The Buffalo Bills clinched the AFC’s sixth seed and will open the playoffs on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Here’s what the matchup means for Buffalo’s postseason path.
The Buffalo Bills now know who they’ll be facing next week during Wild Card Weekend. After all the games were played on Sunday afternoon, the Bills clinched the sixth seed in the AFC.
The Bills earned the sixth seed after defeating the New York Jets while the Los Angeles Chargers lost to the Denver Broncos.
By clinching the sixth seed, the Bills now have a date with the third seed in the conference, the Jacksonville Jaguars.
This will be the third time the Bills and Jaguars have met in the playoffs. The last time came in 2018, with the Bills losing 10-3. It was also Buffalo’s first playoff game since January 8, 2000, ending a 17-year drought. Overall, Buffalo is 0-2 in the playoffs against Jacksonville.
Including the regular season, The Bills are 10-8 all-time against the Jaguars.
With the seeding being what it is, it also means that the Bills have a slim chance to host a playoff game, depending on how the bracket unfolds. While that scenario would require plenty of help, it keeps the door open for a return to Orchard Park one final time if Buffalo can get to the AFC Championship game.
Beyond the matchup itself, the challenge is clear. Opening the playoffs on the road removes one of the Bills’ biggest advantages, particularly in January, when weather and crowd noise often play a major role. It puts added emphasis on execution, discipline, and avoiding early mistakes in a hostile environment, areas that can quickly swing a playoff game.
As of writing, the exact date and time for Bills vs. Jaguars have yet to be announced. That’s expected to come after the conclusion of Sunday Night Football between Baltimore and Pittsburgh.
Either way, the Bills now have to prepare for their first road Wild Card game since 2019. That year, Buffalo lost in overtime to the Houston Texans. Since 1993—the last year the Bills actually won a road playoff game—the team is 0-8. Since joining the NFL, they are just 3-13 on the road while being 16-3 at home.