Buffalo Bills vs Los Angeles Rams (X-Factors and Prediction)

 It's finally here! The 2022 NFL season kicks off tonight with a fantastic showdown featuring the Super Bowl 57 favourite Buffalo Bills against the Super Bowl 56 champion Los Angeles Rams. We as NFL fans couldn't have gotten a better matchup to watch to start what should be a crazy NFL season. Let's take a look at 3 keys to tonight's game and who I think will take home a W to start the season.

X Factor #1: Bills WRs vs Rams secondary

On paper, the Bills have a great argument for being the most talented team in the league. And a lot of that talent comes in the form of their wide receivers. Stefon Diggs is one of the best receivers and route runners in the league. Gabriel Davis (coming off a legendary playoff performance against the Chiefs in January) is a prime breakout candidate this season with his speed and route running, and will look to become a awesome second option next to Diggs. Isaiah Mckenzie and Jamison Crowder will alternate time in the slot; Mckenzie is faster and more dynamic, while Crowder is more of a move-the-chains type of receiver. On the other hand, the Rams have the best cornerback in the league in Jalen Ramsey, who will look to slow down Diggs. If the Rams do decide to shadow Diggs with Ramsey, that could leave Troy Hill or David Long Jr. on Gabe Davis. The Bills should look to exploit that matchup all night long.

X Factor #2: Rams WRs vs Bills secondary

The Rams offence runs through Cooper Kupp, the reigning Super Bowl MVP who is coming off perhaps the best season ever for a wide receiver. Kupp usually resides in the slot, which will pit him up against Bills slot corner Taron Johnson, who is solid, but will definitely have his hands full with Kupp all night long. On the outside, Allen Robinson will be looking to make a huge impact in his debut game with the Rams. With All-Pro corner Tre'Davious White on the PUP list, the Bills will have to lean on rookie first-round pick Kaiir Elam to slow down Robinson. The youngster will have the luxury of leaning on two All-Pros in Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde, who make up the best safety tandem in the NFL, to help slow down Matthew Stafford and the Rams' high-powered passing attack.

X-Factor #3: Bills offensive line vs Rams pass rush

The Bills offensive line is not elite, but it's not horrible either. They will undoubtedly have their hands full with Aaron Donald, the best defensive player and probably the best overall player in football. The Rams did lose Von Miller (who ironically is now on the Bills), but they still have Leonard Floyd on the edge and he is one of the most underrated pass rushers in the league. With the Bills possessing a high-flying passing attack with Josh Allen and those aforementioned wide receivers, the Rams pass rush has to consistently pressure and bring down Allen if they want to win this game.

Prediction:

All in all, this matchup is gonna be a treat to watch. Both of these teams are absolutely stacked and could easily meet up again in February for the Super Bowl. 

The home team in the NFL Kickoff Game has gone 7-3 in the 10 matchups, so it seems that the Rams should be favoured here. However, the Bills are currently 2.5 favourites to win tonight, and I can see why. I think with their amazing offence, and high-powered defence with Von Miller making his highly-anticipated debut, the Bills go on the road and get a hard fought victory over the champs to start the season off at 1-0.

Bills 31 Rams 30