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Key Matchups

Week 9 - Key Matchups

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When the Bears take on the Bills Sunday, keep an eye out for these three key matchups:

Bears DT **Akiem Hicks** vs. Bills RB LeSean McCoy
The Bills suffered their second quarterback injury in as many weeks Monday night. After losing rookie quarterback Josh Allen to an elbow injury in Week 7, Buffalo announced that backup quarterback Derek Anderson suffered a concussion against the Patriots. As a result, the Bills may start Nathan Peterman under center against the Bears this week.

Regardless, Buffalo will rely on running back LeSean McCoy for their offensive production. McCoy is coming off two games in which he was limited to 14 combined yards on 14 carries, but the veteran back still has the explosiveness that's made him a six-time Pro Bowl selectee and will get more opportunities to showcase that given the team's quarterback situation.

Bears defensive tackle Akiem Hicks helped lead a dominant defensive effort against the Jets on Sunday and will look to do the same against McCoy and the Bills offense. Chicago was without linebacker Khalil Mack, and Hicks and company made his absence negligible, holding the Jets to just 57 rushing yards. Hicks has been all over the field this year, tallying 24 tackles, eight quarterback hits and three sacks. He'll be tested this Sunday on the road against a likely run-heavy offense.

Bears WR **Anthony Miller** vs. Bills CB Tre'Davious White
On the Bears' second drive of the second half on Sunday, Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky dropped back on a third-and-goal play and delivered a perfect strike to receiver Anthony Miller in the back of the end zone. Miller just got both feet in and did a little dance to celebrate. The score, that put the Bears up 14-3, ended up being all they needed against the Jets, but more so, it showed the continued comfort between the rookie receiver and the second-year quarterback. Miller had three catches for 37 yards plus his third touchdown of the season in the game.

This Sunday, Miller and the Bears offense will face Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White and a dynamic Jets defense. White was a bright spot in the Bills' most recent loss to the Patriots, tallying eight tackles and a pass breakup. The second-year player made a name for himself last year in his rookie season, recording four interceptions and 18 pass deflections and has been key to Buffalo defense ranking sixth in the league in passing yards allowed this season, with opponents averaging 222.8 per game. In their most recent matchup, though, Buffalo allowed 311 passing yards to New England. If Miller can keep giving Trubisky opportunities to come his way, White and the Bills defense could be in for another long day through the air.

Bears G **James Daniels** vs. Bills DE Jerry Hughes
Bears offensive lineman James Daniels got his first start of the year last week, lining up at left guard. Daniels will likely be tested even more this week with right guard Kyle Long suffering a right foot injury on Sunday. Daniels played 71 snaps against the Jets after playing just 110 total entering the game, and helped the offensive line open gaps for Bears rushers who picked up 220 yards on the ground.

In Buffalo, Daniels could line up against veteran defensive end Jerry Hughes. The nine-year veteran entered the league when Daniels was still in middle school and has made a career of getting by lineman and getting to quarterbacks. Hughes has 4.5 sacks this year and has forced three fumbles.

The Bears returned to the practice field Wednesday in preparation for Sunday's game against the Bills.

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