The Buffalo Bills: A Legacy of Home-field Dominance Faces New Challenges
Historic Home Game Success Since the Merger
When it comes to playing at home, the Buffalo Bills have consistently shown their prowess since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970. Over the years, in all 18 of their home playoff games, they've been the favorites—establishing a robust 15-3 record. This is a testament to their dominance when the odds are in their favor and they're playing on familiar turf.
Odds Shift as Ravens Become Favorites
Initially, the Bills were pegged as a one-point favorite against the Baltimore Ravens for their upcoming divisional round. Nevertheless, as is often the case in sports, things can change quickly, and the odds soon shifted, thrusting the Ravens into the role of one-point favorites. This turn of events sets the stage for a different kind of battle for the Bills, one that wades into somewhat less familiar territory.
Struggles as Underdogs in Playoff Scenarios
Being the underdog isn’t uncharted territory for the Bills, but it's one they’ve struggled with. Their record as playoff underdogs paints a less favorable picture, standing at a disappointing 2-15. It's been a long time since the Bills tasted victory as underdogs, with the last instance being their memorable win against the Steelers in the 1992 divisional round. Since that day, they've endured nine consecutive playoff losses when gambling insiders predicted against them.
Into the AFC Championship Spotlight
This Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET, the stakes couldn't be higher. The winner of this crucial game will earn a spot in the AFC Championship, where they'll face either the Kansas City Chiefs or the Houston Texans. For the Bills, breaking free from the underdog curse and moving onto this next stage is more than just a hope; it's a necessary step back to the top.
The excitement around this matchup is palpable, with fans eagerly anticipating whether the Bills can defy the odds or if the Ravens will maintain their favoured status. Each team’s journey builds a narrative of resilience and determination, serving as a testament to the unpredictable beauty of the game we love.