Buffalo Bills vs. Cincinnati Bengals Preview: AFC Contenders, Damar Hamlin Returns

Buffalo Bills vs. Cincinnati Bengals Preview: AFC Contenders, Damar Hamlin Returns

In Week 9, the Buffalo Bills hit the road to face the Cincinnati Bengals in a prime-time Sunday night show down between two AFC contenders. 

Rest advantage goes to the Bills. Buffalo had an extended week after a 24-18 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday Night Football in Week 8. Quarterback Josh Allen injured his shoulder in the win, but didn't miss an offensive snap en route to going 31 of 40 passing for 324 yards, two touchdowns and one pick.

The good news? Allen was a full participant at Thursday and Friday practice after being listed as DNP on Wednesday. 

In a game that could set the tone for the second half of the season, three straight wins have the Bengals right in the thick of the AFC North race.

Cincinnati is fresh off an upset 31-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on the road. The Bills face the tough task of defending quarterback Joe Burrow, who was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week after he completed a career-high 87.5 percent of his passes for 283 yards and three touchdowns.

Also, keep an eye out for Damar Hamlin, who nearly lost his life on the turf of Paycor Stadium last season. After his miraculous recovery, Hamlin is set to return and is focused on "getting the win."

"I’m super excited," Hamlin told the Associated Press. "I’m a thousand emotions. I’m every emotion, all the good ones and the bad ones. But there’s strength in that. And I think there’s strength in walking through the fire and walking into your fears.”

Damar Hamlin / ClutchPoints

NEW ADDITION: The Bills are signing running back Leonard Fournette. Last season, he rushed 189 times for 668 yards and three touchdowns. He added 73 catches for 523 yards and three more scores.

FLASHBACK: The last time these two met, the Bengals beat the Bills, 27-10, in last year’s AFC Divisional Playoff game.

RECORDS: Buffalo Bills (5-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (4-3)

ODDS: Buffalo is a 2.5-point underdog vs. the Bengals

GAME TIME: Sunday, Nov. 5th, 2023 at 8:20 p.m. CT

LOCATION: Paycor Stadium - Cincinnati, Ohio

TV/RADIO: NBC, WGR 550

THE FINAL WORD: Tom Brady on his relationship with Allen:

"He's like my oldest son," Brady said. "I try to tell him, but in the end, he's just gotta do it his way. Speaking from a few years of experience, he still just wants to do it his way.

Follow Bri Amaranthus on Twitter and Instagram