The Buffalo Bills are locked in as the AFC’s No. 2 seed regardless of the outcome of Week 18’s matchup. Head coach Sean McDermott has disclosed his strategy to mix up the lineup, with backups expected to see significant playing time alongside key starters, including star quarterback Josh Allen.
McDermott explained, “What we’re going to do is you’ll see some starters out there playing, and you’ll see some other players who we want to take a good look at. So it’ll be a blend of both.” This approach aims to balance giving valuable playing time to emerging talents while also maintaining the rhythm and continuity of the team.
Despite the game holding no direct implications for the 13-2 Bills, McDermott emphasized the significance of Josh Allen’s consecutive games started streak. Allen, who has started 114 consecutive games including postseason appearances since 2018, values this streak as a personal milestone. McDermott confirmed that Allen would feature in the game briefly to uphold his streak before exiting swiftly.
Reflecting on his conversation with Allen, McDermott shared, “I’m not surprised by it. The conversation we had, it was rather brief, but it was the first thing that he shared was that that was important to him.” McDermott praised Allen’s dedication and highlighted his impressive achievements, underlining the quarterback’s commitment to excellence and consistency.
Josh Allen currently holds the longest active starting streak among NFL quarterbacks, with Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions following behind with 51 consecutive starts. The all-time record is held by Brett Favre, who started an impressive 297 games in a row during his illustrious career.
As Josh Allen gears up for the final game of the regular season, his exceptional performance throughout the year positions him as a strong contender for the NFL MVP award. Leading the Bills to a franchise-record of 509 points and 63 touchdowns, Allen’s impact on the team’s success has been undeniable.
Looking ahead to the postseason, McDermott aims to balance preparation for the upcoming wildcard weekend while also managing player workload effectively. The focus remains on winning the game against the New England Patriots while strategically planning for potential playoff opponents, which could include the Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, or Cincinnati Bengals.
McDermott emphasized the dual objectives for the week, stating, “We want to win this game, there’s no doubt. At the same time try and get a little bit of rest. That’s the obvious. And then also try and prepare a little bit if we can forecast a little bit who we might play. So it’ll be a week that’s focused on New England, but also moving our team forward as well.”
In conclusion, the Buffalo Bills’ approach for Week 18 reflects a balance between maintaining player milestones and readiness for the postseason. McDermott’s careful management of the lineup underscores the team’s commitment to excellence while strategically navigating the final stretch of the regular season.
