The Buffalo Bills were interested in hiring a former Pro Bowl quarterback as their new head coach, but it seems like the interest isn’t mutual.

Philip Rivers has pulled his name out of contention for the Bills’ head coaching vacancy. He hasn’t given a public reason. Rivers has no college or professional coaching experience. Despite that, he was interviewed for the head coaching role. 

Rivers retired in 2020 to become the head coach of St. Michael’s Catholic High School. He coached them from 2021 to 2025.

After Daniel Jones was injured, the Indianapolis Colts called Rivers out of retirement. He played three games, threw four touchdowns, and recorded three interceptions.

The Bills are currently looking to find a replacement for former head coach Sean McDermott, who they fired after a heartbreaking loss to the Broncos in the divisional round. 

Despite his lack of experience, Rivers has a good relationship with the Bills’ star QB Josh Allen. Allen and Rivers both have the same agent.

Rivers has announced that he is going back to retirement after his brief stint with the Colts. He is intending to return to his coaching duties at St. Michael’s.

The Bills will now need to look elsewhere for their head coaching vacancy. The current favorites to land the job are Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady and former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll. Daboll was also the Bills’ offensive coordinator before Brady.

Regardless, all of the options they’re looking at right now lean toward offense. This is a departure from McDermott’s defensive background. McDermott was a defensive coordinator before becoming the Bills head coach. This includes being the DC for the 2015 Panthers, who went 15-1.

Although his name hasn’t been officially mentioned, Mike Tomlin would also be another option if he’s interested. Tomlin and McDermott were teammates at William & Mary. 

The Buffalo Bills experienced yet another heartbreaking loss during the divisional round. 

The Bills were defeated by the No. 1 seed Denver Broncos in overtime. With many of the most experienced teams already out of the playoffs, the Bills thought they had a strong chance to make the Super Bowl despite a low seeding. Meanwhile, the Broncos proved their doubters wrong and held their ground against the veteran Bills.

The first touchdown was a Josh Allen pass to Mecole Hardman Jr., giving the Bills a 7-3 lead after one quarter. The Broncos responded in the second quarter with a passing touchdown to Frank Crum. 

With just 22 seconds left in the half, Lil’Jordan Humphrey caught a 29-yard touchdown pass to give the Broncos a lead. Humphrey started the season on the Giants’ practice squad. The Bills got the ball back, but Allen fumbled the ball on a quarterback scramble. This was one of his four turnovers in the game. The Broncos ended the half with a field goal to make the game 20-10. 

The Bills got back into the game in the third quarter on a touchdown pass to Keon Coleman. Despite this, they were still down heading into the fourth quarter. This changed about two minutes in when Dalton Kincaid caught a touchdown pass to tie the game, with kicker Matt Prater’s extra point giving them the lead.

With less than one minute left, Marvin Mims Jr. caught a 26-yard pass for a touchdown to give the Broncos the lead. However, the Bills quickly marched down the field, and Prater hit the game-tying field goal. 

The Bills’ defense forced a punt on the Broncos’ first overtime possession. However, Allen threw an interception to give the Broncos the ball back. The Bills’ defense committed two pass interference penalties, putting the Broncos within field-goal range. Will Lutz hit the game-winning field goal from 23 yards.

At the post-game press conference, Allen shed tears over the heartbreaking loss.

After a heartbreaking playoff exit, the Buffalo Bills have fired their head coach, Sean McDermott.

McDermott was hired in 2017 along with general manager Brandon Beane. The duo looked to revamp a long-dormant franchise. In 2017, they made the playoffs, breaking a 17-year playoff drought.

Beane drafted Josh Allen in the following draft. After a development year for Allen in 2018, the Bills have made the playoffs every year since 2019. This gives them the longest playoff streak in the NFL. 

McDermott was hired as an assistant head coach by the Eagles in 2001. He spent the next few years climbing up the ranks until he became the defensive coordinator in 2009. The Eagles let him go after the 2010 season, but he was picked up by the Panthers the following offseason to serve as their defensive coordinator.

The highlight of McDermott’s time in Carolina was the 2015 season. The team went 15-1 and reached the Super Bowl. Of course, Cam Newton’s MVP performance was a big reason why. However, McDermott led the Panthers to the sixth-ranked defense. 

In many ways, the Bills got everything they could’ve asked for out of McDermott. He turned a losing franchise into a winning franchise. However, the playoff losses started adding up, and the front office decided it was time for a change. 

Almost any coach would dream of being able to join the Bills. They have a winning culture that’s only bettered by the Chiefs. The changes needed are small. Mike Tomlin would be one of the most notable options. Tomlin and McDermott were teammates at William & Mary. Another option could be Brian Daboll. Daboll was the Bills’ former offensive coordinator and has drawn interest from many teams as a head coach. Perhaps a more offense-minded coach could make a difference in the playoffs. 

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson apologized for shoving a Buffalo Bills fan during Sunday night’s loss at Highmark Stadium.

After the two-time NFL MVP threw a 29-yard pass and touchdown to DeAndre Hopkins deep in third quarter, a Bills fan appeared to hit the wide receiver and Jackson on their helmets during the celebrations. In retaliation, Jackson shoved the fan which sent him falling backwards.

“I got pushed. I’m like, what?” Jackson said on Wednesday after practice. “I wasn’t even thinking about me being out there on the field. My apologies to him.”

Jackson also said the fan should “chill next time” and that while he doesn’t mind trash talk, fans should “keep your hands to yourself.”

“Stuff like that shouldn’t be happening,” he said. “It’s not WWE. We’re playing football out here. So just keep it to football. I know you guys are going to trash talk. I know the opposing team is going to trash talk. Keep it that way. But keep your hands and keep your objects to yourself.”

NFL spokesperson Brain McCarthy told ESPN that no consequences or disciplinary action will be taken against the quarterback. Jackson spoke with Ravens head coach John Harbaugh and general manager Eric DeCosta about the episode.

The fan, who got ejected following the incident, has also been banned indefinitely from NFL and Bills games.

The Ravens looked to be on track for an opening week win after leading 40-25 late in the fourth quarter. But the Bills railed back: two touchdowns in the final four minutes and a game-winning field goal by Matt Prater snatched the victory from Baltimore.

Harbaugh’s team will look to bounce back on Sunday as the Ravens host the Cleveland Browns at 1 p.m. EST.

Lamar Jackson shoved a Buffalo Bills fan who had slapped him and teammate DeAndre Hopkins on the helmet during a third-quarter touchdown celebration Sunday night at Highmark Stadium. The incident occurred after the Baltimore Ravens built a 34-19 lead that later fell to 40-41 after a late-game Bills comeback.

After Hopkins’ one-handed touchdown catch, Jackson joined his team near the stands to celebrate. A disgruntled fan in a Bills Jersey reached over the railing, initially hitting Hopkins on the helmet before doing the same to Jackson. He reacted by giving a two-handed shove, sending the fan backwards.

The fan was ejected from the stadium. On Monday, the NFL announced the unidentified fan was banned indefinitely from all league stadiums.

Jackson, who completed 14 of 19 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns during the game, later stated he overreached.

“He slapped me, and he was just talking – so I just forgot where I was for a little bit,” Jackson said. “You have security out there; let security handle it. But I just let my emotions get the best of me.”

He added that the incident was not intended to send fans the wrong message. Jackson and his teammates were celebrating a touchdown like any other team.

“Hopefully, it doesn’t happen again. I’ll learn from that,” Jackson said.

The Ravens seemed to be in control of the game after Hopkins’ wild score and another drive that elongated the lead to 40-25 at the start of the fourth quarter.

Unexpectedly, Bills quarterback Josh Allen quickly led two touchdown drives and set up placekicker Matt Prater for a 32-yard field goal as time ran out. The results marked the Bills with one of the most dramatic comebacks during Week 1, ending in a 41-40 win.

The incident underlined the emotional intensity of NFL games and raised questions about the boundaries between players and fans. The Ravens are shifting all focus toward Week 2 as the team regroups after the gut-wrenching opening loss.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie safety Shilo Sanders, the son of former NFL football player Deion Sanders, was ejected from the last preseason game against the Buffalo Bills.

Shilo’s brother, Shedeur Sanders, is trying to hold his place on the Cleveland Browns roster.

It was the second quarter and the game was in favor of the Buffalo Bills, when suddenly a flag was thrown on the field. Out in the 15-yard line, Sanders was locked in with Buffalo Bills tight end, Zach Davidson.

Moments earlier, Davidson came to Sanders and pushed him, initiating the incident. Both players were backing up toward an end goal when they started to play roughly. As a response to this, Sanders threw a punch at Davidson. As soon as this happened, John Bullock, a linebacker for the Buccaneers, ran toward Sanders to calm him down while game officials discussed the next steps.

The referees decided to eject Sanders from the game. Despite losing the game 23-19 to the Buffalo Bills, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers still had 11 players on the field. The next match the Buccaneers will play is the first of the NFL season, against the Atlanta Falcons.

On Sunday morning, the punishment for Sanders was released. He will be waived from the team. This means that other NFL teams can claim his contract, or if no one claims him, he might become a free agent.

The Tush Push gained popularity through the Philadelphia Eagles’ use of the play, but the Buffalo Bills are another team that has found success with it.

The vote to ban the play in May didn’t pass, although the Bills were one of the teams that voted in favor of the ban. Head coach Sean McDermott believes that although the play was successful, the injury risk is too great.

Bills quarterback Josh Allen doesn’t agree with his head coach.

“I’m a big believer in if you can’t stop it, keep running it, right?” Allen told Sports Illustrated. “And just because a couple teams do it better than others, I don’t feel like it should be banned.”

Allen’s view is not unique and is shared by many who don’t want to see the play banned.

For the vote to pass, 24 NFL teams need to vote in favor of the ban. In May, only 22 teams voted in favor, with ten teams voting no.

In addition to the Eagles, the Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins and Detroit Lions were among the ten teams that voted no.

Allen scored 12 rushing touchdowns last season, with many of the 12 coming from the Tush Push on the goal line. He likely doesn’t want to see a play that has helped his team win be banned.

“I feel like if you can use it to your benefit, use it to your benefit,” Allen said. “If you don’t like it, my advice is to stop it, you know?”

Buffalo Bills defensive end Joey Bosa has pulled his calf muscle while training at the team facility and will be out until training camp.

Bosa will not participate in team activities, head coach Sean McDermott told reporters.

Bosa signed a one-year $12.6 million deal with the Bills in the offseason that includes $12 million guaranteed. Bosa spent the first nine years with the Los Angeles Chargers after being drafted with the third pick in 2016.

The five-time Pro Bowler has a new home for the first time in his career.

Bosa has dealt with injuries throughout his career. He hasn’t played at least 16 games in a season since 2021. In his nine-year career, Bosa has only played every game in two seasons.

In addition to Bosa’s injury, running back James Cook is not present at OTAs as he’s looking for a new contract.

McDermott expects Bosa to be recovered and ready for the start of training camp.

Tre’Davious White is headed back to the Buffalo Bills on a one-year, $6.8 million deal, per his agent at Universal Sports.

White played in Buffalo from 2017-2023, before spending 2024 with both the Los Angeles Rams and Baltimore Ravens.

The former All-Pro is now back where he started.

In 11 games, White finished the season with 22 tackles and five passes defended. This was the first season of White’s career without an interception.

After struggling with the Rams and being benched, White was traded to the Ravens during the season. Despite only playing in 35% of the defensive snaps in Baltimore, White made a decent impact.

White has dealt with major injury issues throughout his career. From 2022-2024, he has played in just 21 games. In 2021, White tore his left ACL on Thanksgiving. In 2023, White tore his Achilles.

While the best days of White’s career might be behind him, he can still make an impact in Buffalo.

Cornerback is among the highest positional needs in Buffalo. Starter Rasul Douglas is still a free agent, and the depth is lacking. Buffalo will likely target a cornerback during the NFL Draft.

In seven seasons in the league, White has totaled 18 interceptions and 73 passes defended. He is a former First-team All-Pro and led the NFL in interceptions in 2019.

NFL owners approved a rule change on Tuesday to allow both teams to possess the ball in overtime, making the playoff overtime rules uniform for all games. The proposal came from the Philadelphia Eagles. The NFL announced this rule change and several others for the 2025 season.

The only difference between the playoff format and the regular season is the duration of overtime, which will stay at ten minutes for the regular season. The proposal for the new overtime rules passed 32-0 among NFL owners during the league’s annual meeting at Palm Beach, Florida.

There has been demand among many NFL fans for changes to the overtime format for a long time. The overtime playoff rules were first changed in 2022, following the Kansas City Chiefs’ 42-36 win over the Buffalo Bills during that year’s divisional round.

The league has also approved other rule changes. Touchbacks will now be marked at the 35-yard line to increase the return rate on kickoffs.

Changes to replay assist have been added as well. The on-site replay official will now be allowed to reverse flags for hits to a defenseless player, facemask, horsecollar, tripping and roughing/running into the kicker.

The Buffalo Bills maintained their strategy of securing their own draft picks long-term, reaching an extension with Christian Benford on a four-year, $76 million deal.

Originally set to play out the final year of his rookie contract, Benford is now under contract through 2029. The deal is part of the Bills’ ongoing focus on retaining homegrown talent before they hit free agency – “draft, develop and re-sign,” as general manager Brandon Beane puts it.

Benford is now the third player from the Bills’ 2022 draft class to receive a four-year extension this offseason, joining Khalil Shakir and Terrel Bernard. Buffalo has also locked in Greg Rousseau with a four-year contract and Josh Allen with a six-year extension.

Since entering the league, Benford has carved out a significant role in the Bills’ defense. He started five games in his rookie year while the secondary took shape before breaking out in 2024 as their No.1 outside cornerback. Over three seasons, he has started 34 regular-season games, recording five interceptions, 25 passes deflected, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

The Buffalo Bills parted ways with Von Miller on Sunday, releasing him before the start of the new league year.

By making this move, the team clears $8.4 million in cap space, giving them flexibility to get under the cap before the new league year begins on Wednesday.

The team has not ruled out the option of bringing Miller back.

> READ MORE: VON MILLER SIGNS $120 MILLION DEAL

Releasing Miller triggers $15.4 million in dead cap for the Bills this year. His contract had been set to run through 2027.

At $23.9 million, Miller’s cap figure was the second-highest on the team, behind only Josh Allen.

Miller’s release follows the Bills’ decision to extend Greg Rousseau on Saturday with a four-year, $80 million contract. The deal guarantees $54 million, though the position remains a priority this offseason.

Miller’s time in Buffalo has been tumultuous. He joined the team on a six-year, $120 million contract in the 2022 offseason and started strong, posting eight sacks in his first 11 games. However, a right ACL tear on Nov. 24, 2022 derailed his season, and in 2024 training camp, he admitted he “probably should not have played” in 2023.

That year, he struggled through 12 games without recording a sack and finished with only three tackles.

In an effort to help the team’s cap situation, he reworked his deal last offseason, taking a pay cut that freed up $8.645 million in cap space for the Bills.

“Last year at this time, we were working on a restructure for him, and he did something unprecedented,” Brandon Beane, the Bills’ general manager, said at the NFL Scouting Combine. “He took a pay cut below his actual guarantee. And you’re talking about a first-ballot Hall of Famer that did that. So, a lot of respect for what he did to come back and try and help us chase this trophy. And I thought as the year went on, he continued to show that he could still play.”

Miller delivered a solid performance in 2024, totaling six regular-season sacks. Yet, in the playoffs, he played fewer than 21 snaps in each of the Bills’ three games, logging only 16 snaps in the AFC Championship against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Over three seasons, he recorded 14 sacks and 23 quarterback hits.

The Bills are holding onto Greg Rousseau, keeping him in Buffalo for the long term.

Rousseau and the Buffalo Bills reached a four-year, $80 million extension, with $54 million guaranteed, his agent, Joe Segal of WME Football tells uSports.

Rousseau, the Bills’ 2021 first-round pick, was initially slated to play under his fifth-year option, but his extension keeps him in Buffalo through 2029.

>GET THE LATEST BUFFALO BILLS NEWS!

Rousseau is the third Bills draft pick in two weeks – alongside Khalil Shakir and Terrel Bernard – to ink an extension through 2029.

Over four seasons with the Bills, Rousseau has racked up 25 sacks, 15 pass deflections and 66 quarterback hits. He finished last season with 53 pressures, the fourth-highest total in the NFL. He is one of only seven players who recorded a 25% run stop win rate and a 15% pass rush win rate (minimum 400 pass rush attempts).

“I thought Greg did a nice job, had some good games for us, still showed some ascension,” Brandon Beane, the Bills’ general manager said during the NFL draft combine. “I don’t think he’s necessarily peaked out or anything. I think Greg needs to continue to take another step. We would like to see Greg be a double-digit sack player, and you need, you got to get that quarterback down. I know he would want that too, but I thought Greg was really one of our most consistent D-linemen all year and look forward to him going into year five. Hopefully, even taking another step for us.”

Since his arrival in 2021, Rousseau has been the Bills’ leader in quarterback hits, sacks, and deflected passes. He finished last season tying his career with eight sacks and set a new record with 24 quarterback hits.

James Cook and Christian Benford are also up for extensions. The team is working to meet the salary cap requirement by the start of the league year on Wednesday.

The Buffalo Bills have locked in wide receiver Khalil Shakir, one of Josh Allen’s go-to targets, with a four-year extension.

The deal could reach $60.2 million in total, with $32 million guaranteed at signing, Shakir’s agent, Sam Mirza of Steinberg Sports & and Entertainment tells uSports.

Drafted in the fifth round out of Boise State, Shakir is now the first player from Buffalo’s 2022 draft class to receive a long-term extension. After leading the team in receiving yards in 2024, he had one year remaining on his rookie deal, but this new contract keeps him with the Bills through 2029.

“You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone – fans, players, anyone – in our building to say anything negative about Khalil and what he’s brought,” Bills general manager Brandon Beane said about Shakir at the NFL draft combine on Tuesday. “The guy is a true lunch-pail Buffalonian. I mean, I know he’s not from Buffalo, but he doesn’t say anything, he just shows up every single day.

“He’s Mr. Dependable, and when the ball’s thrown his way, he usually comes down with it. I’m sure everyone on our team that’s coming back will be excited to have Khalil knowing … and we’re going to count on him even more, not only on the field but his leadership going forward.”

The deal guarantees Shakir $18 million within the first 12 months.

Shakir was the only receiver on the Bills’ 53-man roster last season to have previously caught a pass from Allen in a game. He delivered his best season yet, hauling in 76 receptions on 100 targets for 821 yards and four touchdowns.

Over the past two seasons, including playoffs, Allen has connected with Shakir on 81% of his pass attempts – the highest completion rate among 60 quarterback-wide receiver duos with at least 100 targets during that stretch.

A crucial piece of the Bills’ offense, Shakir led the team in yards, receptions, and targets while ranking third among wide receivers in yards after catch per reception (7.9) and third in the NFL in total yards after catch (599). He had just one drop during the 2024 season.

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott was on the wrong side of NFL history on Sunday.

As the Kansas City Chiefs advanced to the Super Bowl for a shot at a three-peat, head coach Andy Reid became the first head coach in NFL history to defeat another head coach at least four times in the playoffs. The Bills are now 0-4 against the Reid-and-Mahomes playoff Chiefs.

Buffalo and Kansas City have been rock-solid in the regular season over the past half-decade, and the Bills have the edge in the regular season series. Despite regular season wins, though, the Chiefs remain the playoff hump they can’t get over.

In his end-of-season press conference, Bills star quarterback and MVP frontrunner Josh Allen defended McDermott strongly.

“This is going to sound weird – I’m just so proud of Coach,” he said. “I don’t know why he’s not recognized more in the award stuff.”

“Time in and time out, he’s got us in position. He gives his life to this. He is so committed to doing whatever it takes. And to see him adapt and really grow as a coach has been fun to watch. … I respect the hell out of Coach.”

When asked about his confidence level that McDermott would be the coach to get the Bills their first-ever championship, Allen’s answer was immediate.

“Extremely confident,” he said.

The Bills were largely overlooked in the preseason, particularly given the loss of huge pieces like wide receiver Stefon Diggs. Often slated to finish second or third in their division, Allen and the coaching were both huge factors in the season they were able to finish with.

McDermott ends his eighth season with the Bills having gone to the playoffs seven times, never advancing past the AFC Championship.

On Sunday, the contenders for the Super Bowl were set: once again, the Philadelphia Eagles will face the Kansas City Chiefs, as they did in 2022. 

The Philadelphia Eagles played the waiting game as Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders consistently converted on third and fourth downs. Their 18-play, seven-minute opening drive ended with a field goal – a solid opening for the rookie quarterback to start his NFC Championship debut in a tough road environment.

The Eagles answered back with a quick one-play, 18-second drive to take the lead.

Saquon Barkley exploded for a 60-yard touchdown on the Eagles’ first play, finishing with 118 yards and three touchdowns. Jalen Hurts added three rushing TDs as Philadelphia flew into a dominant 55-23 win over the Commanders and into the Super Bowl.

The 55 points set a record for the most scored by any team in a conference championship game since the 1970 merger.

Hurts threw for 246 yards and a touchdown pass. A.J. Brown hauled in six passes for 96 yards and a touchdown, while pretending to toss the NFC championship trophy off a platform. The Eagles, who were 2-2 going into the bye week, set a season-high in points to secure the franchise’s fifth Super Bowl appearance.

Just like Barkley, Daniels delivered several crucial plays, including a 36-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin that cut the lead to 14-12.

Daniels threw for 255 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, coming up short of becoming the first rookie quarterback to lead a team to the Super Bowl. The Commanders were plagued by four turnovers, including a third-quarter fumble by Austin Ekeler while trailing 34-23.

Hurts clinched the Super Bowl berth with a tush-push touchdown in the fourth quarter. His ninth career postseason rushing score put them up 41-23.

The Commanders’ desperate attempt at another late comeback fell flat when Nolan Smith Jr. sacked Daniels on fourth down in the fourth quarter. Will Shipley relieved Barkley in the blowout, scoring a 2-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 55-23. The “E-A-G-L-E-S! Eagles!” chants erupted.

After losing to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl two years ago, the Eagles now have a shot to win their second title.

Buffalo Bills faithful filled a flight out of New York on Saturday, Jan. 25, heading to Kansas City, where their team would face the Chiefs the next day. Footage taken by Buffalo Niagara International Airport shows red, white, and blue-clad fans aboard a plane with giant cutout heads of QB Josh Allen. The Bills were set to play the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Sunday evening. (Credit: Buffalo Niagara International Airport via Storyful)

With Super Bowl LIX on the horizon, the NFL’s final four teams battle to punch their ticket to football glory.

The Washington Commanders will visit the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship, while the Buffalo Bills will face the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship. Both games are set for Sunday, Jan. 26.

The Dan Quinn-led Commanders finished the regular season with a record of 12-5. They are riding a seven-game winning streak, with their most recent victory over the Detroit Lions in the Divisional Round.

Jayden Daniels is already one of the league’s top players, an impressive feat for a rookie quarterback.

He’s set to become only the sixth rookie quarterback to start in a conference championship. He joins the list of Brock Purdy, Mark Sanchez, Joe Flacco, Ben Roethlisberger and Shaun King. Each of those five quarterbacks lost in the conference championship, leaving Daniels with the chance to become the first rookie QB to reach the Super Bowl.

The Commanders will need to overcome a dominant Eagles lineup coached by Nick Sirianni, which just had a stellar 14-3 season.

Philadelphia features the toughest defensive front and is still in the playoffs. They can shut down the run game, and their pass rush is quick, physical and full of depth.

Defensive tackle Jalen Carter has displayed a level of dominance that has drawn comparisons to Aaron Donald. Edge rusher Nolan Smith Jr. has come into his own just when the team needs it most for their championship push. It doesn’t just stop with just those two.

With Carter, Smith Jr., Jordan Davis, Bryce Huff, Jalyx Hunt, Josh Sweat and Milton Williams, Philadelphia’s defensive line boasts seven deep. Backing them up is linebacker Zack Baun, the most pivotal defensive player remaining in the playoffs. He gives the Eagles the unique ability to exploit matchups on the line of scrimmage like no one else.

Offensively, the Eagles thrive in the rushing game, driven by the strength of their offensive line and Saquon Barkley‘s playmaking ability. Their roster is stacked with the pieces needed to defeat any team.

While the Commanders and Eagles dominate in the NFC, the Bills and Chiefs are equally formidable in the AFC.

Quarterback Josh Allen is playing the most well-rounded football of his career, making the Bills’ offense nearly unstoppable. He’s become a dynamic passer and a significant rushing threat. However, the 13-4 Bills have more to offer than just Allen.

When Joe Brady was promoted to offensive coordinator last season, the Bills’ offense changed its approach, focusing more on the running game, where James Cook has excelled.

Defensively, Buffalo’s pass-rush ability has weakened this season, ranked 24th in the league. Their pressure and sack rates placed them in the bottom third.

While the Bills’ defense is not top-tier, it’s reliable enough to stay in the game. Overall, they’re a solid, well-rounded team.

While Buffalo’s defense has faced some struggles, it remains to be seen if they can stay competitive. On the other hand, the Chiefs’ offense has dealt with its own challenges his season.

The 15-2 Chiefs’ offense has been far from smooth sailing, mainly due to the struggles of their offensive line. Their defense can still hold its ground, but their offense must match the high-scoring Bills blow-for-blow.

Kansas City holds an NFL record with 16 consecutive wins in one-score games. They’ve faced countless pressure situations and thrive in tight games.

The play clock wound down with the Buffalo Bills in victory formation. As Josh Allen knelt a final time, cementing the 27-25 divisional round win, he made a beeline to – opposing quarterback Lamar Jackson.

The quarterbacks shared a handshake and a few words in a stunning display of sportsmanship despite their increasingly heated MVP race.

“I got so much respect and love for [Jackson],” Allen later told Tracy Wolfson. “The way he plays the game, he’s a true competitor, he’s a true football player. One of the greatest to ever step on the football field. Nothing but love.”

The game itself wasn’t either player’s best: Buffalo won mainly on the ground, as Allen had just 127 passing yards (but two rushing touchdowns), while Jackson tossed for 254 yards and two touchdowns but lost a fumble and an interception. The ultimate difference? A drop on the two-point conversion from Ravens tight end Mark Andrews.

Both quarterbacks seemed to appreciate the closeness of the game and emphasized each other’s previous success when asked.

“Great players recognize greatness,” said Jackson.

“I told him, ‘Man, go get something. Go win something. MVP or Super Bowl. Do something.’ I want him to be successful.”

Allen and the Bills will be looking to do just that in the AFC Championship next Sunday. They face Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, still in the mix for a third consecutive Super Bowl, with the aim to avenge a divisional round heartbreaker last year. And the Chiefs have seemed nearly indomitable all year – save for the Bills’ win over them in Week 11.

Yes, another clash of great quarterbacks is in the cards. For now, though, sportsmanship prevails.

The Buffalo Bills made the strategic decision to trade star wide receiver Stefon Diggs this offseason, incurring a substantial financial hit to their salary cap. This move, which cost the team over $31 million in dead cap space, set a record for a non-quarterback trade. General manager Brandon Beane explained the rationale behind the trade timing during an appearance on The Athletic Football Show, emphasizing the importance of clearing Diggs’ contract from their books sooner rather than later.

Beane said to CBS Sports, “A player of his caliber, you weigh a lot of things. But ultimately, we just talked about the [salary] cap.” He expressed that the team preferred to absorb the financial impact immediately rather than spreading it over multiple years. “If we tried to come up with some way to split it up too many different ways, it’s just like that albatross hanging on your neck all year,” Beane said, highlighting the long-term benefits of their decision.

Diggs had shown signs of dissatisfaction with the team’s direction despite his success as Josh Allen‘s top target. This dissatisfaction and financial considerations led the Bills to trade him to the Houston Texans in a swap of draft picks. The Bills incurred a $31.096 million dead-cap hit for 2024, reducing their cap space by approximately $4 million. However, this move also freed up a projected $19 million cap space for 2025 by offloading the remainder of Diggs’ four-year, $96 million contract extension signed in 2022.

Beane explained that this approach allows the team to avoid future financial constraints that could hamper their competitiveness. “I’m super-competitive,” he said. “I’m gonna be ripping myself the minute we have to walk into a year, and I feel like we gotta play with one arm tied behind our back because the cap is what it is. … We got Josh Allen, and we want to compete every single year for a championship.”

To compensate for Diggs’s loss, the Bills restructured their receivers with a mix of lower-cost veterans such as Curtis Samuel and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. They also selected second-round draft pick Keon Coleman. Beane humorously described the revamped receiver room as “like Baskin-Robbins,” indicating the variety of options now available to the team.

By taking an immediate financial hit, the Bills aim to maintain their competitiveness in the present while preparing for greater financial flexibility and stability in the coming seasons.