The NFL's Week 15 is off to a dramatic start, with teams announcing their inactive players early. One notable absence will undoubtedly impact the field.
The Buffalo Bills, fighting to keep their division hopes alive, will be without cornerback Christian Benford. But here's the twist: Benford has been a standout performer in their recent victories. In Week 13, he sealed the deal against the Steelers with a fumble return for a touchdown and an interception. And this past Sunday, he secured the lead against the Bengals with a crucial interception return for a score in the fourth quarter.
And this is where it gets intriguing: The Bills are visiting the New England Patriots, who are on the verge of clinching the AFC East. Benford's absence could tip the scales in the Patriots' favor, especially considering his recent heroics.
Here's the full list of early inactives for Week 15:
Bills at Patriots:
- Bills: Christian Benford (CB), Terrel Bernard (LB), Gabe Davis (WR), Darnell Savage (S), Tylan Grable (OL), Phidarian Mathis (DT), Chase Lundt (OL).
- Patriots: Bradyn Swinson (LB), Marcus Bryant (OL), Eric Gregory (DT), C.J. Dippre (TE), Efton Chism (WR), Tommy DeVito (QB).
Ravens at Bengals:
- Ravens: Rashod Bateman (WR), Keyon Martin (CB), Joseph Noteboom (OL), Aeneas Peebles (DT), Cooper Rush (QB).
- Bengals: Tee Higgins (WR), Jake Browning (QB), PJ Jules (S), Jordan Jefferson (DT).
Jets at Jaguars:
- Jets: Tyrod Taylor (QB), Justin Fields (QB), Tyler Johnson (WR), Braiden McGregor (EDGE), Mazi Smith (DL), Mason Taylor (TE), Kiki Mauigoa (LB).
- Jaguars: Yasir Abdullah (LB), Walker Little (OL), Hunter Long (TE), Emmanuel Ogbah (DL), Austin Johnson (DL).
Chargers at Chiefs:
- Chargers: Quentin Johnston (WR), Elijah Molden (S), Derius Davis (WR), Nikko Reed (CB), Kyle Kennard (LB), Trey Pipkins (OL), Dalevon Campbell (WR).
- Chiefs: Trent McDuffie (CB), Hollywood Brown (WR), Jawaan Taylor (OT), Jared Wiley (TE), Trey Smith (G), Elijah Mitchell (RB), Zacch Pickens (DT).
Cardinals at Texans:
- Cardinals: Max Melton (CB), Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR), Jalen Thompson (S), Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (S), Evan Brown (OL), Paris Johnson (OT), Xavier Weaver (WR).
- Texans: Jarrett Kingston (OL), Braxton Berrios (WR), Nick Chubb (RB), Graham Mertz (QB), Ameer Speed (CB), E.J. Speed (LB), Solomon Byrd (DE).
Browns at Bears:
- Browns: Denzel Ward (CB), Dylan Sampson (RB), Zak Zinter (G), Wyatt Teller (G), Jack Conklin (T), David Njoku (TE), Adin Huntington (DT).
- Bears: Tyson Bagent (QB), Travis Homer (RB), Jahdae Walker (WR), Ruben Hyppolite (LB), Dominique Robinson (DE), Jonathan Ford (DT).
Commanders at Giants:
- Commanders: Jayden Daniels (QB), Drake Jackson (DE), George Fant (OL), Jonathan Jones (CB), Trenton Scott (OL), Chris Rodriguez (RB).
- Giants: Kayvon Thibodeaux (EDGE), Ryan Miller (WR), Jamie Gillan (P), James Hudson (OL), Gunner Olszewski (WR), Rakeem Nunez-Roches (DL), Russell Wilson (QB).
Raiders at Eagles:
- Raiders: Geno Smith (QB), Greedy Vance (CB), Zamir White (RB), Jordan Meredith (OL), Ian Thomas (TE), Alex Bachman (WR), Leki Fotu (DL).
- Eagles: Josh Uche (LB), Sam Howell (QB), Mac McWilliams (CB), A.J. Dillon (RB), Lane Johnson (OT), Jalen Carter (DT).
With these key players sitting out, will the teams be able to maintain their momentum? Do you agree that Benford's absence could be a deciding factor in the Bills-Patriots game? Share your predictions for Week 15's outcomes!
