Buffalo Bills clinch No. 2 seed with scenarios existing for Denver, Cincinnati, and Miami to be their wild card opponent
The Buffalo did exactly what they needed to do, with Josh Allen and the Bills dominating the New York Jets in what was a 40-0 shutout until the second string defense gave up a pair of late touchdowns. In doing so, they've locked up the No. 2 seed, which gives them a home game on […]
The Buffalo did exactly what they needed to do, with Josh Allen and the Bills dominating the New York Jets in what was a 40-0 shutout until the second string defense gave up a pair of late touchdowns. In doing so, they've locked up the No. 2 seed, which gives them a home game on Wild Card Weekend and, if they win that game, a home game in the Divisional Round as well.
More importantly, it gives the Bills a chance to rest some key players before the playoffs start.
The No. 2 seed hosts the No. 7 seed in the Wild Card round, so now it's about who the Bills will face in two weeks, with Week 18 playing a crucial role in it. Buffalo will be scoreboard watching to see who they will play. Here are the three potential scenarios.
Buffalo Bills vs Denver Broncos
It was reported earlier today that the Kansas City Chiefs will rest their starters in the final regular season game against the Denver Broncos, while Bo Nix and the Broncos will be playing for their playoff lives. If the Broncos win, it doesn't matter what happens in other AFC matchups. They'll get the No. 7 seed. Denver can also get the No. 7 seed if they lose and the Bengals lose to the Steelers.
Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins
Yes, there is a chance that the Bills could host the fish in the Wild Card Round. Miami needs some help to squeak in as the last seed. With the Colts losing in Week 17 and the Dolphins beating the Browns, the path opens for them. Going into Week 18, if the Chiefs beat the Broncos and the Dolphins beat the Jets, the Dolphins would be the Bills' opponent.
Buffalo Bills vs Cincinnati Bengals
The Bills vs Bengals rivalry could be renewed in the playoffs, which would provide a high-flying duel between Josh Allen and Joe Burrow, but the Bengals need a few things to break their way. If the Chiefs beat the Broncos, the Bengals beat the Steelers, and the Jets beat the Dolphins, Miami would get the No. 7 seed and travel to Buffalo.
Follow along all year for more Buffalo Bills coverage on A to Z Sports. You can find me on Bluesky @jonhelmkamp.bsky.social, and make sure to follow our main page @AtoZSports.bsky.social for all the latest news.
