Total Pro Sports
The Buffalo Bills head to Denver with extra help and growing confidence. After leaning on Josh Allen in the wild-card round, Buffalo adds two key players just in time for a big divisional game.
Allen led the Bills past the Jaguars with ease. He threw for 273 yards, ran for 33 more, and accounted for three touchdowns. The defense came up big late, sealing the win with an interception of Trevor Lawrence.
That defense just got stronger. The Bills activated defensive lineman Ed Oliver from injured reserve this week. His return gives head coach Sean McDermott a trusted presence on the defensive front as Buffalo prepares to face the Broncos and the league’s top-ranked defense.
Oliver brings experience and impact. Since entering the NFL in 2019, he has recorded 243 tackles, 76 quarterback hits, 30 sacks, and nine forced fumbles. McDermott praised Oliver for his work ethic and determination to get back on the field.
“[Oliver] loves to play,” McDermott said. “There’s a process that leads to playing, and he’s worked hard at it. Had the setback, obviously, a few weeks ago with the knee, but he’s attacked it head-on, and our medical staff the same way. So, both have done a good job.”
Buffalo also expects wide receiver Curtis Samuel to play on Saturday. The Bills activated him from injured reserve on Friday. His return is important after the team lost Gabe Davis and Tyrell Shavers in last week’s win.
Samuel has appeared in six games this season. He has seven catches for 81 yards and one touchdown. The numbers are modest, but his speed and versatility give Josh Allen more options with an average receiver group.
For Bills the task ahead won’t be an easy one. Denver enters as the No. 1 seed and owns one of the league’s best defenses under head coach Sean Payton. The Broncos lead the NFL in sacks and rank second in yards allowed. Payton also expects the home crowd to make a difference.
“The noise level needs to be loudest when they enter the huddle,” Payton said. “Can we do that collectively for half of the snaps in the game? Say 65 snaps for 10 seconds. That’d be a huge advantage.”
Oddsmakers expect a close game. Denver is favored by just 1.5 points, pointing to a tight game at Empower Field.
Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS. With Ed Oliver and Curtis Samuel back, the Buffalo Bills feel better prepared for the challenge.
