Cincy Jungle
This is a huge game on Sunday for both teams. For the Bengals, they’re looking to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Bills are looking to keep pace with the Patriots in the AFC East and solidify their standing in the Wild Card race in the event they don’t win the division.
Joe Burrow and Josh Allen are both incredible this time of the season. It’s hard to bet against either of them with their career records in December and January. That’s what makes this game so crucial for both teams.
There are a lot of great quarterback matchups in the NFL. Burrow-Allen is unique because of their contrasting play styles. Burrow beats defenses with his cerebralness, smarts, and pocket passing, though he will extend plays with his legs. Allen is a physical bulldozer at quarterback and will look to run.
In addition to Burrow-Allen and the stakes this game has, the weather will be peak Buffalo weather in December. It’s supposed to be cold, snowing, and who knows what else.
Let’s look at the players to watch, keys to the game, and score prediction for Sunday.
Quarterback: No. 17, Josh Allen — 6-5, 237 lbs. 8th Season (Wyoming)
Stats: 69.4 Cmp%, 2,832 yds, 19 TD, 10 INT; 78 rush, 409 yds, 11 TD
There is a lot of conversation about what’s wrong with Josh Allen this season. When you look at these numbers, though, they suggest he’s still having a really good season. Yes, he’s thrown 10 interceptions. But when he’s not turning the ball over, he has been playing at an MVP-caliber level. Look at the comeback he led against the Ravens in Week 1, or his six-touchdown performance against the Buccaneers in Week 11. You’ll see that Allen is still playing at a high level this season.
Joe Burrow has a great record in December and January in his career. Allen does, too, though. Since 2020, Allen is 18-3 in December. That is incredible. Not to mention, he’s 14-1 in his last 15 starts in December. The only loss was a 44-42 loss at the Rams in Week 14 of the 2024 Season. Allen still threw for three touchdowns and ran for three touchdowns with no turnovers in that game.
In January and December combined since 2020, Allen’s record is 24-3. He’s called “The Winter Soldier” for a reason. Allen elevates his play when the stakes get higher. Expect him to be at his best on Sunday.
1. No. 4: Running Back, James Cook — 5-11, 190 lbs. 4th Season (Georgia)
Stats: 231 rush, 1,228 yds, 8 TD; 27 rec., 236 yds, TD
Cook has been an integral part of the Bills’ offense this season, ranking second in the NFL behind only Jonathan Taylor in rushing yards.
The NFL leader with 16 rushing touchdowns last season, Cook has seven games this season with 100+ rushing yards. He’s eclipsed the century mark in each of the Bills’ last two games,...
