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<\/a><\/p>\nBills running back James Cook III runs onto the field during player introductions before their last regular season game against the Jets at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026 Shawn Dowd\/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n
Cook dominated as the NFL\u2019s rushing champion, fueling the league\u2019s top ground attack. He totaled 1,621 yards on 309 carries (5.2 YPC) and 12 touchdowns, exceeding previous highs. Over Weeks 14-18, Cook averaged 112 yards per game at 6.1 YPC, with a 78.4 PFF run grade and 4.2 yards after contact per attempt, forcing 42 missed tackles (top-10).<\/p>\n
His burst supports a 28% play-action rate (eighth-highest), ideal against Jacksonville\u2019s NFL-best run defense. Getting Jimbo and the running game going could make a huge difference in Sunday\u2019s matchup.<\/p>\n
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 28: Brandin Cooks #18 of the Buffalo Bills catches a pass during the first quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Highmark Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho\/Getty Images) Getty Images<\/p>\n Brandin Cooks has injected speed into the offense, struggling early with some drops but now surging at a crucial time. With five receptions on 11 targets for 114 yards (22.8 yards per catch) as a Bill this season, his Week 17 outing versus the Eagles \u2014 four receptions for 101 yards (25.3 average, including a 50-yarder) \u2014 demonstrated big-play potential in a tight 13-12 defeat.<\/p>\n Boasting a 75.0 PFF receiving grade, 3.0 average separation (Next Gen Stats), and 2.1 yards per route run, Cooks\u2019 velocity challenges defenses, vital for stretching Jacksonville\u2019s 24th-ranked pass DVOA and helping Allen.<\/p>\n Jan 4, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (86) makes a catch defended by New York Jets cornerback Samuel Womack III (39) during the first half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images Mark Konezny-Imagn Images<\/p>\n The third-year pro has become a go-to option, thriving when healthy and compensating for wide receiver shortcomings. Kincaid accumulated 571 yards on 39 receptions (14.6 average) and five touchdowns in 12 games, earning an 82 PFF grade with only two drops and 4.8 YAC per reception. In the final stretch, he averaged 72 yards per game with four scores, posting +0.8 CPOE on targets and 2.4 yards per route run.<\/p>\n Looking healthy in his 10 snaps against the New York Jets in the Week 18 35-8 win, Kincaid moved sharply and appears healthy and set to impact the passing attack. His red-zone effectiveness (three TDs inside the 20) could help exploit Jacksonville\u2019s 24th TE DVOA in coverage.<\/p>\n Head-Scratchers: Trending Down<\/p>\n Jan 4, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) warms up before the game against the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images Mark Konezny-Imagn Images<\/p>\n The star quarterback heads into the playoffs with some question marks, though capable of rebounds. Allen passed for 3,668 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, adding 579 rushing yards and 14 scores for 39 total TDs \u2014 one short of 40 for the first time since 2021.<\/p>\n His Week 17 performance against the Eagles included a key missed throw that might have secured victory in the 13-12 loss, which may have cost Buffalo better playoff seeding. Health concerns persist: His foot injury is reportedly mending, but past resilience through a broken hand last season and a torn elbow ligament in 2022 fuels some doubt there. Possible concealment could affect mobility (5.2 YPC, below career 6.0) and precision (69.3% completion, -0.5 CPOE recently).<\/p>\n We know 17 plays at his best when the lights are the brightest, and it gives me hope. We also know his willingness to play through painful injuries, and it can rattle him during a tough matchup. This team will go as far as Allen can take them, so hopefully the foot is really feeling better, and he can count on some help from his coaching staff and teammates in such a way that he can begin trending in the right direction at the best possible time.<\/p>\n ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 16: General manager Brandon Beane of the Buffalo Bills looks on prior to the NFL 2025 game between Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bennett\/Getty Images) Getty Images<\/p>\n Beane\u2019s recent decisions have faced plenty of backlash, and reveal roster flaws. Opting against wide receiver additions at the trade deadline after misjudging the level of the room during the offseason has caused concerns regarding his ability to build a winning roster around Allen.<\/p>\n Also, head coach Sean McDermott\u2019s dissatisfaction with the Ingram\/Slay fiasco has been palpable. The potential rift between the two former Panthers doesn\u2019t stop here, though. McDermott has highlighted Jakobi Meyers\u2019 value for Jacksonville (483 yards, three TDs), an option Beane could have pursued but abandoned for an unsuccessful attempt at Jalen Waddle.<\/p>\n With eight years together in Buffalo and no hardware during Allen\u2019s prime, the roar for change could increase without playoff success this season. Right now, McDermott just seems safer than Beane. Time will tell.<\/p>\n 3. The Middle Linebacker position<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n