The Buffalo Bills will begin their playoff journey against the Jacksonville Jaguars on January 7, 2025, at 1 p.m. EST. This matchup features two teams with strong momentum, as the Jaguars enter the game on an impressive eight-game winning streak. The Bills, with a 12-5 record, are slight favorites by just one point according to BetMGM.
Both teams are evenly matched in their historical series, which is tied at 10 wins each. The Jaguars have triumphed in both postseason encounters, including a memorable wild-card game in 2017. Their last meeting saw the Bills dominate with a 47-10 victory in Buffalo on September 23, 2024.
Team Performance and Key Players
The Bills have showcased a formidable offense this season, ranking fourth overall. They lead the league in rushing, averaging an impressive 149.9 yards per game, while their passing game ranks 15th. The team’s scoring offense is tied for fourth in the NFL, averaging 28.8 points per game.
Quarterback Josh Allen has been instrumental for Buffalo, making his seventh consecutive playoff appearance. He boasts a 7-6 playoff record, having completed 65.7% of his passes for an average of 258 yards per game this season. Allen has thrown 33 touchdowns, including 25 passing, seven rushing, and one receiving, with only four interceptions and two lost fumbles.
On the other side, the Jaguars’ offense ranks 11th overall, with a scoring average of 26.5 points per game. Running back Travis Etienne could be playing his final game in Jacksonville, as he is a pending free agent. Despite a career-high 13 touchdowns this season, he has struggled to exceed 100 rushing yards since late September. The Jaguars will rely on him against a Bills defense that has allowed over 150 rushing yards in seven games.
Jacksonville’s defense is particularly noteworthy, leading the league in run defense for the first time in franchise history, allowing just 85.6 yards per game. They have not permitted any player to rush for 75 yards in a game this season, showcasing their strength against the run.
Injury Updates and Playoff History
Injuries may impact both teams heading into this crucial matchup. For the Bills, defensive tackle Jordan Phillips will not play, joining Ed Oliver on injured reserve due to injuries. Additionally, rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston is not expected to take the field, while kicker Matt Prater is questionable after aggravating a quadriceps injury. Starting linebacker Terrel Bernard‘s status remains uncertain due to a calf injury.
The Jaguars are expected to welcome back right guard Patrick Mekari and left tackle Cole Van Lanen, both of whom missed previous games due to injuries. Mekari has been absent for two weeks, while Van Lanen sustained a knee injury during the last match against the Tennessee Titans.
Historically, the Bills have faced challenges in the playoffs under head coach Sean McDermott, holding a 7-7 record. Notably, they have lost eight consecutive road playoff games, a streak that is the NFL’s second-longest, only behind the Detroit Lions’ 12-game road playoff losing streak. The Bills have shown resilience, winning six out of eleven games when trailing at halftime.
The Jaguars are poised for a strong playoff run as well, averaging 33.6 points per game during their current winning streak. They have achieved a remarkable turnaround, becoming only the third team in NFL history to win 13 or more games in a season after previously losing 13 or more games. Head coach Liam Coen has made his mark in his first year, joining a select group of coaches who have achieved such success.
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has emerged as a dual-threat player, joining an elite group of quarterbacks with 25 or more touchdown passes and nine or more rushing touchdowns in the same season. During the Jaguars’ winning streak, he has contributed significantly with 24 total touchdowns, comprising 19 passing and five rushing.
As both teams prepare for this critical playoff clash, fans can expect a thrilling contest. The outcome will not only determine who advances in the postseason but also highlight the strengths and weaknesses of two teams on the rise in the NFL.
