The Jacksonville Jaguars are getting ready to host their first playoff game since 2022. On that occasion, they defeated the Los Angeles Chargers in a game that featured a 27-point comeback by Jacksonville.
Now, they will face off against the Buffalo Bills. The Bills have been a playoff staple in the AFC, as this year marks their seventh consecutive postseason appearance. Unfortunately for the Jaguars, the Bills have also won their wild-card game in five consecutive seasons. However, this time marks their first road game in the Wild Card round since the 2019 season where they lost their opening matchup.
Heading into the game, the status of MVP quarterback Josh Allen was up in the air, as he suffered a foot injury against the Browns in Week 16.
Josh Allen Injury Update Prior to Jaguars Game
Despite dealing with a foot injury, the Bills announced that Josh Allen was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice. After the injury in Week 16 against the Browns, Allen stayed in the game. However, his effectiveness has not been the same as it was prior to the injury. The following week, Allen played the entire game against the Philadelphia Eagles, but he could only lead the team to 12 total points, and missed a crucial pass on a 2-point conversion that would have given Buffalo the win.
In Week 18, Allen started against the Jets, but with his health an issue and the team’s seeding locked, the Bills removed him following the first snap of the game. He took the first snap of the game in order to extend his 127-game streak of starts.
Josh Allen is 2-2 in his career against the Jaguars, and has not faced them in the playoffs. He last faced off against the Jaguars in 2024, going 23-for-30 with 267 passing yards and four passing touchdowns in a 47-10 Bills win. Additionally, he added 44 rushing yards. It remains to be seen how big of an impact his foot injury will have, as it could lead to Allen’s rushing ability being limited. In the two games after suffering his foot injury, Allen failed to reach 30 rushing yards in either game. He had previously totaled 30 or more rushing yards in five out of his last six games.
Regarding how the foot injury affected the Bills, offensive coordinator Joe Brady said that the injury played a big factor in the team’s play calling. After playing only one snap last week, Allen may be fully ready as indicated by his full participation in practice.
Jacksonville Jaguars Playoff Schedule
With the No.3 seed, the Jaguars could potentially host multiple playoff games if they win, and other results go their way. The Jaguars will hope the No. 2 seed Patriots lose to the Los Angeles Chargers. A win by the Chargers and Jaguars would result in Jacksonville hosting a playoff game in the divisional round.
If the Patriots and Jaguars both win, the Jaguars would go to New England to take on the Patriots in the divisional round.
Either way, the priority in Jacksonville now remains on the Bills and securing Jacksonville’s first playoff win since the 2022 season. The last time these two teams met in the playoffs was the 2017 season. On that occasion, Jacksonville came out on top 10-3 after a game-clinching interception by cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
Jaguars Get Josh Allen Injury Update Before Playoff Game