On Sunday, Josh Allen and the Bills can ensure they play beyond January 7 by winning in Cleveland, if that is combined with a tie or loss for the Texans or Colts.
Buffalo would also advance to the playoffs in the event of a draw or defeat by Houston or Indianapolis.
The Bills (10-4) have won three in a row, including a spectacular victory against the Patriots last Sunday, after erasing a 21-point deficit.
Furthermore, Allen is just one touchdown short of becoming the first player to reach the 300 mark before the age of 30, in the NFL (passing, rushing or receiving).
Allen has scored 37 touchdowns this season (25 passing, 12 rushing).
“We’re going to face a really formidable defense,” Allen said. Everyone will have to get to work. »
Allen will want to avoid becoming the quarterback against whom Myles Garrett ties or breaks the league record for sacks in a season.
The defensive end has 21.5. He needs one and a half to surpass the mark of Michael Strahan and TJ Watt.
Allen was the victim of 33 sacks this season, the sixth highest total in the league.
“I like compilations of my highlights, but I don’t like being in other people’s compilations,” Allen said. Myles is one of the greatest players in history. You really have to be wary of him. »
Bills coach Sean McDermott knows how to recognize an elite defender.
“Sometimes you could almost put three players on him, and he goes through them all with no problem,” McDermott said. He is powerful, imposing, explosive and fast. In addition, he has an excellent sense of the game.”
The more opportunities Garrett has to apply pressure when Allen is looking for targets, the more likely he will be to make sacks.
The Bills can respond with this advantage: they lead the NFL with 158.5 yards of rushes per game. James Cook is second in the league with 1,415 rushing yards.
With kicker Matt Prater out with a quadriceps injury, the Bills will call on Michael Badgley, who has seven seasons of NFL experience.
He was released by Indianapolis two weeks ago after missing a convert for the third time with the Colts in seven games.
Cleveland is 3-11 after losing three straight games.
