The Buffalo Bills may have survived the regular season, but their Super Bowl aspirations now face a critical test that one analyst believes Josh Allen‘s offense is unprepared for. Allen is known for bouncing back, but according to former QB Dan Orlovsky, relying on that trend without a specific offensive adjustment could be the very thing that ends Buffalo’s season.

“I think Josh, the last time we saw him on the field versus Philly, just did not play a great game,” analyst Dan Orlovsky said on a recent Buffalo Bills channel. “It’s rare when we see Josh Allen not play or play two stinkers in a row. And I think that bodes well for Buffalo just being able to go punch for punch.”

The Bills enter the NFL playoffs under intense pressure. They started the season as Super Bowl favorites, and that pressure has increased. Amid the ongoing situation, all hopes are on their quarterback Josh Allen. However, several indicators pose a major threat for the team’s head coach Sean McDermott.

On the other hand, Jacksonville Jaguars really did change fast, jumping from a four-win team in 2024 to a division winner in 2025 under new head coach Liam Coen. Coen unlocked more from Trevor Lawrence and paired it with a defense that ranked among the league’s best in points allowed, making this a very different team from the one Buffalo crushed 47-10 last year under Doug Pederson.

Additionally, the Jaguars enter the Wild Card round with a strong passing attack led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The ongoing season saw him throw for 255 yards and three touchdowns in their decisive AFC South-clinching win. Lawrence has been effective all season and presents a tough challenge for the Bills’ defense.

Their receiving group also has strong playmakers. Jakobi Meyers was acquired mid-season and has become a reliable target with good route running and few drops (75 receptions). Parker Washington has also been productive at receiver (58 receptions), and tight end Brenton Strange has emerged as a major target option.

Another issue for Buffalo is Jacksonville’s offensive pace. The Jaguars often use a no-huddle tempo, which can put pressure on defenses by forcing quick adjustments and limiting substitutions, especially after big plays or first downs. Opposing teams have flagged this quick offense as a potential mismatch problem.

McDermott’s point is that the roster, identity, and edge of the Jaguars are not the same, especially with their ability to force turnovers and win field position through defense and special teams. While the Bills clearly have more playoff experience, that alone doesn’t guarantee anything. Overlooking this Jaguars team would be risky, and given how hard nothing has come for Buffalo this season, the idea that the Bills can coast through the AFC doesn’t match reality.

For McDermott, he himself stepped forward to heap praise for the Jaguars’ offensive star.

Bills’ Sean McDermott applauds Jakobi Meyers for his commendable performance

The Buffalo Bills are scheduled to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in a match that could mark an end to their hopes this season. Aiming to make it to the divisional round, the Bills will have to overturn the home advantage to extend their Super Bowl run. However, amid the ongoing preparations, their coach Sean McDermott stepped forward to offer praise for Jakobi Meyers over a commendable season, subtly giving his locker room a hint that this battle won’t be easy.

“I thought one of the moves that’s made a difference for them offensively is adding Jakobi Meyers,” McDermott said, as reported by JagsWire. “A good pickup for them. Probably a guy that’s, quite honestly, been undervalued in his career, but going against him in New England, a ton of respect for his game.”

Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers signed a three-year, $60 million contract extension with the Jacksonville Jaguars in December 2025. During his first season with the Jaguars, Meyers recorded 75 receptions for 835 yards and three touchdowns, contributing as a top target for quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

While the upcoming showdown counts as one of the most crucial games this season, it still remains to be seen if he manages to post similar results. The game is scheduled to take place on Sunday, January 11th at 1:00 p.m. at EverBank Stadium.