The Buffalo Bills can no longer chase down the Kansas City Chiefs for the No. 1 seed in the AFC. That’s likely to fundamentally change how the organization approaches its final two regular-season games against the New York Jets and New England Patriots.
Buffalo needs either one win over the Jets or Pats, or a Baltimore Ravens loss in Week 18 against the Cleveland Browns, to lock in the No. 2 seed. As a result, the idea of resting players will come into play as the coaching staff prepares for the playoffs.
The Bills have one of the NFL’s best teams during the Josh Allen Era, but that will ultimately be rendered meaningless unless it eventually results in a Super Bowl title. A championship is always going to take precedence, even if it means sacrificing individual accolades.
Buffalo Bills’ Most Pressing Questions for Last Two Games
How Much Will Josh Allen Play Amid MVP Race?
Allen is the NFL’s Most Valuable Player whether he wins the award or not. A late surge from Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has tightened the race, and the two-time winner of the league’s top individual honor will have more chances to win over voters as the Ravens attempt to clinch the AFC North title.
Here’s the difference, though: Baltimore would still be a playoff contender with a Derrick Henry-centric offense and a veteran game-manager like Josh Johnson under center. Buffalo would probably be in the No. 1 pick conversation without Allen.
Yikes: Rex Ryan does NOT think the MVP race is close. Giving Lamar Jackson ZERO credit:
“It’s Josh Allen and I don’t think it’s close…without Josh Allen, [the Bills] win 2 or 3 games. [Lamar] can still hand it to a Hall of Fame running back…”
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 25, 2024
Yet, voters typically put too much stock on the final weeks of the season. So Allen will be dinged if he’s rested, which is undoubtedly the right move for the Bills, and Jackson will be given extra credit for helping the Ravens come back late in the AFC North race.
Although Allen deserves the MVP trophy, the Bills can’t allow that to change their plans. The quarterback has been playing through injuries all year. He’s been playing through a broken non-throwing hand since Week 1 and hurt his right elbow last week.
In turn, Allen needs to rest. Ideally, the Bills can build a comfortable lead by the end of the third quarter Sunday against the Jets. They could then sideline the face of the franchise for the latter stages of this week’s game and a vast majority of the regular-season finale against New England.
Could that cost Allen the MVP award? Yes. Should that matter in the team’s decision-making? No.
Can Von Miller Boost Buffalo’s Defense?
Miller needs one final resurgence as part of his Hall of Fame career if the Bills are going to win the Super Bowl. Their most concerning issue right now is a lack of consistent pass rush, which has led a banged-up secondary to get exposed in recent weeks.
The 35-year-old edge-rusher came out flying in 2024. He registered a sack in each of his first three appearances this season. He’s failed to make an impact since returning from a four-game suspension, however, tallying just one sack over the past seven games.
Miller’s underlying numbers are solid. His 80.4 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus ranks 15th among edge defenders. Alas, if those pressures don’t turn into sacks his lack of true production is going to create problems for Buffalo in the postseason.
So, don’t be surprised if the Texas A&M product sees an uptick in usage over the final two games. It’s already started. His 44 percent snap share in last week’s win over the Pats was his highest since Week 1. He could exceed 50 percent against New York on Sunday.
The highest-graded Bills in Week 16 vs the Patriots:
Von Miller – 83.0
Ed Oliver – 81.7
Dion Dawkins – 78.2
Taron Johnson – 71.8
(min. 25 snaps) pic.twitter.com/0WWjFZYyCu
— PFF BUF Bills (@PFF_Bills) December 23, 2024
The Bills are going to do whatever they can in the limited time remaining to help him reach peak form before the playoffs. A high-impact version of Miller could be the difference between a deep postseason run and an early exit for Buffalo.
Will Micah Hyde Make His Bills On-Field Return?
The Bills signed Hyde to their practice squad on Dec. 4. It was a long-awaited move that provided much-needed depth in the secondary. The safety spent the past seven years masterfully patrolling the Buffalo defensive backfield alongside Jordan Poyer.
Buffalo’s starting safeties, Taylor Rapp and Damar Hamlin, suffered injuries shortly after Hyde’s return to One Bills Drive. The veteran defender still hasn’t returned to the active roster, though. The team has instead relied on Cole Bishop, Cam Lewis, and Kareem Jackson.
While it’s not a surprise there was a “get back up to speed” period, time is running out if Hyde is going to make an on-field impact this year. He’d likely need to see the field in at least one of the final two games. Otherwise, it’s hard to imagine him being active for the playoffs.
Caught up with Micah Hyde on his ramp up today.
Says he’s trying to give himself the best opportunity to help the #Bills if “anything were to happen”.When he arrived, Hyde said he needed to add weight to play.
And now?“I’m already there.” pic.twitter.com/j2LrFjcoCg
— Thad Brown (@thadbrown7) December 18, 2024
Hyde has a history of neck injuries. He also confirmed this is his final season as an active player. So it’s possible the Bills only brought him in as a mentor. Someone with invaluable experience in the defensive scheme to help the current starters.
On the flip side, Buffalo’s production at safety has been underwhelming all season. Could the coaching staff let Hyde play the entire finale to see whether he’s an option for the playoffs? It’s unlikely but possible. The Bills are going to leave no stone unturned in their Super Bowl pursuit.
Main Photo: Tina MacIntyre-Yee/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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