When looking at the Bills schedule before the season started, I think a lot of us believed they could, and should, begin the season 2-0. This Bengals game is another that likely had a "W" next to it when running down the list.

There have been plenty of times over the past 20 years where this franchise has lost a game they should have won. The team taking care of business as it should, this early in the season, is a good sign things may be different this year. Let's dive into what is in store in order to reach 3-0 for the first time since 2011.

Stalled Motor

Devin Singletary is out a week after leaving the Giants game late with a hamstring injury. He did not practice at all this week. His usage has been limited, but highly productive as Singletary has 127 rushing yards on just ten carries with a touchdown. Frank Gore has been the bell cow with 30 carries, but just 88 yards on the ground. He will once again get the bulk of the load with TJ Yeldon expected to see his first carries as a Bill. 

He may be even more utilized and effective in the passing game. Overall, the Bills running attack, with Josh Allen, ranks 9th in the NFL. They go against a Bengals defense 30th against the run, allowing 165.5 yards per game.

Allen's Ascent

Josh Allen has thrown for 200+ yards in seven-straight games, dating back to last year. That is the longest streak by a Bills quarterback since Jim Kelly in 1992. He nearly missed setting a career-high in passing yards in a game in back-to-back weeks, finishing with 253 against the Giants, a yard short of the mark he set the previous Sunday against the Jets. Cincinnati's defense is middle of the pack in passing yards allowed per game (236), but 30th in yards allowed per pass play at 10.26, so maybe this is a week Allen airs it out down field.

Kroft Remains Out

You have to feel for Tyler Kroft. He was looking good early in the week to make his Bills debut against his former team, but an ankle injury suffered in practice Thursday will keep him out Sunday. Sean McDermott not providing any specifics Friday as to the extent of the injury, but I did see Kroft limping out of the locker room after missing practice. It is reasonable to worry about Kroft's mental state after suffering a setback like this, but McDermott said his tight end is in good spirits and working hard to once again rehab his way back from a lower body injury.

Air Andy

The Bengals may be 0-2, but Andy Dalton and the passing game are not the reason why. Dalton ranks second in the NFL in passing yards 729. He's thrown and completed the second most passes as well. Both Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer calling Dalton "streaky," saying this week when he gets hot, he's hot. The last time this defense faced the Red Rifle was Week 5 in 2017, when Dalton threw for 328 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. This time he'll face a Bills defense tops in the NFL against the pass, allowing just 179.2 yards per game.

No AJ, No Problem

Dalton's prolific passing has come with his top target, AJ Green, out with an ankle injury suffered early in training camp. In his absence, third-year wide out John Ross has emerged as the Bengals hoped when drafting him 9th overall in 2017. Ross entered Week 3 leading the NFL in receiving yards with 270. His 24.55 yards per catch also ranks second. Ross is a burner who averages 13.27 yards after the catch, fourth in the league. Then there's Tyler Boyd, who had a breakout 2018 with 76 grabs for 1,028 yards and seven TDs, earning a 4-year, $43 million dollar extension in the off season. He has been quite the "compliment" to Ross through two games, sitting second in the NFL with 18 receptions.

Running Issues

For as well as the Bengals have been throwing the ball the first two weeks of the season, the running game has had opposite results. They have only gained 59 yards rushing through two games, easily last in the NFL. Joe Mixon led the AFC (fourth in the NFL) in rushing last season, but has just 27 yards on 17 carries in 2019. Bills defense is 16th in the league against the run, allowing 114.9 yards per game. If the game is close, does Cincy try to get things going on the ground or fly through the air as they have the first two games.

Pancho Power

Sunday marks the first regular season home game since the passing of super fan Pancho Billa, who died in May after a long battle with cancer. The team plans on honoring Pancho pregame at 12:40, with his family on the field. 

The connection between Harrison Phillips and Pancho began back at the 2018 NFL Draft in Dallas, when Pancho announced Phillips as the Bills third round selection.

I sat down with Phillips this week as he opened up about their relationship, including the last time they spoke the night before Pancho's death.

Crossteam Connections

These two teams linked in many ways with players and coaches spending time with both organizations.

Preston Brown, Cordy Glenn, and John Miller are former Bills now with the Bengals. QB Jake Dolegala went to St. Francis high school.

Former Bills back-up QB Alex Van Pelt is Cincinnati's quarterbacks coach.

Kroft and Matt Barkley spent time with the Bengals.

Injury Report

Bills

OUT: CB Taron Johnson (hamstring), RB Devin Singletary (hamstring), Tyler Kroft (foot/ankle)

QUESTIONABLE: LB Corey Thompson (ankle)

Bengals

OUT: DL Ryan Glasgow (thigh), WR A.J. Green (ankle), T Cordy Glenn (concussion), DL Kerry Wynn (hamstring), CB B.W. Webb (forearm)

DOUBTFUL: DE Carl Lawson (hamstring)

QUESTIONABLE: Andre Smith (groin), G Michael Jordan (knee)

Bills and Bengals kick things off from New Era Field Sunday at 1 pm.

And be sure to follow along on our Gameday LIVE Blog as the Spectrum News sports team gives their perspective throughout the game.