As the NFL season enters its final stretch, the Buffalo Bills have emerged as one of the top contenders in the AFC. Fresh off a bye week and a statement win over the Kansas City Chiefs, the Bills are poised to make a strong push for the AFC East title and the conference’s No. 1 playoff seed.
Chasing the Division Crown
At 9-2, the Bills hold a comfortable lead in the AFC East. With a win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night and a Miami Dolphins loss to the Green Bay Packers, Buffalo can clinch its fifth straight division title. Head coach Sean McDermott, who has never lost a game coming off a bye week, knows the importance of securing a playoff berth.
“There [were] a lot of questions about our team coming into this season. A lot of turnover,” McDermott said. “We’ve kind of weathered the storm with some injuries, getting through some of that kind of chapter of the book to this point as well.”
Eyeing the Top Seed
Beyond winning the division, the Bills have a legitimate shot at earning the AFC’s top playoff seed. It’s a position that has eluded McDermott’s squads in recent years despite consistent playoff appearances. Homefield advantage throughout the postseason would be a major boon for a Bills team that is undefeated at Highmark Stadium this year.
Catching the 10-1 Chiefs won’t be easy, though. Kansas City currently holds a slim half-game lead for the No. 1 seed. The Bills will need to navigate a challenging upcoming stretch that includes games against fellow NFC playoff hopefuls like the 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, and Detroit Lions.
Allen’s MVP Push
Quarterback Josh Allen’s stellar play has been instrumental in positioning the Bills for a deep playoff run. His late-game heroics against the Chiefs, which included a game-winning touchdown run on fourth down, have thrust him squarely into the MVP conversation.
“From perception, outside perception, it’s a really big game and what it means for both fan bases and the league,” Allen said of the Chiefs win. “We’re in Week 11. You know, we’re 9-2. Last time I checked, nine wins probably doesn’t get you in the playoffs.”
Allen’s modesty aside, there’s no denying the Bills are among the NFL’s elite. Getting healthier down the stretch will only boost their Super Bowl prospects, with several key defensive starters expected back in the coming weeks.
Finishing Strong
The Bills have been dominant in the winter months, boasting a league-best 19-2 record in December and January games since 2020. Continuing that success will be vital in securing the AFC East title and keeping pace with the Chiefs for the coveted No. 1 seed.
As they embark on the final third of the regular season, the Bills are focused on taking things one game at a time. But there’s no question this talented squad has its eyes on a much bigger prize: representing the AFC in Super Bowl LVII next February.
