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The Buffalo Bills have secured the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs. And while fans perfectly assume that most of the key players would be rested to keep them injury free for the post-season, one big name appears to be on the playing list. Quarterback Josh Allen will make his 115th consecutive start in the regular-season finale against the New England Patriots.
Playoff-Bound Bills to Rest Starters, but Josh Allen Explains Why He’s Suiting Up
Josh Allen’s decision to start the final game marks his 114th consecutive regular season and postseason appearance, a streak that began in his rookie season in 2018 after recovering from an elbow injury. Although that does not even begin to measure up to Brett Favre’s iconic streak of 321 games, it does show how far Allen has come in terms of resilience and solidity as a major pillar in the Bills’ offensive machine.
“It’s something that means a lot to me,” Allen stated. “Just making sure that I’ve been available, playing through things throughout the years. Yeah, it means a lot to me, so I’m glad I get to start.”
Usually, a team that has clinched its playoff berth may want to hold out some main players to avoid injuries before postseason action. Yet, Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott stressed Allen’s streak as a reason to honor the personal achievement of his quarterback.
“Allen’s consecutive starts streak of 115 matters a lot to me,” McDermott explained, reinforcing the value of consistency and dedication within the team’s culture.
The Bills are not facing the Patriots in a game with playoff implications; however, both teams have their reasons for competing. At 3-13, the Patriots are trying to earn the right to the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NFL draft. Winning the game might hurt the chances of securing their draft position, but coach Jerod Mayo has pooh-poohed any suggestion that they would consciously sacrifice a game for strategic draft purposes. Neither he nor his players would give thought to such a thing.
The team quite smartly decided that Allen would not play much in the final because they want to protect their star quarterback from getting injured before the postseason begins. Fans should expect Allen to see a few plays or maybe even one drive just so he can keep his streak going without jeopardizing his health. All this, preparing the Bills for their wild-card round matchup, scheduled for January 11, awaiting an opponent yet to be determined.
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That puts Allen 11th on the list of NFL quarterbacks for all-time consecutive starts (most active for current players). It’s a dedication that sets a standard for his peers but also for him as a very dependable leader on the field. Allen’s continuous availability, while the Bills gear up for the postseason, remains as a key asset, saying a lot about the commitment of the entire team to excellence and tenacity.
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