The AFC Wild Card Weekend concludes with an exciting matchup on Sunday, as the Buffalo Bills (13-4) take on the Denver Broncos (10-7) at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. This game will be pivotal in determining who advances in the AFC postseason bracket.
The Bills are making their sixth straight playoff appearance, led by quarterback Josh Allen, a strong MVP candidate this season. They boast one of the most formidable offenses in the league, ranked second in scoring efficiency and notably holding the record for the fewest turnovers with just eight across 18 games. A victory would allow Buffalo to advance to the divisional round of the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year.
On the other hand, the Denver Broncos are returning to the postseason for the first time since their Super Bowl 50 win. The team has shown substantial improvement, particularly in the latter part of the season, thanks to rookie quarterback Bo Nix and a defense that ranks third in the league, spearheaded by star cornerback Patrick Surtain II. The Broncos’ defense has been bolstered by multiple players achieving seven or more sacks this season, including Nik Bonitto with 13.5 sacks.
The weather is expected to play a factor in this game, with temperatures near freezing and a possibility of snow, which could influence strategies on both sides. The kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET, with coverage available on CBS and streaming options on fuboTV, Paramount+, and NFL+.
Buffalo is favored to win, with betting lines showing the Bills at a -9 spread. Predictions suggest a close contest, with a projected final score of 21-17 favoring Buffalo. Having rested their starters in the previous week, the Bills may face some rust against a Broncos team that had to fight hard for their playoff spot.
Historically, Buffalo leads the all-time series against the Broncos, with a 23-17-1 record. Their most recent encounter in Week 10 last season saw the Broncos edge the Bills with a last-second field goal, highlighting the competitive nature of their matchups.
As this thrilling Wild Card showdown approaches, fans are gearing up for what promises to be an intense game between one of the league’s top offenses and a tenacious defense. With the stakes high and the conditions challenging, both teams are poised to give it their all in pursuit of playoff glory.