Why are the Buffalo Bills on a short week for their playoff game?

The NFL's playoff schedule has assigned the Bills a Saturday game, giving them less preparation time compared to their opponent, the Denver Broncos.

Which NFL teams have playoff scheduling advantages?

Teams that played their Wild Card games on Saturday received an extra day of rest for their Divisional Round matchups, unlike teams that played on Sunday.

Are key Buffalo Bills players injured before the playoff game?

Yes, several Bills players, including Gabe Davis and Josh Allen, are dealing with injuries that could impact their performance and preparation.

Home / Sports / Bills Face Scheduling Squeeze vs. Broncos

Bills Face Scheduling Squeeze vs. Broncos

13 Jan

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Summary

Bills face a short week preparing for their playoff game.
Key Bills players have injuries impacting their preparation.
The NFL playoff schedule is criticized for uneven rest periods.

Bills Face Scheduling Squeeze vs. Broncos

The Buffalo Bills are confronting a challenging playoff scenario as they prepare to face the Denver Broncos on a short week. This divisional round game's timing has ignited debate, with the Broncos benefiting from extra rest as the AFC's top seed. The Bills' preparation is further hampered by several player injuries, including a potential season-ending injury to Gabe Davis and concerns over Josh Allen's foot and knee.

This scheduling, which forces teams to play on non-traditional windows, has drawn criticism from figures like Tony Dungy. He noted that teams playing on Saturday receive more rest for their upcoming Divisional Round games compared to teams playing on Sunday who face a significantly shorter week. This disparity contrasts with the extra rest afforded to the top-seeded Broncos.

Ultimately, the NFL's playoff schedule appears to be dictated by broadcast rights and financial considerations rather than ensuring equitable rest for all competing teams. This perennial issue highlights the league's focus on maximizing revenue, a factor unlikely to change given the sport's immense popularity and profitability.