By: Justin Gincauskas
After not getting the help they needed in Week 17, the Bills must wait another week to clinch a playoff spot. However, things have gotten a lot more complicated for the Buffalo Bills heading into next week’s regular-season finale, despite their high playoff odds.
Although it looked shaky at times, Buffalo took care of business at home against the New England Patriots Sunday to keep their playoff hopes alive and well. They also got significant help from the Baltimore Ravens, who dominated the Miami Dolphins to keep them from clinching the AFC East Division title.
Buffalo Bills Week 18 Playoff Odds
As it currently sits, the Bills have a 95% chance of getting into the postseason.
If they defeat the Dolphins in Week 18, Buffalo will win the AFC East Division and will be the number two seed in the AFC. However, if they lose, the playoff odds do not look good for the Buffalo Bills.
With a loss next weekend, the Bills will need help from the Baltimore Ravens or Tennessee Titans. If the Pittsburgh Steelers win against the Ravens and the Jacksonville Jaguars defeat the Titans, that would eliminate Buffalo from playoff contention. The only way this scenario does not eliminate the Bills is if the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts tie during their Week 18 matchup.
Since the Ravens have nothing to play for after clinching the AFC’s number one seed, Baltimore will likely sit many of its starters. The Titans have nothing to play for as well since they are officially out of playoff contention. With both teams not needing wins, the Steelers and Jaguars will be favorites in their respective games. All this is to say that the Bills likely need a win to secure a playoff spot.
I am sure most Bills fans will take this scenario after starting the season 5-5. They have a golden opportunity to capture the AFC East title for a fourth consecutive season, all while also taking the second seed in the AFC. The Bills defeated the Dolphins earlier this season in Buffalo but will need to steal a victory at Miami now if they want to secure a playoff berth. With the game scheduled for Sunday night, the Bills will be well aware of whether or not a loss would eliminate them from the playoffs.
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