With the Buffalo Bills set to face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 14, the spotlight is on the 10-2 Bills to see if they can extend their winning streak, which now stands at seven games following a dominant 35-10 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in snowy conditions in Week 13. This matchup offers an intriguing challenge, and we’ll dive into our predictions for the Bills’ Week 14 performance.
This game holds significance for the Bills as a potential “trap game.” While the Rams sit at a mediocre 6-6, their offense—led by Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, and Cooper Kupp, with Sean McVay’s play-calling—remains a formidable threat. Complicating matters, the Bills have a massive showdown in Week 15 against the Detroit Lions, a game that could preview the Super Bowl. However, they’ll need to stay focused, as underestimating the Rams could prove costly.
For the Bills, this matchup offers a chance to sharpen their form as they approach the playoffs. Playing in Los Angeles eliminates the weather factor, making it an ideal setting for a strong performance. Now, let’s delve into our predictions for how the Bills will fare in this critical Week 14 contest.
Bills QB Josh Allen will continue his hot streak
Josh Allen is once again performing at an MVP-caliber level, and this season might finally be the one where he claims the coveted honor. Since being drafted seventh overall by the Bills in 2018, Allen has consistently been in the MVP conversation, though he has yet to secure the award. That same sentiment—always a contender, yet to win it all—could also apply to the Bills as a team.
Recently, Allen has been on a tear. While his 3-to-3 interception-to-touchdown ratio over the past three games might raise eyebrows, his impact on the ground has been undeniable. Over the last three weeks, he’s rushed for three touchdowns, including a stunning 26-yard scramble against the Chiefs in mid-November that sealed their fate. He even notched a receiving touchdown in an incredible play against the 49ers.
Allen’s 20 passing touchdowns rank sixth among NFL quarterbacks, while his six rushing scores place him alongside elite running backs like Alvin Kamara and just behind Chuba Hubbard and Bijan Robinson.
Expect Allen to maintain his elite form against the Rams in Week 14, delivering touchdowns through both the air and on the ground to keep his MVP case alive.
James Cook will find the end zone twice
James Cook has been just as hot as Josh Allen in recent weeks, solidifying himself as one of the league’s most productive running backs this season. With 703 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, Cook is tied with elite players like Saquon Barkley, David Montgomery, and Joe Mixon in scoring, trailing only Derrick Henry’s 13. Cook’s recent surge includes six rushing touchdowns in the past five games, showcasing his ability to finish drives consistently.
Against a Rams defense that ranks among the league’s worst against the run—allowing 144.2 rushing yards per game, the fifth-worst in the NFL—Cook is poised for another standout performance. Given the favorable matchup, it’s easy to envision him finding the end zone twice, further building on his stellar season and playing a pivotal role in the Bills’ offensive attack.
Taylor Rapp will pick off Rams QB Matthew Stafford
Matthew Stafford has carved out an impressive NFL career over 16 seasons, and his Super Bowl LVI victory with the Rams likely cements his status as a future Hall of Famer. However, even with his elite arm talent, Stafford has long exhibited a “gunslinger” mentality, occasionally leading to costly turnovers.
This season, Stafford has thrown 17 touchdowns against seven interceptions, including a midseason stretch where he threw one pick in six consecutive games. Recently, he’s cleaned up his game, going interception-free in three straight contests. Over this span, he’s tallied four touchdowns against the Patriots, two against the Eagles, and another two in a win over the Saints. While he’s been precise lately, Stafford’s history suggests he’s “due” for another misstep.
Enter Taylor Rapp, Stafford’s former teammate from the Rams’ Super Bowl-winning squad. Now with the Bills, Rapp has been a ball-hawking force, recording interceptions in back-to-back games against the Colts and Chiefs before going without one against the 49ers. That brief drought feels like a blip for a safety of Rapp’s caliber, and his familiarity with Stafford’s tendencies makes him a prime candidate to force a turnover in this matchup. Look for Rapp to read his former teammate and snag a key interception in Week 14.
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