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In the freezing weather of Buffalo, the Denver Broncos will face the Buffalo Bills this Sunday for the NFL Wild Card round, January 12 at 1 pm ET, at Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY.
Here is a look at our predictions, picks and odds for this wild card round between the Broncos and the Bills.
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• Date: Sunday, Jan. 12th
• Time: 1:00 pm ET
• Venue: Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY
• Broadcast: CBS/Paramount+
Throughout the regular season, the Buffalo Bills proved to be one of the most consistent teams in the AFC. Undefeated at home with an 8-0 record, they cemented their position as a top contender by becoming the only team to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs’ starting lineup this year. That victory stands as a defining moment of their season.
Quarterback Josh Allen, often scrutinized in previous seasons for costly turnovers, delivered an outstanding campaign. With just 8 turnovers on the year, Allen has silenced critics and positioned himself as a leading candidate for MVP. While the Bills’ offense has been electric, their defense remains a concern. Ranked 17th in yards allowed per game and struggling on third-down stops (allowing a 43.8% conversion rate), their defensive unit will need to step up against a determined Broncos squad.
The Broncos: A Tale of Resilience
For the Denver Broncos, the road to the playoffs was anything but smooth. Once comfortably in a playoff position, they nearly squandered their chances down the stretch. It took a determined effort in the final week of the regular season to punch their ticket, as they defeated a resting Chiefs team to secure their 10th win and a spot in the postseason—a remarkable turnaround from preseason expectations.
The Broncos’ strength lies in their defense, led by Pat Surtain II, a frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year. Even though their defensive unit experienced a slight dip in production during the latter half of the season, it remains one of the most formidable in the league. Offensively, however, the Broncos face significant challenges. They ranked among the worst teams in the league in three-and-outs, often failing to sustain drives. Against a potent Bills offense, giving Josh Allen and company extra opportunities is a recipe for disaster.
The Denver Broncos make their return to the playoffs after several seasons of absence, thanks in part to the contributions of rookie quarterback Bo Nix, who has been instrumental in the team’s success this year.
However, the challenge ahead may be too daunting for this young Denver squad. The Buffalo Bills, armed with playoff experience and a season defined by MVP-caliber performances from Josh Allen, appear to have the upper hand.
Josh Allen’s Dual-Threat Dominance
Josh Allen has been a force on the ground this season, scoring 12 rushing touchdowns and consistently playing a significant role in the Bills’ run game. Expect him to be heavily involved again in this matchup, particularly in high-stakes situations.
The Bills are favored by 9 points, a spread that feels well within reach given their offensive firepower and overall experience at this level.
A Tale of Two Quarterbacks
For this matchup, the focus shifts to the performances of the two quarterbacks: rookie Bo Nix for the Broncos and the seasoned Josh Allen for the Bills.
On Denver’s side, Bo Nix could face significant challenges in the passing game. Over their last three games, the Bills have allowed an average of just 218 passing yards per game. With the added pressure of playoff intensity and a disciplined Buffalo defense, it’s likely that Nix will struggle to surpass his projected total of 224.5 passing yards.
Meanwhile, Josh Allen is poised to continue his impressive season. Whether through the air or on the ground, Allen has consistently delivered when it matters most. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him add another touchdown to his tally in this game, further solidifying his role as the Bills’ offensive leader.
PICK 1 – Bo Nix Under 224.5 Passing yards (-115)
PICK 2 – Josh Allen Anytime Touchdown (-130)
Denver Broncos Key Stats:
Buffalo Bills Key Stats:
Photo Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
