Sean McDermott's Buffalo Bills have consistently beaten their opponents by winning the turnover battle this year, and Sunday night in Week 13 was no different.
The Bills (10-2) forced the San Francisco 49ers (5-7) to turn the ball over three times and had no turnovers of their own on the season .
The Bills lead the NFL in turnover differential at +17. They rank second in the league with the most takeaways (24) and second in the league with the fewest giveaways (7). They also rank second in fumble recoveries (11).
When you add all of these components together, you can get a good idea of why the Bills have a 10-2 record this year before you even mention the team's points scored and points allowed.
On Sunday, the Bills did what they've done all year: They forced their opponent to cough up the ball. Cornerback Christian Benford recovered a fumble forced by safety Taylor Rapp, Jalen Virgil recovered a fumble forced by Cole Bishop on special teams and pass rusher Greg Rousseau recovered a fumble by Brock Purdy.
“One reason the Bills have won seven straight and are once again pulling away with the AFC East is their ability to take the ball away,” said Brian Baldinger, an analyst for NFL Network and Fox Sports . “They take it away on average two times a game. If you keep doing that, you’ll keep winning.”
Your current sales difference (+17) has improved significantly compared to the previous two years. In 2023, the Bills posted a +2 turnover differential and in 2022 they broke even (0).
It's not just the defense that causes turnovers that accounts for the jump in the last two years. A big reason for the improvement is the fact that the offense, and especially quarterback Josh Allen, is taking care of the ball.
Last year, Allen had 13 interceptions in 12 games. This year he has five.
The offense had zero turnovers in Week 13, making it six of 12 games in which the Bills have not given the ball away. Last year, the Bills only had three such games all year.
McDermott expressed his joy at Allen and the offense taking care of the ball saying: “He has achieved great thingsHe really did a great job and I couldn't be happier with the way we protected the house on offense. His decision-making skills have improved this season and have been very important for our team.”
If you take care of the ball, you always have a chance to win. Add to the league-leading turnover differential the fact that the Bills are second in the nfl in points per game, and you can see why they are one of the favorites to win the Lombardi Trophy.
