The playoff journey for the Buffalo Bills begins on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are riding a remarkable eight-game winning streak. The match is set for January 7, 2025, at 1 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on CBS. The Bills, with a record of 12-5, enter the game as slight favorites, with BetMGM setting the odds at Bills by 1 point. This matchup sees both teams tied in their series record at 10 wins each, although the Jaguars have won both postseason encounters.
Buffalo’s recent form includes a 35-8 victory over the New York Jets, while the Jaguars decisively defeated the Tennessee Titans 41-7 last week. The Bills boast a formidable offense, ranking fourth overall, with the top rushing attack led by James Cook, who finished the regular season with 1,621 yards, averaging 95.3 yards per game. In contrast, the Jaguars’ defense has been stellar, leading the league in run defense for the first time in franchise history, allowing just 85.6 yards per game.
Key Players and Statistics
Quarterback Josh Allen is making his seventh consecutive playoff appearance, holding a record of 7-6, with four losses occurring on the road. Over the season, Allen completed 65.7% of his passes, averaging 258 yards per game, totaling 33 touchdowns while maintaining a low turnover rate with just four interceptions and two lost fumbles.
On the other side, Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence has also had a standout season. He has recorded 24 total touchdowns during the Jaguars’ win streak, showcasing his dual-threat capability with 19 passing and five rushing touchdowns. Lawrence’s performance places him alongside elite company, as he becomes one of only four players in NFL history to achieve 25 or more passing touchdowns and nine or more rushing touchdowns in the same season.
The Bills will be without defensive tackle Jordan Phillips, who is sidelined due to injury, joining fellow defensive tackle Ed Oliver on injured reserve. Additionally, rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston is not expected to play. For the Jaguars, offensive line reinforcements are on the way, with Patrick Mekari and Cole Van Lanen anticipated to return after recent injuries.
Historical Context and Playoff Dynamics
Historically, the Bills have struggled in playoff road games, with an active losing streak of eight consecutive road playoff losses. This includes a notable defeat against the Jaguars in the 2017 wild-card round, where the Bills were outmatched despite the presence of several current players still on the roster. Buffalo’s head coach, Sean McDermott, has led the team to a 7-7 playoff record, with the team’s resilience evident in their ability to overcome deficits in games.
The Jaguars, on the other hand, have shown a potent scoring ability, averaging 33.6 points during their current winning streak. They have established themselves as a formidable opponent in the playoffs, with a home playoff record of 4-1. Jacksonville’s impressive turnaround from a prior season of 13 losses mirrors the historical achievements of only two other teams.
As the playoff atmosphere intensifies, both teams will look to capitalize on their strengths while navigating the high stakes of postseason football. The clash between Buffalo’s explosive offense and Jacksonville’s impenetrable defense sets the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating encounter in the opening round of the playoffs.
