As the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos gear up for their Divisional Round clash on Saturday, it’s time to break down where each team holds the edge - position by position. This isn’t just about star power; it’s about matchups, depth, and which units are most likely to swing the game in their team’s favor.
Head Coach: Advantage Denver
Let’s start at the top. When it comes to the head coaching battle, Denver gets the nod with Sean Payton.
He’s been here before - deep playoff runs, Super Bowl pedigree, and a knack for game-planning that can tilt the field. On the other sideline, Sean McDermott is facing mounting pressure.
The Bills haven’t cracked the Super Bowl with Josh Allen at the helm, and in a postseason landscape missing Mahomes, Burrow, and Lamar Jackson, the path is clearer than ever. That only raises the stakes.
McDermott’s a good coach, but this feels like a defining moment in his tenure.
Linebackers: Advantage Buffalo
Linebacker play can be the heartbeat of a defense, and Buffalo’s group comes into this game with the edge. Denver made a splash by bringing in Dre Greenlaw in free agency, and he’s been a tone-setter.
But Buffalo’s unit brings more consistency and versatility across the board. Whether it’s filling gaps in the run game or dropping back in coverage, the Bills’ linebackers have been a steady force all season long.
Special Teams: Even
Special teams often get overlooked - until they don’t. In this matchup, it’s a push.
Both squads bring reliable units to the field, from kick coverage to return games. Don’t expect a glaring mismatch here, but don’t be surprised if a key special teams play ends up flipping momentum in what could be a tight contest.
Secondary: Advantage Denver
This one’s a bit more layered. Buffalo has talent - no question.
Tre'Davious White, Christian Benford, and Taron Johnson are all capable of making plays, and Cole Bishop has been turning heads. Even with Jordan Poyer sidelined this week, the Bills have depth, with Cam Lewis and Jordan Handcock ready to step up.
But Denver’s secondary is anchored by arguably the best cornerback in the league: Patrick Surtain II. He’s the type of player who can erase a No. 1 receiver and force quarterbacks to look elsewhere.
Add in Riley Moss - who’s been targeted more than any other corner in the league - along with Jahdae Baron and Ja'Quan McMillian, and Denver’s defensive backfield has the firepower to slow down Buffalo’s passing attack. When you’ve got a true shutdown corner like Surtain, that’s a game-changer.
Offensive Line: Advantage Buffalo
In the trenches, both teams bring serious talent. But Buffalo gets the slight edge up front.
Their offensive line has been rock-solid, giving Josh Allen the time he needs to make plays and opening lanes for the run game. That said, Denver’s line isn’t far behind and has held its own all year.
Expect a physical battle in the trenches, but Buffalo’s cohesion and consistency give them the upper hand.
Defensive Line: Advantage Denver
Flip the script, and Denver’s defensive front takes the spotlight. They’ve been disruptive all season, and their ability to generate pressure without blitzing could be a key factor in this game. Buffalo’s defensive line has had its moments, but Denver’s group has been more consistent at creating havoc in the backfield.
Quarterback: TBD
As for the quarterback matchup? That’s a conversation worth diving into - but you’ll have to tune into the full breakdown for that one. Let’s just say, both teams are bringing serious talent under center, and how each QB handles the opposing defense might ultimately decide who moves on.
Bottom line: This is a heavyweight showdown with no shortage of talent on either side. Denver has the edge in coaching, the defensive line, and the secondary - three areas that can absolutely win playoff games. But Buffalo counters with a stronger offensive line and linebacker group, and they’ll be playing with the urgency of a team that knows the window is wide open.
Come Saturday, it’s not just about who has the better roster on paper. It’s about execution, adjustments, and who steps up when the lights are brightest. Buckle up - this one’s got all the ingredients for a classic.