The Buffalo Bills and their «X-factors» continue their 2025 NFL season with a matchup against the Cleveland Browns on the road in Week 16.
While game plans, coaching, and strategy will play a part, but sometimes a big emphasis will sit with some individual players. In terms of the defensive side of the ball, who could those be?
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Here are Bills Wire’s three potential X-factors on the Bills (10-4) offense against the Browns (3-11):
RB James Cook
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 20: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah #28 of the Cleveland Browns and A.J. Green #38 of the Cleveland Browns tackle James Cook #28 of the Buffalo Bills during the third quarter at Ford Field on November 20, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
While the Bills have jumped on the back of quarterback Josh Allen to lead comebacks in recent weeks, this game should and needs to be easier. Cook can shorten the contest by running the clock as a running back and scoring a time or two wouldn’t hurt, either.
OL Dion Dawkins
Sep 28, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins (73) on the sidelines during the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
While the Browns are down, pass rusher Myles Garrett is not. He is elite. Dawkins will have his hands full as Garrett is in search of the NFL’s single-season sack record.
WR Keon Coleman
Dec 14, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Carlton Davis III (7) draws a pass interference penalty breaking up a catch intended for Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman (0) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
The Bills have Coleman in the fold to make big plays. One or two of those would be deflating to the Browns, who have little to play for.
This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: 3 X-factors on the Bills offense at the Browns in Week 16
