20 January 2023 , 22:21
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The Cincinnati Bengals have suffered a huge blow to their playoff chances ahead of their clash against Super Bowl favourites Buffalo Bills.
The Bengals have been sensational in recent weeks, with quarterback Joe Burrow playing as well as any player in his position in the league - and proving why he deserved to be named among the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen.
His form has seen the Bengals win their last nine consecutive games, but they come into the clash in up-state New York as the underdogs against Allen and the Bills.
And on Friday, they were dealt a huge blow as offensive lineman Jonah Williams and Alex Cappa were ruled out of the game - two of Burrow's better pass-protectors.
That will see the Bills' young emerging star pass-rusher Gregory Rousseau likely come into the team in place of Williams, who played in only four snaps this season - putting the Bengals at a huge disadvantage. The Bengals running game is also expected to suffer with Cappa missing - their best run-blocking lineman.
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The Bengals offence struggled when Williams and Cappa were injured for the win over the Ravens, stuttering throughout the second-half, but doing just enough to win the game with a great defensive effort.
And Cincinnati will need more of the same if they are defeat the high-flying Bills this weekend.
Joe Burrow will be without two of his key offensive lineman in the game (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)This game will be a repeat of the cancelled game in which Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest on the field.
Paramedics tended to Hamlin on the field for over 30 minutes, with players having to watch from the sidelines and pray for Hamlin's health, as he was transferred to the hospital where further medical procedures took place to save the 24-year-old's life.
Hamlin spent more than a week in hospital, and was able to return home after making significant progress. Hamlin still requires oxygen and facies a lengthy recovery.
The game was cancelled, and was not replayed, with the two teams now meeting in the playoffs - just two matches away from a Super Bowl appearance.
The Bengals shocked the NFL world when they made the Super Bowl last year, but would go on to be defeated by the Los Angeles Rams.