The Buffalo News' sports reporters weigh in with their prediction for the Buffalo Bills' wild-card playoff game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
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Colts quarterback Riley Leonard is sacked by Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen for a safety on Dec. 7, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Phelan M. Ebenhack, Associated Press
Jay Skurski
Picking the Bills in this game is not easy. They’ve never won a road playoff game under Sean McDermott. They have played precious few complete, 60-minute games in all three phases this season, if any. They have not been as good in regards to turnover differential as they were last season – a critical statistic all the time, but especially so in the playoffs. While all of that is true, they have the best player in Sunday’s game in quarterback Josh Allen, and picking against him is a hard thing to do. Allen has mostly delivered in the postseason, and with the AFC as wide open as it has been since he entered the league, I’m cautiously betting he’ll do it again.
Bills, 27-23.
Katherine Fitzgerald
I am hyper focused on the kicker battle, but there is plenty more to this matchup. The clash of running back James Cook and company against the vaunted Jaguars run defense certainly makes for an intriguing game. I think Cook holds the edge in this one. Bills quarterback Josh Allen is due for an explosive performance, and he’ll need to keep things clean and avoid any turnovers against the Jaguars. Going on the road to start the playoffs is a true test, but coach Sean McDermott should have the group ready. I anticipate a close one in Jacksonville.
Bills, 28-27.
Lance Lysowski
This may be the most interesting matchup of wild-card weekend. The game features two talented quarterbacks and the NFL's best run defense against its best rushing offense. The Bills need to find a way to score points if they can't run the ball. Four of their five losses were games in which James Cook did not rush for 100 yards. It's difficult to envision the Jaguars stopping Allen. His top weapon, tight end Dalton Kincaid, will play Sunday. There will be mistakes on defense – Buffalo cannot allow quarterback Trevor Lawrence to scramble or escape the pocket to find an open receiver – but Buffalo's experience will allow it to prevail. A turnover will be the difference in this one.
Bills, 34-27.
Steve Trosky
If the Bills can keep Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the pocket and force him to beat them with his arm, they will win their first road playoff game under coach Sean McDermott. Weather isn't expected to be a factor, though it will be a little windy in Jacksonville. James Cook and Ray Davis make a splash. If the Bills' defense can keep the Jaguars out of the end zone, that will give Josh Allen the chance to do what he always does – shine in the postseason.
Bills, 27-16.
