Ups and downs in the NFL are always dramatic, for better or worse, and that is exactly what the Buffalo Bills are experiencing right now. In Week 15, optimism around the team skyrocketed after a spectacular comeback win against the New England Patriots. At one point, the Bills were down 21-0, but as road underdogs they managed to rally and win the game 35-31.
However, the final two weeks of the regular season-Weeks 16 and 17-have been a struggle for Buffalo. In Week 16, they narrowly defeated the Cleveland Browns in a very tight contest, and this past Sunday they were defeated 13-12 by the Philadelphia Eagles. Notably, Josh Allen has never beaten the Eagles in his career and now holds an 0-3 record against them.
With the loss to Philadelphia, the Bills also surrendered their reign as champions of the AFC East, a title they had held for five consecutive seasons. The new kings of the division are the New England Patriots, led by Drake Maye, who is currently the favorite to win the MVP award-an honor that presently belongs to Josh Allen.
Should the Buffalo Bills rest Josh Allen?
There is no doubt that the Bills’ last two performances have left much to be desired, and there is one common denominator: Josh Allen. No one is questioning the quality of the reigning NFL MVP-he remains one of the best, if not the best, quarterbacks in the league. However, he is dealing with an injury that has prevented him from finding his rhythm, significantly lowering the Bills’ chances.
Josh Allen was sacked during the game against the Browns, and although a fracture was ruled out, it is undeniable that he is playing through a physical issue in his right leg. This was clearly evident again in the game against the Eagles. Even so, he managed to score two rushing touchdowns, but he also missed key passes that proved costly for Sean McDermott’s team.
ESPN insider Dan Graziano believes the Bills should consider resting Josh Allen in their final regular-season game against the New York Jets. “That foot has to be right. I’m not one who advocates for sitting down players that are healthy in Week 18. [Josh Allen’s] not,” Graziano said on First Take.
That decision, however, will not be easy. The Bills are currently the No. 7 seed in the AFC and would face the Patriots on the road in the playoffs. Buffalo needs a win and a loss by the Chargers-something that seems possible since Los Angeles would be without Justin Herbert-to move up to the No. 6 seed. They could even climb to No. 5, though that scenario is less likely, as it would require a Texans loss. Because of this, it seems unlikely that the Bills will choose to rest Josh Allen.
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