Derrick Henry’s power meets Buffalo’s young interior in a Sunday night showdown with Baltimore. Henry’s size-speed blend keeps Buffalo’s rookie tackles TJ Sanders and Deone Walker honest as Baltimore leans on the offensive line to create lanes and leverage. Baltimore’s offense, spearheaded by Lamar Jackson, can threaten you with downhill runs or spread you out, forcing Buffalo to swarm and scrape to the ball. Terrel Bernard, Matt Milano, and Taylor Rapp anchor Buffalo’s run defense, with Cole Bishop stepping in as a versatile rover behind them.

Buffalo’s challenge is real: Henry has posted massive yardage behind strong lines before, and Baltimore’s scheme can flip tempo at a moment’s notice. Buffalo counters with veteran leadership and a dynamic secondary that must ride run fits and communication, especially against play-action and misdirection. The night should tilt toward disciplined gaps and active pursuit, with Henry poised to influence fantasy lineups through volume and goal-line appearances despite the Bills’ best efforts to limit him.

Hairston landed on IR-designated-to-return after a knee LCL sprain from a training-camp misstep, setting him back four games with Week 5 eligibility. Buffalo’s corner depth is strained with Tre’Davious White sidelined, pushing veterans and rookies into larger roles behind Christian Benford. Buffalo cut 27 players to reach the 53; Michael Hoecht and Larry Ogunjobi were moved to reserve/suspended lists and can return in Week 8. The opening slate hinges on how the defense retools its secondary depth.

Fantasy angles point to Hairston’s return window, the implied uptick in Benford’s outside-corner workload, and how rookies like Ja’Marcus Ingram, Dorian Strong, and Brandon Codrington may surface in Week 1-4 rotations. If White’s absence lingers, the Bills’ pass defense could tilt toward a heavier Benford/rookie mix, impacting streamer decisions and waiver priorities in deeper leagues.

The Buffalo Bills have taken significant steps to bolster their defense after last season's disappointment in the AFC Championship Game against the Kansas City Chiefs. The loss highlighted vulnerabilities in their defensive unit, prompting the Bills to pursue high-profile free agents to strengthen their lineup. Notable acquisitions include edge rusher Joey Bosa, defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi, and versatile defensive lineman Michael Hoecht, all of whom are expected to bring experience and talent to the squad.

These additions are aimed at creating a more formidable defense capable of leading the Bills to their first Super Bowl victory. With Bosa's pass-rushing prowess and Ogunjobi's disruptive skills in the trenches, the Bills are looking to enhance their pressure on opposing quarterbacks and bolster their run defense. Hoecht's ability to play multiple positions across the line adds depth and versatility, making the Bills' defense a key asset in their Super Bowl pursuit.

Michael Hoecht, newly signed to the Buffalo Bills, understands the stakes of the upcoming season, especially with a Super Bowl title within reach. He recognizes the profound impact winning the championship would have on Buffalo, stating, 'The city would come down' in celebration. Despite facing a suspension that may hinder his debut, Hoecht is eager to contribute to the team, emphasizing the significance of the Bills' quest for their first Super Bowl win in franchise history.