3 storylines heading into Seahawks versus Bills Week 8 matchup

The 4-3 NFC West-leading Seattle Seahawks play host to the electrifying 5-2 AFC East-leading Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
Seattle Seahawks v Buffalo Bills
Seattle Seahawks v Buffalo Bills / Timothy T Ludwig/GettyImages
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Can the Seahawks' league-leading passing attack continue to flourish without DK Metcalf?

DK Metcalf avoided a major knee injury to the collective sigh of relief from 12's across the world. However, it is expected that Metcalf will miss some time with an MCL sprain. Assuming Metcalf is ruled out for this Bills game, Seattle will look to continue pushing the ball down the field even without their 6'4" Pro Bowl monster at receiver.

Geno Smith leads the NFL in passing yards, with just shy of 2,000 yards through seven games. Smith also leads the league in throws resulting in a first down, with 100. A large part of Seattle's offensive success this season has been due to chunk plays through the air. However, Seattle's leading receiver in yards is DK Metcalf, who is also third in the NFL in receiving yards, despite missing most of the second half last weekend. Smith must get it done without his top wide receiver.

The depth at wide receiver will be monumental on Sunday, as guys like Jake Bobo, Laviska Shenault, and possiby even Dareke Young will most likely get snaps. Further, the tight ends will also step up. Noah Fant, AJ Barner, and Pharaoh Brown will all likely see an uptick of routes ran to make up for Metcalf's massive absence.

Buffalo's defense isn't exactly world-beating, especially against the pass, and Seattle would be smart to attack through the air, even without Metcalf. Buffalo is in the bottom half of the league in terms of pass defense, having allowed over 1,500 yards through the air, and allowing nine touchdowns to seven interceptions. Buffalo has some decent defensive backs, including cornerback Rasul Douglas, and the incredible story of safety Damar Hamlin, who's having a career-year with two interceptions in the first half of this season.

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