The Buffalo Bills are set to host the New York Jets on January 4, 2025, at 16:25 ET in a pivotal NFL Week 18 matchup. With a season record of 11-5, the Bills have already secured a playoff spot, despite the New England Patriots clinching the division title. This game will be broadcast live on CBS and available for streaming through DIRECTV, which is offering a free trial.
Buffalo’s head coach, Sean McDermott, faces a dual challenge as he navigates player management ahead of the postseason while also honoring Highmark Stadium, potentially hosting its last game. McDermott expressed his appreciation for the 53-year-old venue, stating, “It’s a unique place. I want to cherish every minute of it.” The Bills have enjoyed a strong season but will begin the playoffs on the road as the AFC’s No. 7 seed, unable to climb higher than No. 5.
One of the key decisions for McDermott involves quarterback Josh Allen, who has a sore right foot but is expected to maintain his impressive streak of 135 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the NFL. Running back James Cook, who is leading the league in rushing yards, has a chance to become the first Bills player since O.J. Simpson in 1976 to achieve this feat, currently leading Indianapolis’ Jonathan Taylor by 47 yards.
While McDermott contemplates resting injured players, he aims to maintain a competitive edge to conclude the season at home with a victory. In contrast, the Jets, under first-year coach Aaron Glenn, face a difficult situation, having extended their playoff drought to 15 years. The Jets have struggled significantly, being outscored 153-46 in their last four games.
“This gives us another chance to play against a good playoff team,” Glenn remarked, highlighting the opportunity for his team to improve despite the challenging circumstances. Tight end Jeremy Ruckert defended Glenn, asserting, “He truly cares about this team. You can see every day how much time and love he puts into us.”
As the Bills reflect on the legacy of Highmark Stadium, McDermott, now completing his ninth season, has transformed the team into perennial contenders. Under his leadership, the Bills have reached the playoffs seven consecutive times and have a deep-rooted history at the stadium, which has hosted legends like Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, and Bruce Smith.
The Jets face the risk of making unwanted NFL history, with the potential to become the first team to complete an entire season without an interception. If New York fails to secure a pick against Buffalo, they would extend their current streak to 16 games without one. This unprecedented drought has left interim defensive coordinator Chris Harris both bewildered and optimistic, emphasizing the team’s effort in practice.
Rookie quarterback Brady Cook will make his fourth consecutive start, a surprising turn of events for the undrafted player who began the season on the practice squad. Reflecting on his experience, Cook stated, “Honestly, not a ton of big surprises. I got a lot of those surprises out of the way.”
With quarterback options limited, the Bills have only Allen and backup Mitch Trubisky available, following the recent signing of third-string quarterback Shane Buechele by the Kansas City Chiefs. This has led to lighthearted speculation about who might serve as an emergency backup should the need arise.
Fans in New York State can bet on the game through various platforms, including BetMGM and FanDuel, which are providing introductory offers for first-time users.
As the Bills prepare for what may be their final game at Highmark Stadium, both teams face significant implications in this season finale, underscoring the excitement and uncertainty that the last week of the NFL regular season always brings.
