The NFL playoffs are the best and worst time of year. The best because we are getting closer and closer to crowning the Super Bowl LVII champion, but also the worst because it means the football season is almost over. If you’re a member of Bills Mafia, chances are you’re hoping this year is THE year. Here’s how Buffalo can make it happen:
The Journey
The Buffalo Bills have come a long way this season. Some may say it was the firing of former OC Ken Dorsey — everyone has their theories. However, what we do know, is the Bills only had a 15% chance at the postseason following their agonizing loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 12. They were told they had to win out, and they did. The team’s playoff odds gradually grew as they finished the regular season with five straight wins. As we all know, they secured their spot as a Wild Card team right before their final matchup with the Miami Dolphins, which ended in a fourth-straight Division title for Buffalo.
The Wild Card
In the Wild Card round, the Buffalo Bills defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers with a score of 31-17 on Monday evening in Orchard Park. Josh Allen excelled, throwing for 203 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for one touchdown. James Cook contributed with 18 carries for 79 yards and four receptions for five yards. Dalton Kincaid led in receiving with three catches for 59 yards and a touchdown. You probably already know all of this, but it’s important information so bear with me.
The Odds
As the Bills sent Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers packing for the offseason, they also received a boost in their Super Bowl odds at +500. They currently have the third-best odds, behind only the Baltimore Ravens (+275) and San Francisco 49ers (+175). We know this is subject to change though, depending on their performance this weekend.
Heading into the Divisional Round, the Buffalo Bills are a 2.5-point favorite, with the moneyline at Bills (-145) and Chiefs (+120). Yet again, the weather could be another factor in this weekend’s game, as Western New York prepares to brace another winter storm this week. While it looks like the fluffy white stuff should be done by Saturday, you never know in Buffalo. Kansas City has shown us they can handle the cold, but can they handle it at Highmark?
Should the Bills emerge victorious against the Chiefs, they may have the opportunity to host the AFC Championship, provided the Texans, led by rookie QB C.J. Stroud, can upset the No. 1-seeded Ravens and QB Lamar Jackson. In this case, Buffalo would host Houston in a bid to secure a spot in the Super Bowl. But, if the Ravens — who are favored by nine points at home — successfully take care of business, they would go on to host either the Bills or Chiefs in the AFC Championship.
The End
It’s true. As a result of recent victories and standout player performances, the Buffalo Bills are in a favorable position with potential Super Bowl odds. Injuries may hinder us, but hopefully not for long. Whatever it takes, Bills Mafia is ready.
Anyways, Go Bills!
Featured Image Credit: Kirby Lee/USA TODAY
