The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/buffalo-bills">Buffalo Bills</a> defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 27–24 in the Wild Card Round of the 2026 NFL playoffs, securing a spot in the next round behind an outstanding performance from quarterback Josh Allen, who reached a historic milestone in the victory.



Allen completed 28 of 35 passes for 273 yards and one passing touchdown. He also carried the ball 11 times for 33 yards and two rushing touchdowns. According to OptaSTATS, Allen became the first quarterback in NFL history to complete at least 80 percent of his passes while also scoring multiple rushing touchdowns in a playoff game.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/josh-allen">Allen</a>’s versatility as both a passer and runner was what earned him the 2024 NFL MVP award, and he carried that success into the 2025 season. He entered the playoffs with 3,668 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, while adding 579 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns.



As the Bills advanced in the postseason, they continued to rely heavily on Allen’s leadership. Any injury concerns surrounding the quarterback were eased following the win, as he appeared fully healthy and ready to lead Buffalo deeper into the playoffs.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" data-id="545454" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/14161244/josh-allen-7-1920x1080.webp" alt="Josh Allen Buffalo Bills" class="wp-image-545454"></figure><figcaption>Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills.</figcaption></figure>
</figure>



<h2>How the game unfolded</h2>



After Jaguars kicker Matt Prater opened the scoring with a 50-yard field goal, the Bills and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jacksonville-jaguars">Jaguars</a> traded touchdowns heading into halftime. The game remained tightly contested in the second half, with both teams scoring 17 points. 


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nfl/john-harbaugh-could-reportedly-join-josh-allen-as-head-coach-if-bills-fire-sean-mcdermott"></div>

 

 


Josh Allen rushed for his second touchdown with 1:04 remaining, and the Bills sealed the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl">NFL</a> Wild Card victory with an interception of Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. With the win, the Bills clinched a spot in the Divisional Round as the No. 6 seed.

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Bills’ Josh Allen achieves unprecedented milestone in playoff win vs Jaguars - Bolavip US

miniaturas

The Jacksonville Jaguars faced the Buffalo Bills with high hopes of winning a <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a>. In Liam Coen’s first season as head coach, their record was 13-4, earning the AFC South title.



Trevor Lawrence entered as the quarterback with the best numbers in the entire NFL in the second half of the season and seemed ready to take the next big step with the Jaguars. All of this was thanks to an offense that changed after the trade for Jakobi Meyers.



Nevertheless, with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/patrick-mahomes">Patrick Mahomes</a> and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kansas-city-chiefs">Kansas City Chiefs</a> out of the playoffs, Josh Allen perhaps had the greatest opportunity of his career to compete for a championship. That was proven with an epic comeback to secure a 27–24 win in Jacksonville.



<h2>Jaguars out of the playoffs with loss to Bills</h2>



The Jaguars are out of the playoffs after losing by three points to the Bills. Trevor Lawrence had a chance to tie the game on the final drive but was intercepted. In addition, in a very unusual moment, Cam Little missed a field goal in the final seconds of the first half.


 

 


<h2>What’s next for Bills?</h2>



The Bills’ next game will be in the Divisional Round, although their opponent is yet to be determined. It could be the Denver Broncos, the Pittsburgh Steelers, or the Houston Texans. Allen will have to win on the road again.


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The Buffalo Bills could see changes in the offseason heading into the 2026 campaign. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/sean-mcdermott">Sean McDermott</a> has been at the helm for a while now, and even if he stays in charge, members of his coaching staff could be ready to pursue a new chapter elsewhere.



McDermott and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/buffalo-bills">Bills</a> reportedly face the possibility of losing a key assistant coach in 2026, with offensive coordinator Joe Brady seen as a possible candidate for a head coaching opening in the AFC.



According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Baltimore Ravens have requested to interview Brady for their head coaching job, vacant for the first time in 18 seasons as the team recently parted ways with John Harbaugh following its season-ending loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18. Simultaneously, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl/john-harbaugh-could-reportedly-join-josh-allen-as-head-coach-if-bills-fire-sean-mcdermott">Harbaugh is seen as a possible head coach for Josh Allen if the Bills fire McDermott</a>.



<h2>Joe Brady’s impact on Josh Allen and Bills offense</h2>



Even though he had a prior stint as offensive coordinator in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers, Brady made a name for himself after joining McDermott’s staff in Buffalo. Starting as quarterbacks coach in 2022, he unlocked the best version of Allen before being promoted to offensive coordinator after Ken Dorsey’s firing in 2023.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/11143029/joe-brady-1920x1080.webp" alt="Joe Brady during a Bills practice." class="wp-image-560194"></figure><figcaption>Joe Brady during a Bills practice.</figcaption></figure>



That role was initially on an interim basis before the Bills named him their permanent OC in 2024, with the offense responding well under Brady. In his first full season running the offense, the Bills became the first team in NFL history to score 30+ rushing and 30+ receiving touchdowns, leading the AFC with an average 30.9 points per game. On top of that, Allen won NFL MVP for the first time in his career.


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Having an NFL MVP of their own in two-time winner Lamar Jackson, the Ravens are now looking for a head coach that maximizes their quarterback’s potential. Brady’s success with Allen and the Bills’ offense could make him a natural fit for Baltimore.



<h2>Ravens not looking at Bills OC Joe Brady only</h2>



Still, McDermott and everyone in Buffalo shouldn’t enter panic mode yet. It appears that the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/baltimore-ravens">Ravens</a> are doing their due diligence in the coaching market, which makes sense since they haven’t been in this situation for nearly two decades.



The Ravens have already interviewed Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, Broncos quarterback coach and pass game coordinator Davis Webb, Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, and Kansas City Chiefs OC Matt Nagy.



And they’re far from done. The Ravens are also set to speak with Kliff Kingsbury, who recently left his post as OC for the Washington Commanders, and Robert Saleh, currently serving as defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers.



Either way, Brady will probably be a name to watch in the offseason, even if the Ravens hire another candidate. We’ll have to wait and see whether McDermott and the Bills get to keep the man who revitalized Allen and the offense.

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<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/john-harbaugh">John Harbaugh</a> could be the next head coach of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/buffalo-bills">Buffalo Bills</a> if they lose to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Wild Card round of the 2026 playoffs. According to a report by Mike Florio, Sean McDermott would be at risk.



“Watch the Packers. Watch the Bills. They lose this weekend, watch what happens next with one of those two teams. The one that ultimately hires John Harbaugh is going to be the one that fires its current coach. I can’t rule out the possibility if the Bills and Packers lose. I can’t rule out the possibility that they’ll both fire their coaches.”



After the Ravens surprisingly parted ways with Harbaugh, there is no doubt that he has become the most sought-after name on the coaching carousel. If the Bills have an opening, it would be a huge opportunity to pursue another <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a>, this time alongside Josh Allen.



<h2>Bills could fire head coach Sean McDermott</h2>



The Bills could fire Sean McDermott with an early playoff exit, as it would be seen as wasting Josh Allen’s prime. With John Harbaugh available, a change at the top would be viewed as an upgrade.


 

 


Florio mentioned that all the rumors surrounding Harbaugh are a factor that could add significant pressure on McDermott ahead of that dangerous road matchup against the Jaguars in the Wild Card round.



“If this is the play and if it all comes down to what the team does this weekend, that could be what happens next. And if I’m Matt LaFleur or Sean McDermott, I’m pissed that I got to worry about this now thanks to this news that’s been generated directly or indirectly by John Harbaugh.”


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The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/buffalo-bills">Buffalo Bills</a> began the season as <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> favorites, but as the weeks went by, that status started to weaken. That led to the New England Patriots taking the AFC East from them after five consecutive divisional titles.



Despite the fact that Josh Allen put up very solid numbers with 3,668 yards, 25 touchdowns, and only 10 interceptions, turnovers began to pile up in the second half of the schedule and the defense failed to respond in clutch moments. That increased doubts about this team’s potential.



Now, with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/patrick-mahomes">Patrick Mahomes</a> and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kansas-city-chiefs">Kansas City Chiefs</a> out of the playoffs, this appears to be a major opportunity for Allen to finally win a championship. In addition, other stars like Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson will also not be in the postseason. The first challenge in the Wild Card round will be very difficult against the Jaguars.



<h2>What happens if Bills lose today against Jaguars in NFL playoffs?</h2>



If the Bills lose to the Jaguars today in the playoffs, they will be officially eliminated. Then, as the No. 3 seed in the AFC, Trevor Lawrence and Jacksonville could face the New England Patriots, the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Houston Texans in the Divisional round. By the way, a loss could also jeopardize Sean McDermott’s future as head coach in Buffalo because John Harbaugh is available.


 

 


<h2>What happens if the Bills win over Jaguars in Wild Card round?</h2>



If the Bills get a win over the Jaguars in the Wild Card round, they will clinch a spot in the Divisional round. Then, as the No. 6 seed, they could face the Denver Broncos or the winner of the matchup between the Steelers and Texans. In either scenario, they would play on the road next week.


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<h2>What happens if Bills and Jaguars tie today today in NFL playoffs?</h2>



If the Bills and the Jaguars tie today in the Wild Card round of the 2026 NFL playoffs, the game would go to overtime to determine a winner. Each team is now guaranteed at least one possession. The only exception is if the defense records a safety on the opening drive.



<h2>What happens if the Jaguars lose today against Bills in Wild Card round of 2026 playoffs?</h2>



If the Jacksonville Jaguars lose today against the Buffalo Bills, they will be officially eliminated despite a great season with a 13-4 record and as AFC South champions.

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What happens if Bills lose, win or tie vs Jaguars today in Wild Card round of 2026 NFL playoffs? - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jacksonville-jaguars" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> will face the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round of the 2026 NFL playoffs. Unfortunately for the AFC South team, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/travis-hunter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Travis Hunter</a> will not be available to play, but why is the rookie sidelined?



In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Jaguars traded up to secure the second overall pick, which they used to select Travis Hunter. His rare versatility as both a cornerback and wide receiver made him one of the most intriguing prospects in the class.



Unfortunately, the former Colorado standout suffered a knee injury in late October. He underwent surgery on November 11 to repair his LCL, though tests confirmed there was no damage to his ACL—a positive sign for his long-term recovery.



<h2>Will Travis Hunter return for the Super Bowl?</h2>



No, Travis Hunter is not expected to be ready even if the Jaguars advance to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/super-bowl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Super Bowl</a> LX. The two-way star was given a six-month recovery timeline, which would place his return around late April.



According to reports, Hunter could be cleared in time for training camp in May. However, the injury has raised concerns among scouts, as it could force him to adjust his playing style moving forward.



Hunter has repeatedly stated that he intends to continue playing both cornerback and wide receiver throughout his career. Still, the physical demands of playing on both sides of the ball are significant, and that workload may have contributed to the knee injury he suffered this season.


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<h3>The Jaguars are strong on offense</h3>



Despite Travis Hunter being sidelined, the Jaguars still boast a solid offense led by <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/trevor-lawrence" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trevor Lawrence</a>. The quarterback has enjoyed an impressive season, consistently connecting with multiple weapons at his disposal.



Brian Thomas Jr. and Jakobi Meyers serve as the team’s primary wide receivers, with Parker Washington and Tim Patrick providing depth behind them. Tight end Brenton Strange has also been a reliable option for Lawrence, contributing not only as a pass catcher but also as an effective blocker.


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The Buffalo Bills are preparing to go into the 2026 NFL playoffs, but that didn’t stop them from signing a <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl/chiefs-officially-part-ways-with-a-quarterback-in-2026-before-patrick-mahomes-returns" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quarterback that recently parted ways with the Kansas City Chiefs</a>. The team isn’t resting on its laurels.



According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/buffalo-bills" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bills</a> signed Shane Buechele to their practice squad. Buechele was recently a part of the Chiefs squad but now returns to his former team. 



The Bills are playing a dangerous away game in the 2026 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL</a> playoffs. They are visiting the 13-win Jacksonville Jaguars, who are coming as one of the hottest teams in the league. 



<h2>Buechele is hoping to make the most of his homecoming</h2>



Buechele only had preseason and practice squad snaps in his first stint with the Bills. Now he is back. This means Buffalo sees something in him. However, it’s also clear that Buffalo is comfortable with Mitch Trubisky as QB2 behind <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/josh-allen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Josh Allen</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20260107_BUS_558239_shane-buechele-1_620dcd8d.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Shane Buechele #6 of the Buffalo Bills" class="wp-image-558245"></figure><figcaption>Shane Buechele #6 of the Buffalo Bills</figcaption></figure>



Buechele played in Week 18 for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kansas-city-chiefs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chiefs</a> against the Raiders. He completed 7/14 passes for 88 yards and a 69.9 passer rating. Those were his first snaps in the NFL. While he didn’t dazzle, he didn’t give the ball away.


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<h2>The Bills are the most pressured team in the playoffs</h2>



It’s insane to think a sixth seed is the most boom-or-bust team in the playoffs. However, one can make a case the Bills are the team facing the most pressure in this postseason. Why? They have Josh Allen and all of the top-tier quarterbacks of the AFC are not in the playoffs.



Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes, and Lamar Jackson are not in the playoffs. Chances are that scenario won’t ever present itself again. Hence, Josh Allen, being the present-day MVP and arguably the best player in football, has a golden opportunity to guide his team to a Super Bowl.

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The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/buffalo-bills">Buffalo Bills</a> enter Week 18 with an 11–5 record, currently sitting in the No. 7 spot in the AFC. It is a deep position in the standings, but they still have one more opportunity in the regular-season finale against the New York Jets. A win would be exactly what Buffalo needs to improve its unfavorable seed heading into the playoffs.



If the Bills lose to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-jets">Jets</a>, any hope of climbing the AFC standings would be over. They would be locked into the No. 7 seed with no path to move up, regardless of how other games around the league play out. That flexibility only exists if Buffalo takes care of business against New York.



A win is the best possible outcome for the Bills. Beating the Jets would open the door to a potential jump to the No. 6 seed, but Buffalo would still need help. Both the Houston Texans and Los Angeles Chargers would have to lose their Week 18 games, but that scenario is now off the table after the Texans defeated the Colts 38–30.



<h2>AFC standings and another scenario for the Bills</h2>



At the top of the AFC standings sit the Denver Broncos (13–3), New England Patriots (13–3), and Jacksonville Jaguars (13–4), all coming off impressive seasons. Teams like the Texans and Chargers are also fighting to improve their positioning, while Buffalo’s 13–12 loss in Week 17 significantly complicated its standing in the playoff picture.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20260104_BUS_556607_josh-allen-3_eb05ea96.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Josh Allen" class="wp-image-530111"></figure><figcaption>Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-regular"><table><tbody><tr><td>Seed</td><td>Team</td><td>Record</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Denver Broncos*</td><td>13-3</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>New England Patriots*</td><td>13-3</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Jacksonville Jaguars*</td><td>13-4</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>Pittsburgh Steelers</td><td>9-7</td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>Houston Texans*</td><td>12-5</td></tr><tr><td>6</td><td>Los Angeles Chargers*</td><td>11-5</td></tr><tr><td>7</td><td>Buffalo Bills*</td><td>11-5</td></tr><tr><td>8</td><td>Indianapolis Colts – eliminated</td><td>8-9</td></tr><tr><td>9</td><td>Baltimore Ravens</td><td>8-8</td></tr><tr><td>10</td><td>Miami Dolphins – eliminated</td><td>7-9</td></tr><tr><td>11</td><td>Cincinnati Bengals – eliminated</td><td>6-11</td></tr><tr><td>12</td><td>Kansas City Chiefs – eliminated</td><td>6-10</td></tr><tr><td>13</td><td>Cleveland Browns – eliminated</td><td>5-12</td></tr><tr><td>14</td><td>Tennessee Titans – eliminated</td><td>3-14</td></tr><tr><td>15</td><td>New York Jets – eliminated</td><td>3-13</td></tr><tr><td>16</td><td>Las Vegas Raiders – eliminated</td><td>2-14</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption>Data from NFL.com</figcaption></figure>


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There was once a third scenario that could have helped the Bills move up the AFC ladder. That path required the Chargers and Texans to win in Week 18 and the Jaguars to lose to the Titans. However, that option is now off the table after Jacksonville’s dominant 41–7 win over Tennessee earlier in the week.



The Bills have proven to be a strong team this season, but with the Broncos, Patriots, and Jaguars all enjoying standout years, Buffalo’s 11–5 record entering the regular-season finale looks less impressive within a crowded AFC. In previous seasons, that same record might have been good enough for a much higher seed.

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Week 17 of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl">NFL</a> didn’t end on the best note for the Buffalo Bills. Sean McDermott’s team fell at home to the Philadelphia Eagles, losing any chance of winning the division, and concerns rose after seeing Josh Allen head to the X-ray room.



When many feared that <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/josh-allen">Allen</a>’s ankle issue had flared up, the coach reassured fans during his postgame press conference: “Nothing new has popped up to this point.”



The QB’s injury is in his right foot and dates back to the Week 16 game against the Browns. Still, Allen himself confirmed whether the issue troubled him last night at Highmark Stadium: “Zero.”



This stretch of the season is usually crucial, as teams arrive at the playoffs physically stretched thin, making it key to rest star players in the final game to help recover personnel.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JoshAllen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JoshAllen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloBills?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BuffaloBills</a> Came into game with right foot issue By video, aggravates/injures right foot/ankle Likely to continue but HC may rest to preserve him <a href="https://t.co/RM9dEDqC7C">pic.twitter.com/RM9dEDqC7C</a>— David J. Chao – ProFootballDoc (@ProFootballDoc) <a href="https://twitter.com/ProFootballDoc/status/2005420791832461340?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>Is it time for the Bills to rest some players?</h2>



The Patriots have officially clinched the AFC East, meaning the Bills will enter the playoffs on the road. Considering the Jets and the risk of injuries, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/sean-mcdermott">McDermott</a> is taking a cautious approach, carefully evaluating whether to deploy his full roster in Week 18.


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“Where do you want to start? We’ve got a lot of things we need to discuss as a leadership group,” the head coach said during his press conference. “You’ve got the last game in Highmark Stadium here. That’s important to me, It’ll be important to our guys, to our staff. Then there’s other things that come into consideration. It won’t be easy, but it is important that we have a good week here.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251229_BUS_553210_sean-mcdermott-2_3a3ae01f.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Sean McDermott Buffalo Bills HC" class="wp-image-553218"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Sean McDermott of the Buffalo Bills.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Support for Josh Allen</h2>



The loss to the Eagles ended like a true battle between contenders, one that could have gone differently if the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/buffalo-bills">Bills</a> had converted their final two-point attempt. McDermott stood by his decision to go for the play and offered strong support for his star player.



“Wanted to be aggressive, going for the win,” the HC said. “… It felt like we had a great call, great opportunity to go win it. Wanted to be aggressive so I’m not gonna sit back.” He finally concluded: “I trust Josh Allen with the ball in his hands and I would do it over again. … I’d take him 1,000 times out of 1,000 times to make that play.”

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Sean McDermott provides key injury update on Josh Allen after Bills’ loss - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/buffalo-bills">Buffalo Bills</a> suffered a painful and costly 13–12 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, a result that came at a critical point in the NFL regular season. Buffalo entered the matchup needing a win to keep several objectives within reach, but the narrow defeat immediately raised an important question around the team: Are the Bills eliminated from the playoffs?



The answer is no. The Bills have already secured a playoff berth, and the loss only impacts their positioning rather than their postseason status. However, the defeat means Buffalo finishes the regular season behind the New England Patriots(13-3), who secured the AFC East title as the Bills (11-5) can’t reach them in the regular season finale. The Bills, therefore, have to settle for a wild-card spot instead of a division crown.



The more damaging consequence affects the race for the No. 1 seed in the AFC. While Buffalo entered the week still mathematically alive for the top spot, the loss to Philadelphia effectively ends any remaining path to home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. As a result, the Bills now shift their focus entirely toward preparing for the postseason without the benefit of a first-round bye.



The loss came after a controversial finish that defined the final seconds of the game. A late touchdown was initially ruled a turnover in the end zone, forcing to replay the snap in the closing moments, where the offense reached the end zone again. Instead of settling for the extra point to force overtime, the Bills chose to go for the win, and a poorly placed pass from Josh Allen on the final possession sealed the outcome and handed the Bills a heartbreaking defeat.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" data-id="530111" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251229_BUS_553134_josh-allen-3_6f3b4a3b.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Josh Allen" class="wp-image-530111"></figure><figcaption>Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills.</figcaption></figure>
</figure>



<h2>Patriots crowned AFC East champions</h2>



The New England Patriots were crowned AFC East champions for the first time since 2019, officially reclaiming the division in a dramatic Week 17 sequence. New England secured the title following a dominant 42–10 victory over the New York Jets, combined with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-eagles">Philadelphia</a> defeating the Buffalo Bills 13–12 later that night.


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For 11 consecutive seasons, New England sat atop the AFC East before that streak ended in 2020, when Buffalo reclaimed the division. The Bills had gone on to win five straight AFC East titles, but that run came to an end with Sunday’s results.



The turnaround marked a remarkable rise for the Patriots in their first season under head coach Mike Vrabel. Guided by Vrabel and quarterback Drake Maye, New England accelerated its rebuilding process after parting ways with Jerod Mayo at the end of last <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl">NFL</a> season, returning to the top of the division far sooner than expected.

Are Bills eliminated from 2026 NFL playoffs after losing to Eagles in Week 17?

What happens if Bills lose today against Eagles in 2025 NFL Week 17?

What happens if Eagles lose to Bills today in Week 17 of 2025 NFL season?

Are Bills eliminated from 2026 NFL playoffs after losing to Eagles in Week 17? - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-eagles">Philadelphia Eagles</a> enter Week 17 with a 10-5 record and a clear objective of winning their final two games of the season. Avoiding a loss against the Buffalo Bills is especially important, as a defeat would not be a disaster but would hurt their chances of securing a higher seed in the NFC.



If the Eagles lose to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/buffalo-bills">Bills</a>, one possible consequence is failing to lock up the No. 2 seed. To secure that spot, Philadelphia must win both in Buffalo and against the Washington Commanders, while also needing the Chicago Bears to lose their final two games of the regular season.



Before facing the Bills, the Eagles have already clinched the No. 3 seed in the NFC thanks to the Panthers’ recent 27-10 loss to the Seahawks. That result worked in Philadelphia’s favor, and now the Eagles must wait to see whether the 49ers and Lions can defeat the Bears.



<h2>NFC standings with the Eagles in the mix</h2>



The NFC standings ahead of the Eagles’ matchup against the Bills are currently led by the Seattle Seahawks at 13-3. The Bears, sitting at 11-4, are fighting to hold onto their position, while the Eagles remain close behind, creating a high pressure situation for head coach Ben Johnson.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251228_BUS_552936_saquonbarkley_81a39c7b.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Saquon Barkley with Eagles" class="wp-image-476550" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Saquon Barkley running back of the Philadelphia Eagles</figcaption></figure>



<ol><li>Seattle Seahawks (13-3)</li><li>Chicago Bears (11-4)</li><li>Philadelphia Eagles (10-5)</li><li>Carolina Panthers (8-8)</li><li>San Francisco 49ers (11-4)</li><li>Los Angeles Rams (11-4)</li><li>Green Bay Packers (9-6-1)</li></ol>


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The 49ers are riding strong momentum, having won five straight games, and they enter their Week 17 matchup against the Bears with Brock Purdy fully healthy and playing at a high level. That is where the Eagles’ hope lies, as a San Francisco win would represent one of the two Bears losses Philadelphia needs.



Beating the Bills, one of the two wins the Eagles need, should not be an overwhelming challenge given that Philadelphia holds a 9-6-0 edge in the all time series and has won the last three meetings. The most recent came in Philadelphia, a 37-34 victory, while the Eagles also won in Buffalo in 2019 by a 31-13 score.

What happens if Eagles lose to Bills today in Week 17 of 2025 NFL season? - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/buffalo-bills">Buffalo Bills</a> enter Week 17 with an 11-4 record for a matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, a game in which they must avoid a loss if they want to quickly secure the AFC East top. A defeat would only complicate matters for a team still positioning itself at the top of the conference.



If the Bills lose to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-eagles">Eagles</a>, they will finish the season behind the New England Patriots (13-3) in the AFC East. That represents the first negative scenario, despite Buffalo having a playoff berth secured.



The second unfavorable scenario involves the race for the No. 1 seed in the AFC. The Bills are still alive in that chase, which would provide a significant advantage in the postseason. However, a loss to Philadelphia would effectively eliminate any remaining path to the top seed in the conference.



<h2>Standings and the Bills’ race in the AFC</h2>



With a Wild Card spot already secured, the Bills are focused on climbing out of that position. Their target is the No. 1 seed, which is currently held by the Denver Broncos at 13-3. The New England Patriots could overtake Denver if they win in Week 18 again, while the Bills would need to win both of their remaining games and hope the Patriots lose in the regular season finale.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">“I don’t care if rain is a factor today as long as it’s not windy, Josh Allen will still make things happen.” ✍️ —<a href="https://twitter.com/RandyMoss?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RandyMoss</a> on Josh Allen ahead of the Bills’ matchup against the Eagles 🏈 <a href="https://t.co/S4HNZAGZuE">pic.twitter.com/S4HNZAGZuE</a>— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNNFL/status/2005327191622500369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2025</a></blockquote></div>



Last week, Josh Allen threw for 130 passing yards against the Browns, finishing without a touchdown, yet Buffalo still earned a 23-20 win. Allen and the offensive line appear to be in solid form, riding a four-game winning streak that could provide an extra edge. The last time the Bills faced the Eagles was in 2023, when they lost 37-34 in Philadelphia.


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The Bills have not defeated the Eagles since 2011. In that game, Allen was not yet the quarterback, as Ryan Fitzpatrick led the team, throwing one touchdown and one interception in a 31-24 win over Michael Vick. A more recent matchup in Buffalo came in 2019, when the Eagles won 31-13.

What happens if Bills lose today against Eagles in 2025 NFL Week 17? - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/buffalo-bills" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buffalo Bills</a> will play a massive game in Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season against the defending Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles. As both teams will try to win, it’s time to reveal if quarterback Josh Allen will have his tight end duo of Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid ready to go.



Both tight ends were listed as questionables as they’ve been dealing with knee injuries. As for Kincaid, he didn’t practice early in the week and was limited on Friday. After waiting until the last minute, Kincaid was ultimately listed as inactive by the Bills today.



Dawson Knox, on the other hand, will suit up against the Eagles. He didn’t practice on Tuesday and Wednesday and logged a limited practice on Friday. Knox has only missed one game over the last two seasons, and it was not because of injury, but because the Bills rested their starters on that occasion. Today, Knox could have a bigger role with Kincaid out.



<h2>The Bills rely heavily on their tight ends</h2>



Because of the lack of a proper wide receiver one, Josh Allen has relied heavily on both Kincaid and Knox. Against the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-eagles" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eagles</a>, it shouldn’t be different with Knox, who trails Kincaid with three touchdowns this year.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251228_BUS_552635_Dawson-Knox_e0d01034.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Dawson Knox of the Buffalo Bills" class="wp-image-316614" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Dawson Knox of the Buffalo Bills</figcaption></figure>



As for receiving yards, Kincaid is the second-best on the team with 523, while Knox is third with 363. Clearly they are both very important for this offense and provide <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/josh-allen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Josh Allen</a> with plenty of ways to damage opponents.


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<h2>Who’s next on the TE depth chart?</h2>



After Kincaid and Knox, the TE depth chart falls drastically in quality. The third-string tight end is Jackson Hawes who has 15 catches all year for 187 yards, though he has scored three touchdowns.



Then, Keleki Latu serves as the other option on the team. He has only one catch in this <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL</a> season for four yards. The undrafted rookie hasn’t had much chance to shine yet on this team.

Are Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox playing today for Bills vs Eagles in 2025 NFL Week 17?

Are Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox playing today for Bills vs Eagles in 2025 NFL Week 17? - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/josh-allen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Josh Allen</a> is the cornerstone of the Buffalo Bills, making his availability crucial as the team prepares for its upcoming matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. After dealing with a foot injury, the Bills have now provided an encouraging update on the quarterback’s status.



Allen suffered the injury during Buffalo’s narrow Week 16 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Fortunately for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/buffalo-bills" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bills</a>, the issue does not appear to be serious. Allen was spotted at practice on Wednesday, offering optimism about his availability.



The Bills listed Allen as a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice ahead of Week 18. While the session was a walkthrough, the team still released estimated participation levels as part of its standard injury report.



<h2>Who else is injured for the Bills?</h2>



Buffalo is currently dealing with several injury concerns across the roster. Defensive end Joey Bosa (hamstring), defensive tackle DaQuan Jones (calf), tight ends Dalton Kincaid (knee) and Dawson Knox (knee) are just some of the players who were all listed as non-participants in Wednesday’s practice.



In addition to Allen’s status, the Bills are closely monitoring the health of tight ends Kincaid and Knox. Both have been key contributors to the offense and remain questionable heading into the game against Philadelphia.



If neither is able to play, Jackson Hawes would be Buffalo’s only healthy tight end. The third-string option has recorded 15 receptions for 187 yards and three touchdowns this season—solid production given his role.


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For now, the Bills appear cautiously optimistic about Allen, but his practice status over the coming days will be critical in determining his availability for Sunday’s game.



<h2>Bills need to beat Eagles and other results</h2>



While both teams have already secured playoff spots, every remaining win is critical as they battle for improved seeding in the postseason. Buffalo currently sits as the No. 6 seed in the AFC. The Bills are still mathematically alive in the AFC East race, but winning the division would require the New England Patriots to lose.



If that scenario doesn’t unfold, Buffalo can still target the No. 5 seed, which is currently held by the Los Angeles Chargers. To move up, the Bills would need the Chargers to lose at least one game while Buffalo wins out to close the regular season.

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Bills provide key update on Josh Allen's injury ahead of crucial game vs Eagles - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-stefanski" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kevin Stefanski</a> and Shedeur Sanders haven’t gotten along as well as some would liked. However, there is more drama coming into that topic. As the Cleveland Browns prepare to face the Buffalo Bills, the head coach praised two of the rookies on the team, but didn’t say it about the quarterback.



Stefanski spoke wonders about Carson Schwesinger and Mason Graham ahead of the game against the Bills. While <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/shedeur-sanders" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sanders</a> wasn’t mentioned, Stefanski is right about a couple of things. Schwesinger is a stud, he is the odds-on favorite to win the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. He leads the team in tackles and is sixth in the NFL with 133 as well.



As for Graham, he has 37 tackles, six tackles for loss, a half-sack and four passes defended this season. Stefanski said, “They’re made from the right stuff, that’s the exciting part of those two guys, who will be at the center of your defense for a very long time.” He then added, “They bring an attitude to our defense. They bring an attitude to our football team.”



<h2>Shedeur Sanders could make a big statement against the Bills</h2>



While the Bills are clearly a better team than the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cleveland-browns" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Browns</a>, they have a lackluster defense. Hence, Shedeur Sanders could have a good game against a low-tier, yet high-profile defense.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251219_BUS_548378_shedeur-sanders-1_f77591a3.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Shedeur Sanders after a game" class="wp-image-547527"></figure><figcaption>Shedeur Sanders at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. </figcaption></figure>



Sanders has had only one great game during his starting stint. Still, he hasn’t been able to get wins. Sanders is 1-4 as a starter right now. He even lost to the Tennessee Titans, one of the worst teams in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL</a>.


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<h2>Stefanski might be praising rookies but he might not be there next year</h2>



Stefanski is in the hot seat. It’s absolutely possible that he loses his job as the Browns head coach next year. Cleveland has lost six of the last seven games. Stefanski’s rocky relationship with Sanders might also play a part in his future.



Stefanski has been a Coach of the Year before, so he might get suitors, but his time in Cleveland really seems like a time bomb. Only winning out might save his job, and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/buffalo-bills" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bills</a> are heavy favorites to win the Week 16 game.

Browns HC Kevin Stefanski praises two rookies, not Shedeur Sanders, ahead of Week 16 game vs Bills

Browns HC Kevin Stefanski praises two rookies, not Shedeur Sanders, ahead of Week 16 game vs Bills - Bolavip US

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