NFL game plan: Bills keys to victory vs. Cardinals

The Buffalo Bills begin their season this Sunday when they play host to the Arizona Cardinals. In order to start the season 1-0, Buffalo will need to check these boxes.

Take away the middle of the field

The Cardinals targeted the middle of the field at the fourth-highest rate in the NFL in 2023. Trey McBride is poised for a big season in 2024, and will likely be the No. 2 target in the offense outside of Marvin Harrison Jr. This means the Bills will need a big Terrel Bernard game, as well as good production from Dorian Williams.

Take away the run

From Weeks 10-18, the Cardinals had the second-highest EPA per rush in the NFL behind only the San Francisco 49ers. Buffalo is going to need to load the box and stop James Conner from eating too much yardage in the run game. If they find success on the ground, that will only allow the play action passing game to open up for Arizona.

Lean on James Cook

Cook was quietly fourth in the NFL in scrimmage yards in 2023. The Cardinals were also bad against the run, finishing 27th in EPA per rush defensively. Lean on Cook, lean on utilizing Josh Allen as a runner, and keep the Cardinals' defense on the field with long-established drives.