The Buffalo Bills will begin their playoff journey against the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday, January 7, 2025, at 1 p.m. EST. This crucial matchup will take place at TIAA Bank Field, where the Jaguars, riding an impressive eight-game winning streak, host the Bills. Both teams possess formidable records, with Buffalo at 12-5 and Jacksonville at 13-4. According to BetMGM, the Bills are slight favorites, with odds favoring them by just one point.
The two teams have met a total of 20 times, with the series currently tied at 10 wins each. Notably, Jacksonville has triumphed in both postseason encounters. Their last meeting occurred earlier this season, when the Bills decisively defeated the Jaguars 47-10 in Buffalo on September 23, 2024.
Playoff Stats and Standouts
Buffalo’s offense ranks fourth overall in the league, showcasing an impressive rushing game ranked first, alongside a scoring position tied for fourth. The Bills’ defense, while strong overall at seventh, struggles against the run, currently sitting at 28th in that category. In contrast, the Jaguars’ offense ranks 11th overall, with a scoring position at sixth. Their defense has excelled, ranking 11th overall and, crucially, first in rushing defense, allowing just 85.6 yards per game.
Quarterback Josh Allen leads the Bills into the playoffs for the seventh consecutive year. With a 7-6 playoff record, Allen has completed 65.7% of his passes this season, averaging 258 yards per game, with a total of 33 touchdowns—25 passing, seven rushing, and one receiving. He has also maintained a low interception rate, throwing just four and losing two fumbles this season.
On the offensive side for Jacksonville, running back Travis Etienne could be playing his final game with the team as he approaches free agency. Despite a career-high 13 total touchdowns, he has not topped 100 rushing yards since late September. This Sunday presents an opportunity against a Buffalo defense that has often allowed big rushing performances.
Injury Reports and Historical Context
The Bills enter this playoff game with notable injuries. Defensive tackle Jordan Phillips will not play, joining teammate Ed Oliver on injured reserve. Rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston is also expected to be sidelined due to an ankle injury, while kicker Matt Prater is questionable after aggravating a quadriceps injury. The status of starting linebacker Terrel Bernard is uncertain as he recovers from a calf injury.
For the Jaguars, they expect to welcome back guard Patrick Mekari and tackle Cole Van Lanen. Mekari has been out for the last two weeks, and Van Lanen’s knee injury will be monitored closely.
Historically, the Bills have struggled in playoff games under head coach Sean McDermott, holding a 7-7 record. They have lost eight consecutive road playoff games, the longest current streak in the NFL, trailing only the Detroit Lions’ 12-game streak. Buffalo has shown resilience, going 6-5 when trailing at halftime and overcoming double-digit deficits in fourth quarters.
Jacksonville, on the other hand, has been on an upward trajectory, averaging 33.6 points during their recent winning streak. They became 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 an impressive debut, becoming the seventh head coach in NFL history to achieve this milestone in his first season.
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has also garnered attention, joining the ranks of elite quarterbacks with over 25 touchdown passes and nine or more rushing touchdowns in a single season. He currently holds 24 total touchdowns during the Jaguars’ win streak, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities.
As both teams prepare for this pivotal playoff clash, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the matchup between Buffalo’s potent offense and Jacksonville’s top-tier defense will unfold. The outcome could set the tone for the remainder of the playoffs, with both teams aiming for a deep postseason run.
