Bills vs. SF 49ers: 5 matchups that determine Week 13 outcome

No. 1: SF 49ers Nick Mullens vs. Bills pass defense

Again, Buffalo has a middle-of-the-pack pass defense. It’s been the offense that has largely carried the Bills to their 8-3 record this season.

Yet Buffalo has been fairly good at forcing turnovers this season, boasting 17 on the season (tied for seventh most) and averaging 1.5 of these per game. In contrast, the SF 49ers have just one fewer defensive takeaway forced.

San Francisco 49ers

While fumbling away the ball is going to be a hopeful deterrent from the Niners’ ball-carriers, quarterback Nick Mullens bears a huge responsibility to protect the ball, too, maintaining that crucial time of possession to ensure Buffalo’s own offense doesn’t take the field more than necessary.

Turnovers have been a problem for Mullens this season, as his seven interceptions on 206 pass attempts have led to a 3.4 interception percentage — tied for fourth highest among qualifiers this year.

Luckily for Mullens, Buffalo’s defense is in the third-lowest tier for interceptions this season with eight, although San Francisco’s backup quarterback doesn’t exactly want to be in a position where he inflates those numbers.

Mullens doesn’t have to be perfect or “outduel” Josh Allen. Rather the former just needs to be efficient enough and protect the ball.

If he does that and wins this particular matchup, there’s an excellent chance the SF 49ers win, too.

The Niners kick off against the Bills on Monday, Dec. 7 at 8:15 p.m. ET.