Bills vs. Browns Preview: Buffalo Looks to Keep Playoff Push Rolling Against Struggling Cleveland
The Buffalo Bills are heating up at just the right time. After a thrilling 35-31 win over the Patriots last week, they’re back in action this Sunday, facing off against the Cleveland Browns at 1 p.m.
ET at Huntington Bank Field. The game will be broadcast on CBS, with Ian Eagle, JJ Watt, and Evan Washburn on the call.
Buffalo’s late-season surge is becoming something of a tradition under Sean McDermott. Since 2020, the Bills are a league-best 25-4 in December and January-a stretch that speaks volumes about how this team handles pressure when the stakes are high.
They’ve pulled off late-season division wins before, rallying in both 2021 and 2023 when things looked bleak. And now, after clawing their way past New England, they’re right back in the thick of the AFC East race.
Let’s be clear: winning the division is still a longshot. The Bills need to win out and get help-namely, a New England loss.
But the more immediate focus is on clinching a playoff spot, and that could happen as soon as Sunday. A win over Cleveland, combined with either a Texans loss to the Raiders or a Colts loss to the 49ers on Monday, would punch their ticket.
The Texans losing feels unlikely, but the Colts-starting a 44-year-old Phillip Rivers-might be another story.
But none of that matters if the Bills don’t take care of business against the Browns.
Cleveland’s Defense: The Wild Card Factor
Yes, the Browns have been struggling. Their offense has been inconsistent, and they haven’t looked like a serious playoff threat.
But this is still the NFL, and Cleveland’s defense-led by game-wrecker Myles Garrett-is no joke. Garrett has the kind of disruptive ability that can single-handedly flip a game, especially if Buffalo’s offensive line has any lapses in protection.
That said, Buffalo is playing with urgency and momentum. Josh Allen has been in command, and the offense is showing the kind of rhythm that makes them dangerous. If the Bills can keep Garrett in check and avoid giving Cleveland extra possessions, they should be in good shape.
Broadcast and Streaming Info
Fans can catch the game on CBS at 1 p.m. ET. Local stations broadcasting the game include WROC (Rochester), WIVB (Buffalo), WTVH (Syracuse), WKTV (Utica), WENY (Elmira), WRGB (Albany), and WBNG (Binghamton).
Streaming options are plentiful. NFL+ will carry the game, and subscribers to platforms like Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, YouTubeTV (with NFL Sunday Ticket), Sling, Vidgo, and Paramount+ can also tune in.
Betting Lines and Odds
As of Friday, the Bills are heavy favorites. Here’s how the lines look:
- Money line: Bills -625, Browns +450
- Spread: Bills -10.5
- Over/Under: 41.5
That spread reflects the confidence oddsmakers have in Buffalo, but also acknowledges Cleveland’s defensive potential to keep things close-if they can generate turnovers or big plays.
Radio Coverage
For those listening on the go, SiriusXM will carry the game on channel 382 (Bills feed) and 227 (Browns feed). The Bills Radio Network also has you covered across New York State, with Chris Brown on play-by-play, Eric Wood providing analysis, and Sal Capaccio reporting from the sidelines.
Here’s a quick look at some of the network’s stations:
- Buffalo: WGR 550 AM
- Rochester: WCMF 96.5 / WROC 950 AM
- Syracuse: WKRL 100.9/106.5
- Binghamton: WDRE 100.5 FM
- Ithaca: WIII 99.9/100.3 FM
- Elmira: WNGZ 1490 AM
- Others: WAUB (Auburn), WGVA (Geneva), WVIN (Bath), WDNY (Dansville), WACK (Newark)
What’s at Stake
At 10-4, the Bills are sitting in a solid position, but the job isn’t done. With just a few weeks left in the regular season, every game is a must-win. The margin for error is razor-thin, and with tiebreakers and wild card scenarios in play, Buffalo can’t afford a slip-up-not now.
Cleveland might not be the most daunting opponent on paper, but the Bills know better than to take anyone lightly. This is the NFL, and strange things happen every Sunday. But if Buffalo plays to its strengths, controls the tempo, and avoids turnovers, they’ll be one step closer to where they want to be: back in the playoffs, and maybe even eyeing more.
Sunday’s game is more than just another matchup-it’s the next chapter in a season that’s building toward something big.