The playoffs are one of the most exciting, yet scary times in the NFL. If a team is in the playoffs, it means that they are one of the best in the league. At the same time, the pressure is turned up even more and it could come down to just one simple mistake being to be eliminated.
There are teams this week that are putting in lots of practice and hardwork, and yet it will be their final week of practice because someone has to be eliminated in each game. The Buffalo Bills are entering the postseason as the 6-seed, and they will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars which will hopefully just be the start of their playoff run.
Buffalo’s offense has been shaky this season, but have had moments of greatness. Overall, they have been inconsistent on that side of the ball. Now they will go down to Jacksonville to take on a tough Jaguars defense that can play takeaway at any moment.
That now begs the question; Who on Buffalo’s offense must shine against this tough Jacksonville team?
Offensive Bills who have to have huge day vs. Jaguars
QB Josh Allen
This offense runs through Josh Allen, even though James Cook is right behind him. Without Allen, this offense goes very little or not at all. And no, Week 18 against the Jets’ backups and third-stringers is not an argument in favor.
Allen has had his ups and downs this season. He hasn’t played up to the consistent MVP level like he did last season, but he is still one of the most feared players in the league. While Jacksonville presents a tough defense, Allen has had so much success in the playoffs over his career.
He may have to put on the Superman cape against this Jacksonville defense.
Entire OL
I’m putting the entire offensive line in this one section because quite frankly, the Jaguars have a very underrated defensive line. They know how to attack the ball at the line of scrimmage and they can adjust on the fly.
Whether it’s protecting Allen or opening up running lanes, the Bills have to dominate in the trenches no matter what. The offensive line cannot afford to let this offense become one dimensional and then be forced to play Jacksonville’s game.
TE Dalton Kincaid
When Dalton Kincaid is on the field, the Bills offense is much better. He’s not a star, but he plays such an important role in the middle of the field. When in doubt, Allen throws the ball Kincaid’s way to move the chains and keep the offense on the field.
All season long, Kincaid has been dealing with a knee injury that goes back to last season. While Buffalo will have to be cautious, they will have to heavily lean on him in the passing game. The more that Kincaid is involved, the more this offense can open up on the outside.
RB Ty Johnson
Instead of James Cook, I’m putting Ty Johnson on this list. When the Bills go into crucial third-down or goal line situations, Johnson is typically the one in the backfield for Buffalo. There could very well be a time where the Bills will need Johnson to step up and fight for that extra yard or two to either keep Buffalo on the field or get a touchdown.
Not to mention, Johnson is a very serviceable pass-catching back, so don’t be surprised if Allen checks down to him if nobody is open down the field.