Bills vs Bengals NFL Playoff Preview: Game Analysis, Matchups and Prediction for Today's AFC Wild Card Game

Previewing Today's Bills vs Bengals AFC Wild Card Matchup

The first NFL playoff game of 2024 kicks off today with an exciting AFC Wild Card matchup between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals. This highly-anticipated playoff rematch features two of the top teams in the AFC and promises to be a thrilling start to the postseason.

The game is set for Saturday, January 6 at 4:30 PM EST on CBS. It will take place at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati in front of a raucous Bengals home crowd. The weather forecast calls for sunny skies and temperatures in the low 40s at kickoff.

How the Bills and Bengals Got Here

The Bills enter the playoffs as AFC East champions after going 12-5 in the regular season. Led by star quarterback Josh Allen, Buffalo fielded one of the NFL's top passing offenses and scoring units. Allen threw for 4,283 yards and 35 touchdowns while adding 762 rushing yards and 7 scores on the ground. Top targets Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis combined for over 2,400 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns.

Defensively, the Bills were solid all season long. Linebacker Matt Milano headlines the unit along with safeties Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde. This completeness on both sides of the ball makes Buffalo a serious Super Bowl contender.

As for the Bengals, they went 11-6 to repeat as AFC North champs. Quarterback Joe Burrow took another step forward in his third season, tossing 35 touchdowns against just 12 interceptions. Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd form one of the NFL's premier receiving corps. Running back Joe Mixon brings balance to the offense with 1,205 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns.

On defense, the Bengals are led by defensive end Trey Hendrickson, linebacker Logan Wilson, and safety Jessie Bates III. This unit made major strides compared to previous seasons and helped Cincinnati return to the postseason.

Key Matchups to Watch

When these teams faced off in the regular season back in Week 17, the Bengals pulled off a 27-10 road upset. Burrow threw for 244 yards and 2 touchdowns, while the Cincinnati defense limited Allen to just 126 passing yards with an interception. It was a statement win for the Bengals as they geared up for another playoff run.

Today's rematch will hinge on a few key matchups:

• Josh Allen vs. the Bengals pass rush - Allen was sacked 4 times in the first meeting. Cincinnati must contain Allen's dual-threat ability.
• Stefon Diggs vs. Eli Apple - Diggs was held to just 35 yards last time. He'll be looking for a bounce-back against Apple's coverage.
• Joe Mixon vs. Bills run defense - Mixon rushed for 58 yards before exiting due to injury. His status is uncertain today.
• Ja'Marr Chase vs. Tre'Davious White - Chase had 7 catches for 97 yards in Week 17. White is an elite cornerback when healthy.

What to Watch from the Bills

For Buffalo, the key will be protecting Josh Allen to give him time to find his talented receivers downfield. The O-line must contain Trey Hendrickson, Sam Hubbard and the Bengals pass rush. If Allen can avoid sacks and have a clean pocket, he can pick apart the Cincinnati secondary utilizing Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, and Dawson Knox.

Defensively, the Bills must contain Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins on the outside. Their secondary is stellar, led by top corner Tre'Davious White. But White is coming off a major knee injury and could have some rust. Buffalo needs to limit Cincinnati's big plays while forcing Burrow into rushed decisions and turnovers.

On special teams, kicker Tyler Bass has been excellent all season. He provides a key scoring edge over the Bengals' kicking situation. Bass could be called upon for a clutch field goal today if this game goes down to the wire.

What to Watch from the Bengals

For Cincinnati, Joe Burrow must stay upright and avoid the costly sacks and strip-sacks that Buffalo thrives at creating. If he has time, Burrow can efficiently distribute the ball to his playmakers Chase, Higgins and Boyd. But he can't try to play hero ball against this Bills defense.

The Bengals run game took a hit with Joe Mixon ailing. Samaje Perine must step up to bring offensive balance and take pressure off Burrow's arm. Defensively, Cincinnati must make Josh Allen uncomfortable. Forcing him into panic mode with tackles for loss and sacks will be key.

In the secondary, Eli Apple, Chidobe Awuzie and Mike Hilton must limit separation from Diggs, Davis and Knox. Containing Buffalo's downfield passing attack is critical for a Bengals upset win.

Prediction and Pick

This playoff rematch should be another hard-fought, competitive battle between two highly talented squads. The Bills will be eager to avenge their Week 17 loss, while the Bengals want to defend their home field. Injuries to Joe Mixon and Tre'Davious White are concerning. Overall, Buffalo's explosive offense seems poised to bounce back behind Josh Allen.

Expect Allen and Stefon Diggs to shine and the Bills defense to force a key turnover against Burrow. It will be close, but the Bills have a slight edge. Take Buffalo to narrowly cover the small 2.5 point spread on the road.

Pick: Bills 28, Bengals 24

Key Takeaways

Here are the key takeaways for today's AFC Wild Card showdown between the Bills and Bengals:

• Josh Allen seeks redemption after struggling in the Week 17 loss to Cincinnati.
• Joe Burrow must avoid Buffalo's fierce pass rush to produce on offense.
• Injuries to stars Joe Mixon and Tre'Davious White are worrisome.
• Ja'Marr Chase vs. Stefon Diggs features two of the NFL's best receivers.
• Watch for big plays from playmakers like Gabe Davis, Tee Higgins and Dawson Knox.
• The Bills are favored by a slim margin and have the firepower to advance.
• Cincinnati's improved defense provides hope for a playoff upset at home.
• Expect another thrilling, down-to-the-wire finish between the AFC foes.

FAQs

What time does the Bills vs Bengals game start?

The AFC Wild Card playoff game between the Bills and Bengals kicks off today, Saturday, January 6 at 4:30 PM EST.

Where is the Bills vs Bengals game being played?

Today's playoff matchup between Buffalo and Cincinnati will take place at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio - home of the Bengals.

What TV channel is the Bills vs Bengals game on?

The Bills vs Bengals AFC Wild Card game will be broadcast nationally on CBS. Jim Nantz and Tony Romo will be on the call.