Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox (88) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
The Buffalo Bills are set to begin their playoff journey against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, January 7, 2025, at 1 p.m. EST. This matchup features two teams with impressive records, as Buffalo enters with a 12-5 record while Jacksonville boasts a strong 13-4 mark. According to BetMGM, the Bills are favored by one point in this highly anticipated contest.
Both teams possess formidable offensive and defensive statistics. Buffalo ranks fourth in overall offense, leading the league in rushing, while Jacksonville is 11th overall, showing a balanced attack with strong scoring capabilities. The Bills’ defense, ranked seventh overall, has been particularly effective against the pass, sitting in first place in that category. In contrast, Jacksonville’s defense has excelled against the run, making for a compelling clash of strengths.
Key Players and Matchups
Quarterback Josh Allen returns to the playoffs for the seventh consecutive year, holding a playoff record of 7-6, with notable performances in high-pressure situations. He has completed 65.7% of his passes this season, averaging 258 yards per game and throwing a total of 33 touchdowns. Allen’s ability to minimize turnovers will be crucial; he has recorded only four interceptions and two lost fumbles this season.
On the other side, Travis Etienne may be playing his final game in Jacksonville as he approaches free agency. Despite a career-high 13 total touchdowns, he has not exceeded 100 rushing yards since late September. However, facing a Bills defense that ranked 28th against the run provides an opportunity for him to shine.
Buffalo’s running game is led by James Cook, who won the NFL rushing title with 1,621 yards and an average of 95.3 yards per game. He will face a Jaguars defense that has yet to allow an individual player to rush for 75 yards in a game, making this matchup particularly intriguing.
Injury Updates and Historical Context
The Bills will be without defensive tackle Jordan Phillips, who has been placed on injured reserve, joining teammate Ed Oliver, who is sidelined with a torn bicep and knee injury. Rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston is also expected to miss the game due to an ankle injury, while kicker Matt Prater is questionable with a quadriceps issue.
For Jacksonville, the offensive line is expected to get a boost with the return of right guard Patrick Mekari and left tackle Cole Van Lanen, who missed the previous weeks due to injury. The Jaguars have won three of the last four matchups against the Bills, including a memorable wild-card game in the 2017 season where quarterback Blake Bortles had more rushing yards than passing yards.
As the Bills look to break an eight-game road playoff losing streak, they will need to harness their talents effectively to overcome the Jaguars, who have averaged an impressive 33.6 points during their current eight-game winning streak. Jacksonville has been dominant at home in the playoffs, boasting a 4-1 record.
The stakes are high for both teams, as they aim to secure a victory in this pivotal playoff encounter. With a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging stars, fans can expect an exhilarating matchup that could shift the course of the postseason.
