The Buffalo Bills are heading into December with a bit of a quarterback guessing game on their hands - and not the kind you want when playoff positioning is on the line.
First up, the Cincinnati Bengals. Just a few weeks ago, it looked like Buffalo might catch a break with Joe Burrow sidelined.
But that window closed quickly. Burrow returned to action in Week 13 against the Ravens, shaking off the rust and reclaiming the reins of the Bengals’ offense.
That means instead of seeing a seasoned but limited Joe Flacco under center, the Bills will now have to contend with a fully operational Burrow - and that’s a much taller task. When he's on, Burrow brings elite anticipation, pocket presence, and accuracy.
Buffalo’s defense will need to be sharp, especially in coverage, because Burrow doesn’t miss many opportunities when given time.
Looking further down the road, Week 16 brings a trip to Cleveland - and that’s where things get murky. The Browns have been in quarterback limbo all season.
Injuries, trades, and inconsistency have turned their depth chart into a revolving door. Rookie Dillon Gabriel was supposed to be the next man up after the team moved on from Flacco, but an injury derailed that plan.
Enter Shedeur Sanders, another rookie, who’s been under center in recent weeks. Sanders has flashed some potential, but he’s still raw, and the Browns' offense has struggled to find rhythm.
Now, there’s a new wrinkle. On December 3, the Browns designated Deshaun Watson to return to practice.
That’s right - Watson, who hasn’t played since tearing his Achilles back on October 20, 2024, is officially back in the mix. His recovery hit a snag in the offseason, delaying his return, but Cleveland is now opening the door for a potential late-season comeback.
Watson’s time in Cleveland has been anything but smooth. Since arriving via blockbuster trade - and signing the first fully guaranteed contract in NFL history - he’s posted a 9-10 record as a starter and hasn’t looked like the dynamic playmaker we saw during his Houston days. Whether it’s the rust, the injuries, or the off-field saga that led to his league suspension, Watson hasn’t been the same.
Still, the Browns activating him now suggests they might be looking to see what he’s got left. Maybe it’s about salvaging the season.
Maybe it’s about showcasing him for a potential offseason move. Either way, the Bills will need to prepare for all possibilities: the athleticism and upside of Sanders, the inexperience of Gabriel (if healthy), or the veteran unpredictability of Watson.
And just when you think the QB carousel ends there, Week 18 brings another twist. Buffalo will close out the regular season - and the final chapter of the original Highmark Stadium - with a home game against the New York Jets.
But even that matchup comes with a TBD at quarterback. Will it be the veteran Tyrod Taylor, who knows Buffalo well and can still manage a game when healthy?
Or will it be Justin Fields, whose athleticism and improvisational ability can challenge even disciplined defenses?
So here’s the reality for the Bills: they’re in the thick of a playoff push, and over the final stretch, they could face a rotating cast of quarterbacks with wildly different styles. From the surgical precision of Burrow to the raw upside of Sanders, the unpredictable Watson, and the dual-threat potential of Fields - Buffalo’s defense has its work cut out.
Adjusting week to week won’t just be about Xs and Os. It’ll be about mindset, preparation, and adaptability. The Bills are still in control of their postseason fate, but if they want to make a serious run, they’ll need to handle this quarterback roulette with poise - and a whole lot of film study.