Will Josh Allen Play Week 18? What to Know About Bills QB Ahead of Jets Matchup

With the Buffalo Bills’ 13-12 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles this past Sunday, they can no longer be lower than the five seed entering the AFC playoffs.

Buffalo was in play for the AFC Title had they won this past Sunday, but with the loss, enter Week 18 as the No. 7 seed in the AFC. Either way, the Bills will enter the postseason as a wildcard, but depending on how things shake out Sunday, can be two seeds lower than what they are.

The Bills have a little to play for and that puts head coach Sean McDermott in a difficult situation. Does he rest his starters ahead of the game to ensure they’re healthy and rested up for the playoffs? Or, do they play the starters, and try to win heading into the playoffs with more momentum?

McDermott spoke about resting starters when speaking to the media early this week, and sounds like his focus is winning on Sunday, suggesting nobody would sit.

McDermott said (via NBC Sports):

“Where do you want to start? We’ve got a lot of things we need to discuss as a leadership group. You’ve got the last game in Highmark Stadium here. That’s important to me, It’ll be important to our guys, to our staff. Then there’s other things that come into consideration. It won’t be easy, but it is important that we have a good week here.”

Is Josh Allen Playing in Week 18?

Nothing has been final or announced yet, but it things are pointing towards Josh Allen getting some rest this Sunday in the team’s season finale.

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2025 NFL Week 18 Buzz: Bills QB Allen, Chargers QB Herbert to Miss Season Finale https://t.co/wqTJObddyX pic.twitter.com/G41wIrB5J1

— News247Planet (@News_247_Planet) December 30, 2025

Foxsports.com published an article yesterday stating that it’s expected for the team to sit Allen this Sunday due to soreness in his foot.

Of course, Allen wants to continue his streak of consecutive regular season starts and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him come in for just the first play or drive and then be benched. Fans should have more of an idea come this weekend about the status of Bills’ players on Sunday against the New York Jets.
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