday afternoon. The Packers’ offensive line has looked elite at times this year, and Rodgers can pick apart anyone when they do.

Bulaga looks set to play, as he is off the injury report as of Friday afternoon. The same can not be said for right guard Justin McCray. McCray is doubtful heading into Sunday’s game, and Byron Bell is expected to start in his place. Bell was signed as a depth tackle, but he is a more natural guard. Defensive tackles Kyle Williams and Star Lotulelei are not as stout as they were earlier in their career, but the weakness of the Packers’ offensive line is their interior play.

Rodgers is still limited in his overall athleticism, and that can be helped if the Packers get out to an early lead and ride their running backs. One of his best aspects is the ability to escape the pocket and make plays on the run, but he has lacked that ability this season since sustaining his injury. Running back Aaron Jones looked great last week, but it was in limited playing time. If the Packers can get a lead, Jones should see a much healthier workload against this Bills defensive line.