The Giants will once again go on the road for an AFC East matchup when they travel to Buffalo to take on the Bills this Sunday.
Brian Daboll's squad is looking to improve its record to 2-4 on the season after falling to the Miami Dolphins, 31-16, in Week 5. Of course, this contest on Sunday Night Football will represent a homecoming for Daboll, who spent four seasons with the Bills (2018-21) and grew up in the area.
The Bills traveled to London to take on the Jaguars last week and wound up picking up their second loss of the season. Prior to the loss across the pond, Buffalo had won its previous three games, including one against the NFC East (Washington Commanders).
Here are five players to watch in the primetime matchup:
WR Wan'Dale Robinson
After missing the first two games of the season due to last year's knee injury, Robinson has seen his playing time increase in each of the last three weeks. He played just 22 percent of the offensive snaps in Week 3 before seeing that number jump to 64 percent in Week 4 and 67 percent this past weekend. Not only is Robinson playing more, but he's also been a key part of the passing game. The second-year receiver has caught 14 of 17 targets over the last three games, although he's only gained 79 yards, while adding an additional eight yards on two rushing attempts.
Buffalo enters this game ranking eighth in passing yards and third in passing touchdowns allowed on the year, while the unit's eight interceptions are tied for the most in the league. Robinson spends a lot of time running routes out of the slot, meaning he should see plenty of Bills nickel cornerback Taron Johnson Sunday night. According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson has surrendered 11 receptions on 11 targets this season for 103 yards and a passer rating against of 105.7.
View photos of the Giants on the practice field ahead of the Week 6 matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
NT Dexter Lawrence II (97)
RB Eric Gray (20)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
DL Rakeem Nunez-Roches Sr (93)
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Mike Kafka Offensive Coordinator
WR Parris Campbell (0)
WR Cole Beasley (9)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
ILB Dyontae Johnson (54)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
CB Adoree' Jackson (22)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
Mike Kafka Offensive Coordinator, QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
QB Tommy DeVito (5)
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Mike Kafka Offensive Coordinator
QB Tommy DeVito (5)
ILB Cam Brown (47)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2), QB Tommy DeVito (5)
RB Eric Gray (20)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2), QB Tommy DeVito (5)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
NT Dexter Lawrence II (97)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
CB Cor'Dale Flott (28)
DL Rakeem Nunez-Roches Sr (93)
CB Cor'Dale Flott (28)
NT Dexter Lawrence II (97)
DT DJ Davidson (98)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
DT DJ Davidson (98)
ILB Darrian Beavers (43)
WR Darius Slayton (86)
NT Dexter Lawrence II (97)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
DE Ryder Anderson (90)
NT Dexter Lawrence II (97)
WR Cole Beasley (9)
WR Darius Slayton (86)
OL Ben Bredeson
Bredeson began the season as the team's starting left guard, but due to rookie John Michael Schmitz's shoulder injury, the veteran has moved over to center for the time being. Since shifting one spot over on the line, Bredeson has played 93 pass block snaps and has allowed just one sack. Schmitz has yet to practice this week, making it likely that Bredeson will get another start at center this week.
The offensive line is dealing with numerous injuries among both the starters and backups. Schmitz and left tackle Andrew Thomas (hamstring) were not able to practice Wednesday or Thursday, while right guard Marcus McKethan (knee) has been limited. Among the backups, Matt Peart (shoulder) has not practiced this week, while Shane Lemieux (groin) has been limited.
"You want all your players out there but next man up mentality, so we've got to do a good job of coaching it and we've got to do a good job of executing," coach Brian Daboll told reporters Wednesday.
The Giants enter Week 6 with a league-high 30 sacks allowed this season. On the other side of the field, the Bills have recorded 21 sacks through the first five weeks, three more than any other team. Defensive end Leonard Floyd leads the way with 5.5, while defensive tackle Ed Oliver is close behind with four.
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux
Thibodeaux has been on a roll over the last three weeks. The second-year outside linebacker was held without a sack against the Cowboys and Cardinals, but has followed that up with four total sacks in the three games since. Thibodeaux has recorded 10 total pressures during that span, according to PFF, and has now matched his sack total from his entire rookie season. He recovered his first fumble of the season last week after picking up his first pass breakup the week before.
The Bills have protected quarterback Josh Allen well this season, allowing just nine sacks through the first five games, which is tied with the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Chargers for the seventh-fewest in the league. Thibodeaux and the rest of the pass rush must also keep a close eye on Allen using his legs to move the ball downfield. The sixth-year quarterback has recorded 20 rush attempts for 120 yards, good for an average of 6.0 yards per carry, and three touchdowns already this year.
DL Dexter Lawrence
The 6-foot-4, 340-pound lineman has been a force in the middle of the defensive line. Through the first five weeks of the season, Lawrence has registered 18 total pressures. To put that into perspective, he had 17 pressures through five games last year and finished the season with 63, which was among the leaders at his position. While none have resulted in a sack, this shows that the All-Pro lineman is getting close, and eventually some of those pressures are likely to turn into sacks.
Lawrence has also performed admirably against the run this season. PFF has the lineman down for 11 defensive stops, or tackles that constitute a "failure" for the offense. According to the analytics site, Lawrence has been the best interior defensive linemen against the run this season, and is among the top five at his position as a pass rusher. His teammate, Leonard Williams, also finds himself in the top five at the position as a pass rusher, according to PFF.
ILB Bobby Okereke
If Lawrence is the unit's force up front, then consider Okereke the anchor in the middle of the defense. After totaling five tackles in the season opener, Okereke has seen his production increase each week. In the four games since, the veteran linebacker has averaged over nine tackles per game, including double-digit tackles in each of the last two outings. The defense also picked up their first two interceptions of the season against the Dolphins, both of which Okereke was largely responsible for. He recorded an interception himself, his first since 2021, and tipped another pass by Tua Tagovailoa, which resulted in safety Jason Pinnock's 102-yard interception return for a touchdown.
"I just think that he is seeing things better as the middle linebacker," defensive coordinator Wink Martindale said Thursday. "He's put in the extra work. He's doubled down on playing well, and doing what he has to do to play well. I love his leadership, his communication skills. He's really on the cusp of starting to really take off. And he's been good anyway. I'm just saying he's playing better. You're seeing more plays; you're seeing him coming downhill and hitting people down in the redzone and things like that. It's really starting to show out."
Okereke has also been consistent against the run, picking up 15 defensive stops this season, including four in each of the last two games. The defense will need another strong performance from the veteran linebacker Sunday night against the Bills. We already touched on Allen's abilities as a rusher, but the Bills also sport a deep and talented backfield. James Cook leads the team with 292 yards on 61 carries (4.8 avg.), while veterans Damien Harris and Latavius Murray have combined for an additional 176 yards. The three backs have totaled four touchdowns on the ground in addition to 23 receptions for 205 yards.
View rare photos of the all-time series between the New York Giants and Buffalo Bills.
New York Giants quarterback Jeff Hostetler (15) celebrates a second quarter touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during Super Bowl XXV in Tampa, Fla., in this Jan. 27, 1991 photo. The Giants, back at the spot where they won the Super Bowl a decade ago, began practice Monday Jan. 22, 2001 for this year's championship against the Baltimore Ravens. (AP Photo)
Lloyd Pate of the Buffalo Bills is caught in a pocket of New York Giants after gaining five yards in the first half of a game at Yankee Stadium in New York, Dec. 6, 1970. The Giants stopping Pate are Jim Files (58) left and Matt Hazeltine (64). The Giants won, 20-6. (AP Photo/J. Spencer Jones)
New York Giants' running back Tucker Frederickson (24) tries to make it through a monetary hole in the Buffalo Bill's line during game at New York's Yankee Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 7, 1970. Bills' end Ron McDole (72), coming off a block by New York offensive tackle Dick Buzin (77), tries to plug the hole. Giants guard Doug Van Horn (63) blocks Buffalo middle linebacker Edgard Chandler (52) at right. Fredrickson made gain of 2 yards on the play as New York won, 20-8. (AP Photo)
George Hunt (9) of the New York Giants gives the ball a well aimed kick over the reach of Dwight Harrison (28) of the Buffalo Bills in Buffalo, N.Y., Oct. 21, 1975. Harrison is knocked by Giants linebacker Brian Kelley (55). Hunt's 37-yard kick scored the winning field goal for the Giants, upsetting the Bills 17-14. (AP Photo/Jim McKnight)
New York Giants coach Bill Parcells is carried on the shoulders of Lawrence Taylor (56) and Carl Banks (58) after winning the Super Bowl XXV in Tampa, Fla., Sunday, Jan. 28, 1991. The Giants defeated the Buffalo Bills, 20-19. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)
New York Giants running back Dave Meggett (30) carries the ball while in pursuit by Buffalo Bills cornerback Nate Odomes (37) during Super Bowl XXV in Tampa, FL, Jan. 27, 1991. The Giants defeated the Bills 20-19. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Jeff Hostetler (15) watches as running back Ottis Anderson (24) carries the ball against the Buffalo Bills during Super Bowl XXV in Tampa, FL, Jan. 27, 1991. The Giants defeated the Bills 20-19. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Jeff Hostetler (15) gets set for the next snap against the Buffalo Bills during Super Bowl XXV in Tampa, FL, Jan. 27, 1991. The Giants defeated the Bills 20-19. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Mark Ingram (82) carries the ball against the Buffalo Bills during Super Bowl XXV in Tampa, FL, Jan. 27, 1991. The Giants defeated the Bills 20-19. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Jeff Hostetler (15) and tackle John Stuart "Jumbo" Elliott (76) look on as running back Ottis Anderson (24) carries the ball against the Buffalo Bills during Super Bowl XXV in Tampa, FL, Jan. 27, 1991. The Giants defeated the Bills 20-19. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Buffalo Bills defensive end Bruce Smith (78) tries to fight his way past New York Giants offensive tackle John Elliott (76) during Super Bowl XXV in Tampa, FL, Jan. 27, 1991. The Giants defeated the Bills 20-19. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants running back Ottis Anderson (24) carries the ball against the Buffalo Bills during Super Bowl XXV in Tampa, FL, Jan. 27, 1991. The Giants defeated the Bills 20-19. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Buffalo Bills defensive back Dwight Drane (45) tries to chase down New York Giants running back Ottis Anderson (24) during Super Bowl XXV in Tampa, FL, Jan. 27, 1991. The Giants defeated the Bills 20-19. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Stephen Baker (85) is taken down by Buffalo Bills cornerback Kirby Jackson (47) during Super Bowl XXV in Tampa, Fla., Jan. 27, 1991. The Giants won the Super Bowl, 20-19. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants center Bart Oates (65) and guard William Roberts (66) in action against Buffalo Bills nose tackle Jeff Wright (91) during Super Bowl XXV in Tampa, FL, Jan. 27, 1991. The Giants defeated the Bills 20-19. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Jeff Hostetler runs from the field carrying the game winning ball overhead after his team beat the Buffalo Bills 20-19 in Super Bowl XXV in Tampa, Fla. It was the closest margin of victory in any of the Super Bowls. (AP Photo/Ron Heflin)
Leonard Marchall (70) and Erik Howard (74) of the New York Giants celebrate the sack of Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly (12) in the third quarter of SUper Bowl XXV Sunday, Jan. 27, 1991 in Tampa. (AP Photo/Lynn Sladky)
Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly gets sacked during the fourth quarter ny New York Giants linebacker Pepper Johnson. The Giants came out on top to win the Super Bowl 20-19 in Tampa Sunday, Jan. 27, 1991. (AP Photo/Bill Waugh)
New York Giants running back Ottis Anderson (24) carries the ball as he leaps over Buffalo Bills Kirby Jackson during fourth quarter of Super Bowl XXV at Tampa Stadium Sunday, Jan. 27, 1991. Giants Stephen Baker is under Jackson. The Giants defeated the Bills 20-19. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
Buffalo Bills kicker Scott Norwood, center, misses the field goal on the last play of the game, clinching the victory for the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXV in Tampa Sunday, January 27, 1991. The Giants won 20-19. (AP Photo/Phil Sandlin)
New York Giants quarterback Jeff Hostetler (15) celebrates a second quarter touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during Super Bowl XXV in Tampa, Fla., in this Jan. 27, 1991 photo. The Giants, back at the spot where they won the Super Bowl a decade ago, began practice Monday Jan. 22, 2001 for this year's championship against the Baltimore Ravens. (AP Photo)
Buffalo Bills quarterback Doug Flutie (7) fumbles as he is taken down by New York Giants defensive end Cedric Jones (94) during the first half of the game at Ralph Wilson Stadium, in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 12, 1999. The Giants recovered the fumble that set up a field goal. They went on to beat the Bills 19-17. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) is stopped by Buffalo Bills defenders, from left, London Fletcher, Lawyer Milloy and Keith McKenzie during the third quarter Sunday, Nov. 30, 2003 in East Rutherford, N.J. Barber only managed 20 yards for the game in the Giants' 24-7 loss. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants' wide receiver Amani Toomer, left, catches a pass downfield for a touchdown in front of Buffalo Bills' London Fletcher during the second quarter Sunday, Nov. 30, 2003, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs (27) runs against the Buffalo Bills during the second half of an NFL football game at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007. The Giants won 38-21. (AP Photo/Derek Gee)
Buffalo Bills quarterback Trent Edwards, left, gets a pass off before being tackled by New York Giants safety Michael Johnson, right, during the first half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y. on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007. New York won 38-21. (AP Photo/Don Heupel)
New York Giants linebacker Kawika Mitchell, left, intercepts a pass intended for Buffalo Bills wide receiver Lee Evans, right, during the second half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y. on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007. Mitchell scored a touchdown on the play as New York defeated Buffalo 38-21. (AP Photo/Don Heupel)
Buffalo Bills punter Brian Moorman, right, tries to recover his fumble as New York Giants special teams player Ahmad Bradshaw, left, tackles him during the first half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y. on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007. New York won 38-21. (AP Photo/Don Heupel)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks to throw during the first quarter of the NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs (27) scores a touchdown under pressure from Buffalo Bills' John DiGiorgio (52) during the second quarter of their NFL football game at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007. The Giants won 38-21. (AP Photo/Derek Gee)
New York Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw (44) runs past Buffalo Bills' Terrence McGee (24) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007. (AP Photo/Derek Gee)
New York Giants' Amani Toomer (81) makes a catch under pressure from Buffalo Bills' Jim Leonhard (42) during the first quarter of the NFL football at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007. (AP Photo/Derek Gee)
New York Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw (44) is hit by Buffalo Bills' Bryan Scott (43) during the second half of an NFL football game at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007. The Giants won 38-21. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) runs past Buffalo Bills cornerback Drayton Florence (29) during the first quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants free safety Antrel Rolle (26) tackles Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller (28) by grabbing his helmet during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Jake Ballard (85) evades Buffalo Bills cornerback Drayton Florence (29) during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) fends off Buffalo Bills cornerback Terrence McGee (24) during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Hakeem Nicks (88) runs away from Buffalo Bills' Drayton Florence (29) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, bottom, reacts after being sacked by New York Giants outside linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka (94) during the second quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) avoids a tackle by Buffalo Bills cornerback Terrence McGee (24) during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Buffalo Bills' George Wilson, left, has a hold of New York Giants' Victor Cruz during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) prepares to take the snap during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Buffalo Bills' Drayton Florence, left, attempts to tackle New York Giants' Jake Ballard during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) runs away from Buffalo Bills defensive end Spencer Johnson (91) and Terrence McGee (24) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 27-24. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) rushes against Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) during the second quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. Pierre-Paul was called for roughing the passer on the play. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) runs away from Buffalo Bills inside linebacker Nick Barnett (50) and Kelvin Sheppard (55) during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) dives past Buffalo Bills free safety Jairus Byrd (31) and Nick Barnett (50) for a touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) is tackled by Buffalo Bills cornerback Terrence McGee (24) during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) reacts after scoring a touchdown on a pass from quarterback Eli Manning as Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore, left, and strong safety Bacarri Rambo look on during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Wippert)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings, right, looks at Buffalo Bills cornerback Ronald Darby, left, as he scores on a touchdown run during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Gary Wiepert)
New York Giants wide receiver Dwayne Harris (17) dives at the goal line during a touchdown reception on a pass from quarterback Eli Manning, not pictured, during the first half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Gary Wiepert)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle, left, is hit by Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore while scoring on a touchdown reception on a pass from quarterback Eli Manning, not pictured, during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Gary Wiepert)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks to pass against the Buffalo Bills during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Wippert)
New York Giants running back Shane Vereen (34) breaks away from Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Kyle Williams (95) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Wippert)
New York Giants wide receiver Dwayne Harris, front, is tackled by Buffalo Bills defensive back Nickell Robey during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Wippert)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) takes part in a week 2 regular season game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on Sunday September 15th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
RB Saquon Barkley (26) at New York Giants vs Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) takes part in a week 2 regular season game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on Sunday September 15th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) takes part in a week 2 regular season game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on Sunday September 15th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) takes part in a week 2 regular season game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on Sunday September 15th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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