The Buffalo Bills are preparing to confront a significant challenge as they face the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round of the NFL playoffs this Sunday at 1 p.m. EST. This matchup marks not only a crucial playoff game but also a chance for the Bills to end a troubling trend; they have not won in Jacksonville since 2013.
Following their recent victory at Highmark Stadium, head coach Sean McDermott expressed his focus on the upcoming playoff preparations. “I’m already there,” he said, emphasizing his approach to compartmentalizing the festive atmosphere of their home stadium’s closure. The Bills, who secured the No. 6 seed in the AFC, are set to face the No. 3 seed Jaguars, who enter the playoffs with an impressive eight-game winning streak.
The Jaguars have demonstrated offensive prowess, averaging nearly 33 points per game during their recent streak, with quarterback Trevor Lawrence throwing 17 touchdowns against just five interceptions. This potent scoring ability presents a formidable obstacle for the Bills as they strive to advance deeper into the playoffs.
Key Factors in the Upcoming Matchup
As the Bills prepare for the Jaguars, several critical aspects could determine the outcome of the game.
First, the turnover battle is expected to be pivotal. The Bills have lost three of their five games this season on the road, with turnovers playing a significant role in those losses. In each of those defeats, Buffalo lost the turnover battle. The Jaguars ranked third in the NFL for turnover differential at +13, and their defense was second in forcing takeaways, with 31 total takeaways this season.
“You can’t beat yourself,” McDermott cautioned, highlighting the importance of ball security. Bills quarterback Josh Allen echoed this sentiment, noting that their December road wins were largely due to improved ball security. If the Bills manage to win the turnover battle, it could significantly boost their chances against a resilient Jaguars team.
Injuries pose another challenge for Buffalo as they head into the playoffs. Rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston left last Sunday’s game with an ankle injury, raising concerns about the team’s depth in the secondary. General manager Brandon Beane had attempted to bolster the roster by signing veteran cornerback Darius Slay, but Slay opted not to join the team. The Bills may now rely on veteran practice squad cornerback Dane Jackson, who has limited experience this season.
Additionally, veteran kicker Matt Prater is also dealing with an injury that has affected the team’s kicking game. Buffalo recently signed Michael Badgley as a temporary replacement, but missed kicks during crucial moments have raised concerns.
Confronting Past Challenges in Jacksonville
The Bills’ history in Jacksonville adds another layer of complexity to this matchup. Their last two games at EverBank Stadium have been disappointing, with one notable defeat occurring after they finally broke their 17-year playoff drought in a 10-3 loss. The most recent encounter in Jacksonville resulted in a 9-6 defeat, which many fans consider one of the worst losses under McDermott’s tenure.
The Bills will need to overcome not only the Jaguars’ current form but also the psychological barrier created by their past struggles in Jacksonville. With their playoff hopes on the line, the team must build on both their successes and setbacks as they prepare for this crucial game.
As the Bills look beyond the Jaguars, they recognize that advancing in the playoffs requires defeating strong opponents. They are aware that the path to the Super Bowl is fraught with challenges, but the opportunity for success is within reach. With the AFC playoff landscape appearing more open than in previous years, the Bills are determined to capitalize on this moment and end their Jacksonville curse.
