The first AFC playoff game is underway this afternoon between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Buffalo Bills. On one side, the Bills have one of, if not the best player in the NFL, in Josh Allen. He is an all-time playoff performer who finally needs to break through. As for the Jaguars, they are the hottest team in the league, led by the hottest player in the NFL, Trevor Lawrence. Let’s dive into this potential high-scoring affair!
Keys For A Buffalo Stampede
Josh Allen must put on the Superman cape if the Bills want to advance to the divisional round. Going against the league’s number one rushing defense means they will constantly be behind the sticks. We have seen Allen be an offense unto himself when needed. He’s got to turn it on in this game. It shouldn’t be anything new. The reigning MVP has had legendary playoff performances before. If Buffalo is going to win this game, it will be on the arm and legs of their superstar.
Defensively, head coach Sean McDermott must scheme up a great game plan. Their defense has been up and down, but they are the league’s best passing defense. However, when you’re going against a hot team, you have to cool them down. Trevor Lawrence is in the best stretch of his NFL career. He’s shown the ability to attempt ‘high risk’ throws. The Bills’ defense needs to give their offense an extra possession or two by forcing turnovers.
Path To A Jaguars’ Mauling
This Jacksonville Jaguars offense needs to continue to stay hot. Entering this game, they’ve scored 25+ in nine of their last ten games. Trevor Lawrence, in his previous six games, has 16 total touchdowns to only one turnover. Now it won’t be easy, as he’s going against the league’s best passing defense, but there are other ways to involve the passing game. Dominate the running game and dominate in the play-action game.
Here’s where I believe the Jaguars have the utmost advantage. Their defensive line can ruin Josh Allen and this Bills’ day. They’re the best defense in the league in terms of stopping the run. Like T-Law, Allen will make high-risk plays and give the defense opportunities to intercept the ball or hold it for too long. When you’re going against a player as physically imposing as Josh is, you need to make your presence known early and often.
Who Wins?
I expect this game to be high scoring, but the Jaguars pull it out late. The Bills have the best player on the field, but the Jags have the more complete team. Buffalo has shown flashes of their former glory while Jacksonville is on the rise in its first year under Liam Cohen. With the two games we saw yesterday, Rams @ Panthers and Packers @ Bears, this has the makings of becoming the best game of the playoffs thus far.
Final Thoughts
Out of the three games we have today, I am most excited for this one. We’ve got two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL with a chance to get one step closer to making and winning the Super Bowl. Who do you think will win the first game of today’s three-game slate? Who will be the better player moving forward, Josh Allen or Trevor Lawrence?
As always, thank you so much for checking out my thoughts preview of the Buffalo Bills taking on the Jacksonville Jaguars! Be sure to check out our other amazing content here at New Leaf News! We hope you’re enjoying your day and look forward to seeing you again soon.
