The Buffalo Bills will kick off their playoff journey against the formidable Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday, January 7, 2025, at 1 p.m. EST. The game will take place at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, where the Jaguars have been on an impressive eight-game winning streak. Buffalo enters with a record of 12-5, while Jacksonville boasts a 13-4 record. According to BetMGM, the Bills are favored by one point.
Both teams have shown strength throughout the season, but the statistics reveal contrasting strengths. The Bills rank fourth overall in offense, while the Jaguars sit at 11th. Buffalo’s defense also stands out, ranked seventh overall, although its run defense has struggled, coming in at 28th. Conversely, Jacksonville’s defense has excelled in stopping the run, holding teams to a league-best average of 85.6 rushing yards per game.
Key Players and Statistics
Quarterback Josh Allen leads the Bills into the playoffs for the seventh consecutive year, carrying a 7-6 postseason record. He has completed 65.7% of his passes, averaging 258 yards per game with 33 total touchdowns—25 passing and eight combined rushing and receiving. Despite his success, Allen has been sacked a career-high 40 times this season and has struggled when turning the ball over.
On the Jaguars’ side, Travis Etienne might be playing his final game for Jacksonville, as he is set to enter free agency. Despite a career-high total of 13 touchdowns, he has not rushed for over 100 yards since September. Yet, given Buffalo’s vulnerabilities against the run, this could be an opportunity for him to shine.
The matchup features the NFL’s top rushing attack, led by Buffalo’s James Cook, who finished the season with 1,621 rushing yards and an average of 95.3 yards per game. Cook’s performance will be tested against a Jaguars defense that has not allowed a single player to rush for 75 yards in any game this season.
Injury Updates and Historical Context
In terms of injuries, the Bills will be without defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and Ed Oliver, who has been placed on injured reserve due to a torn bicep and knee issues. Rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston is also not expected to play, while kicker Matt Prater is questionable after aggravating a quadriceps injury. Starting linebacker Terrel Bernard‘s status is also uncertain due to a calf injury.
The history between these two teams adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming game. The series is tied at 10-10, with Jacksonville having won both postseason matchups. Notably, the Jaguars have won three of the last four encounters, including a memorable wild-card game in the 2017 season where quarterback Blake Bortles finished with more rushing yards than passing yards.
Buffalo’s playoff struggles on the road are also worth noting, as the team has lost eight consecutive away playoff games since their last victory at Miami during the 1992 AFC Championship game. This streak is the second-longest active in the NFL, only behind Detroit’s 12-game road playoff losing streak.
As the Bills and Jaguars prepare to face off, the stakes are high for both teams. With their postseason aspirations on the line, fans can expect an electrifying matchup filled with key performances and pivotal moments.
