Bills vs. Commanders GAMEDAY Preview: Can Washington Stop Josh Allen?

Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills present a unique challenge for the Washington Commanders.

The Washington Commanders look to stay undefeated today as they host the Buffalo Bills from FedEx Field. 

After falling behind 21-3, the Commanders pulled off a crazy 35-33 win over the Denver Broncos to advance to 2-0 on the year, with much thanks to new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and quarterback Sam Howell. This is the first time the franchise has started a season 2-0 since 2011.

Howell is fresh off a career performance against the Broncos, hitting career highs in yards (299), completion percentage (69 percent), and touchdown passes (2).

Fresh off a solid first week, the Commanders defense looks to get after quarterback Josh Allen. Defensive end Montez Sweat is leading the defensive line with nine tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles in the first two games of the season. 

The Bills handled the Las Vegas Raiders 38-10 in Week 2. Allen bounced back from his week 1 flub, committing zero turnovers with an impressive stat line: completing 31 of 37 passes (83.8 percent) for 274 yards and three touchdowns.

Washington is tied atop the NFC East division with the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles. A Commanders win against the Bills would make a major statement of legitimacy in coach Ron Rivera's fourth season. 

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WATCH FOR: Howell's growth at quarterback. Through two weeks, Howell is 10th in passing yards, 11th in passing touchdowns and sixth in completion percentage among NFL quarterbacks. Howell is 3-0 as an NFL starter.

RECORDS: Washington Commanders (2-0) vs. Buffalo Bills (1-1)

ODDS: Washington is a 6.5-point underdog vs. the Bills.

GAME TIME: Sunday, September 24th, 2023 at 1 p.m. ET

LOCATION: Fed Ex Field - North Englewood, MD

TV/RADIO: CBS, BIG 100.3 FM

THE FINAL WORD: Defensive end Chase Young made his season debut in Week 2 after suffering a neck injury in Week 1 of the preseason. Young finished with 1.5 sacks. 

“It’s been a long time coming for me," said Young. "Just a blessing just to be running around on the field, being out there relying on the guys. I think that was the most exciting thing.”

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