The Buffalo Bills are set to face the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday, January 14, 2024, in the first round of the NFL playoffs. The Bills, who finished the regular season with a record of 12-5, will meet the Jaguars, the AFC South champions, who ended the season at 13-4. This matchup features the Bills entering as underdogs against a Jaguars team that has gained momentum in recent weeks.
As anticipation builds for the playoff game, three bold predictions highlight key aspects that could impact the outcome.
Joey Bosa’s Impact on the Jaguars’ Offense
One significant factor will be the performance of Buffalo’s new addition, Joey Bosa. The former first-round pick was signed in the offseason to bolster the Bills’ pass rush but has been managing a hamstring injury throughout the season. The coaching staff has strategically limited his playing time to ensure he remains effective for the playoffs.
In this matchup, Bosa is predicted to be a disruptive force against Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Lawrence faced pressure this season, being sacked 41 times. This prediction suggests that Bosa will tally two sacks, directly impacting Jacksonville’s offensive strategy.
Buffalo’s Defensive Strategy Against the Run
The Jaguars have established themselves as one of the NFL’s more formidable offenses, with Lawrence throwing for 4,007 yards and 29 touchdowns this season. He has received substantial support from running back Travis Etienne, who rushed for 1,107 yards. Despite this, Jacksonville ranked 20th in the league for rushing yards, indicating room for improvement in their ground game.
In a bold prediction, the Bills’ defense is expected to excel in limiting the Jaguars’ rushing attack, holding them to fewer than 75 yards on the ground. This defensive success may prove crucial in determining the game’s outcome, forcing Lawrence to rely more heavily on his passing game.
Josh Allen’s Playoff Performance
Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen has been a standout performer for the Bills, amassing 3,668 yards and 25 touchdowns through the air, while also contributing 579 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground. Although he had a solid season, he surpassed the 300-yard mark in passing during only three games.
The final prediction anticipates a breakout performance from Allen in his first playoff game. Facing a Jaguars defense that ranked 11th in total yards allowed but struggled against the pass—ranking 21st in yards surrendered—this could be an opportunity for Allen to shine. Given Jacksonville’s strength against the run, a strong passing game from Allen will be essential for the Bills to secure a victory.
As the Bills prepare for this intense playoff clash, the outcome remains uncertain, but the predictions set the stage for a thrilling encounter. The performance of key players like Bosa and Allen, along with the effectiveness of Buffalo’s defense against the run, will be crucial as the Bills aim for advancement in the playoffs.
