The Buffalo Bills start the Sunday portion of Super Wild Card weekend against the Denver Broncos. Two teams are meeting at different sites.
When many predicted that the Bills would not make it to the playoffs at all, they surprised the NFL by securing the #2 seed.
The Broncos have likewise shocked, turning what seemed to be a rebuilding season into a competitive one with their outstanding defense and unexpected quarterback play. Maybe these two aren’t all that different after all.
Nevertheless, they are on different parts of the same journey. Buffalo has taken their struggling mobile quarterback and turned him into a consistent competitor.
Although the Broncos have finished their inaugural season, things appear to be going well. One of those storylines has to cease for the present, but which one and how?
Prediction #1 Ty Johnson s Big Day
The backup running back Despite some controversy, Ty Johnson is one of the Bills’ most crucial players this weekend. Ty, why? It’s a good question, but the Bills offense supporters will know the answer.
Of all the Buffalo Bills players, Ty Johnson is the best at picking up the blitz. He often plays both receiver and blocker in passing downs.
With a blitz rate of 29.5%, few teams send more rushers to the quarterback as often as the Denver Broncos. Buffalo should therefore anticipate depending on Johnson.
Buffalo will not confine him to blocking; he will do more. Even though he mostly plays in passing situations, Johnson has 497 total yards this season. On just 18 catches, 284 of those yards are being received.
Thanks to his diligence, Ty has three receiving touchdowns this season and averages 15.8 yards per reception. This weekend, he should thrive and present an unanticipated threat.
Prediction #2 Denver Turns Pass-Happy
Throughout their five straight AFC East titles, the Buffalo Bills have done one thing consistently. They’ve done a fantastic job of letting teams run over them while still guarding the pass.
Buffalo continuously forcing the opposition offense to generate yards on the ground or with short passes gives them greater leeway, even if it may not sound balanced.
The Bills have the largest turnover differential in the NFL because offensive errors are more likely to occur on longer drives.
The offense can run the ball against Buffalo’s defensive line, but that comes at a cost. It’s a reasonable price, particularly when playing a club without a strong running game like the Broncos.
Throughout the season, Denver has had trouble producing consistently in the run game. They’ve experienced sporadic bursts of success, but nothing more.
The Broncos have the ninth-fewest running touchdowns (12) in the NFL this season, and defenses seldom ever have to worry about their ground game.
Buffalo can focus on stopping what Denver seems to be excellent at by selling out against the pass. The Bills won’t have to worry about the run game at all if Buffalo can establish an early lead and put the Broncos in passing situations.
Prediction #3 Final Score
It is hardly surprising that Buffalo is predicted to win because they are the superior team. The Broncos, meanwhile, are a crafty squad with a fearsome secondary, a deadly defensive line, and an unproven quarterback.
In the passing game, they are unpredictable and will penalize you if you don’t rapidly weaken their defense. Whether they are the seventh seed or not, this is a playoff matchup against a club that deserves to be here.
Regardless, with more than a week of football remaining, the Buffalo Bills had guaranteed the #2 seed. They are in better shape going into the playoffs than they have been since the early 1990s because they have been resting and getting ready for this. Buffalo will choose to win even though this is their game to lose.
RESOURCE
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.