The Buffalo Bills are turning to the final page of their 2025 regular season against the New York Jets.
Following an offseason that has built Super Bowl hopes, can the Bills turn their fortunes in the right direction and make that a reality after a bumpy year?
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Before we even get to the team’s next kickoff, there will be a lot of Bills-related discussions and conversations to be had throughout the coming days.
With that, here are five storylines to watch for during the lead up to Bills (11-5) against the Jets (3-13) in Week 18 at Highmark Stadium:
‘The Ralph’s’ finale’
Sep 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; General view of the stadium prior to the game between Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
The huge talking point already this week is this contest being the last regular season game at the Bills’ current home. The new Highmark Stadium opens in 2026.
Memories and leaving with a win will be discussed all week since the postseason may not provide another home game in the coming weeks.
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Josh’s health
Dec 29, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) and guard Connor McGovern (66) at the line of scrimmage in the third quarter against the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
Bills quarterback Josh Allen is not often injured but his foot issue appeared to hamper him in Buffalo’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last week. As the franchise player, Allen’s health will have eyes all over it before the postseason.
Seeding
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (86) tries to prevent New York Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood (44) from tackling him, Sunday, September 14, 2025, in East Rutherford.
While there may not be a home game for the Bills upcoming in the postseason, a better seed could change that. The Bills are currently at No. 7. Buffalo can still move up in seeding. The Bills can reach as high as the No. 5 seed with a win and depending on outcomes elsewhere in the AFC.
Here’s where the rest of the AFC shakes out ahead of Week 18:
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New England Patriots (13-3)
Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7)
Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
Other starters
Dec 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) is sacked by Buffalo Bills safety Jordan Poyer (21) and defensive end Greg Rousseau (50) during the second half at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Likewise to Allen, there are other injured players on the Bills roster that could stand to use a rest. In addition, those not hurt could avoid injury by not playing.
What do the Bills decide to do in terms of starters in their finale at Highmark Stadium? There is plenty of head coach Sean McDermott to consider.
Cook’s numbers
Dec 28, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III (4) runs the ball against Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (27) during the first quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
One pretty huge milestone to watch (and consider in terms of a starter playing) relates to running back James Cook. He has the most rushing yards among NFL running backs in 2025 with 1,606.
How much playing time should he get to keep his potential rushing title? Cook currently leads it by 47 yards over the Indianapolis Colts‘ Jonathan Taylor.
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This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: Bills vs. Jets: 5 storylines to watch for during lead up to Week 18