Bills Look to Close Out Historic Highmark Stadium with Playoff Seeding Still in Play
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The Buffalo Bills aim to finish their regular season in style Sunday, potentially improving their playoff positioning while bidding farewell to Highmark Stadium, their home since 1973. Currently holding a record of 11-5, the Bills are tied with the Houston Texans and Los Angeles Chargers for the AFC’s No. 7 playoff seed, creating a complex scenario heading into their Week 18 matchup against the New York Jets. As Bills coach Sean McDermott stated, “We want to win the game. That’s number one.”
However, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the team’s preparation, with several players battling injuries. Quarterback Josh Allen is notably dealing with foot soreness, leaving his playing status and potential workload for Sunday’s game up in the air. “We talked a little bit [Sunday] night,” McDermott acknowledged, “Haven’t had a lot of time just to isolate those situations, Josh Allen included.”
The Bills’ playoff fate isn’t solely in their hands. A victory on Sunday, combined with losses from the Chargers, Texans, and/or Jacksonville Jaguars, could propel them as high as the No. 5 seed. Detailed playoff scenarios are available [here]. But the game carries emotional weight beyond seeding implications. If the Bills end up as the No. 7 seed, Sunday’s game will mark the final contest played at Highmark Stadium before the team moves into a new stadium across the street next season.
Game Details & How to Watch
Date: Sunday, January 4
Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
Location: Highmark Stadium – Orchard Park, New York
TV: CBS
Stream: Paramount+
Follow: CBS Sports App
Odds: Bills -7, Over/Under 38.5 (via DraftKings)
Key Storylines to Watch
Several Bills players could see reduced workloads if the team prioritizes health over seeding. Allen is the most likely candidate for a lighter day, should he play at all, after being limited in practice last week due to his foot soreness. Interestingly, Allen briefly appeared in Week 18 last season simply to maintain his streak of playing in every game – a possibility that could be repeated this year. Other players who might receive extra rest before the postseason include James Cook, Dalton Kincaid, and Dawson Knox.
Meanwhile, the Jets, with a disappointing 3-13 record, are focused on the future. Under first-year coach Aaron Glenn, the team has cycled through three quarterbacks, currently relying on undrafted rookie Brady Cook. Having already endured three consecutive losses by at least 20 points, the Jets are strategically positioned for the upcoming NFL Draft, currently holding the No. 3 overall pick and the Indianapolis Colts’ first-round pick (No. 18). Further losses this week could even improve their draft standing.
Despite the Jets’ struggles, the Bills aren’t overlooking the importance of improving their own performance, particularly on defense. Buffalo currently allows the second-most rushing yards per carry in the league (5.3), trailing only the New York Giants. However, they showed improvement last week, limiting the Philadelphia Eagles to 82 rushing yards.
Prediction: Bills to Secure Victory and Send Off Highmark Stadium in Style
Despite the uncertainty surrounding player availability, the Bills are favored to win. As McDermott emphasized, the team’s primary goal is to secure a victory. Adding to the atmosphere, Buffalo will be sporting their iconic red helmets and throwback uniforms reminiscent of the early 1990s teams that reached four consecutive Super Bowls. The passionate “Bills Mafia” will undoubtedly be eager to prevent the Jets from claiming the final win at Highmark Stadium. Even with Mitchell Trubisky potentially leading the Jets’ offense, the Bills’ overall strength and motivation make them a strong bet.
Pick: Bills -7, Over 38.5
