'The Bills have never…': NFL expert points out concerning playoff trend for Josh Allen, Buffalo

Special teams and situational decisions add another layer of risk. The team’s kicking situation drew attention late in the regular season, and any late‑game special‑teams hiccup becomes amplified in hostile environments. On the road, hidden yardage and field‑position battles swing bigger, making steady kicking and coverage performance essential.

Defensively, Buffalo has talent but has occasionally started slowly, a trait that is fatal away from home when hostile crowds and unfamiliar conditions can disrupt timing and adjustments. The defense must be ready early to avoid playing from behind, because grinding back into position in a loud stadium consumes time and exposes the offense to increased pressure.

NFL Expert Reveals Concerning Playoff Trend for Josh Allen and Buffalo Bills

As it stands, Buffalo has not won a road playoff game since McDermott became the team’s head coach. This is detailed more in an analysis by Alaina Getzenberg for ESPN.

Reason for concern: The Bills have never won a road playoff game under Sean McDermott (0-5). There are issues on offense — most significantly at wide receiver — and the defense is prone to slow starts, but the Bills will have to get to the Super Bowl by winning on the road. Not winning the AFC East title in the final season at Highmark Stadium was a blow, so the Bills will have to do something they haven’t done since the 1992 season: win playoff road games.

Coaching adjustments and game management will matter as much as execution. McDermott’s teams have shown an ability to win at home, but translating that to a road playoff context requires cleaner fundamentals, sharper situational play and fewer self‑inflicted wounds. Simple gains on third down and consistent red‑zone efficiency are immediate priorities.

Breaking the road playoff drought against the Jacksonville Jaguars will also depend on Allen playing a controlled, efficient game that minimizes turnovers while taking advantage of playmakers when matchups present themselves. If Buffalo can protect the ball, win early downs and avoid special‑teams mistakes, the narrative can change this weekend.

The Bills’ history of playoff road losses is a glaring data point, but it is not destiny. Execution across offense, defense and special teams will determine whether Buffalo finally records that elusive postseason road victory in Jacksonville and advances.