Can Josh Allen Lead Bills Deep in Playoffs Without Top Receiver?

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has the team in the playoffs after a 12-5 regular season in 2025, but the squad lacks a clear number one wide receiver to stretch defenses. Allen threw for 3,668 yards, 25 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions while rushing for key gains, raising questions if his play can sustain deep postseason runs without a star pass catcher. The Bills face their divisional round matchup after a wild-card win, putting Allen's versatility under the spotlight in Orchard Park.

Background

Josh Allen took over as Buffalo's starter years ago and built a reputation for making big plays with his arm and feet. In the 2025 season, he completed 319 of 460 passes for those 3,668 yards, hitting a 69.4 completion rate. His 25 passing touchdowns ranked among the league's best, tied for ninth overall. He added 298 rushing yards and scored on the ground too, showing why coaches trust him in tight spots.

The Bills won 12 games, with Allen shining in home games at Highmark Stadium. He threw 16 touchdowns at home compared to nine on the road. His numbers held up in clutch moments, like when the team trailed or led by small margins. For example, when ahead by one to eight points, he completed 69.6 percent of passes for 589 yards and three scores.

Buffalo's offense spread the ball around without one go-to receiver racking up huge stats. Running back James Cook led the rush attack with 1,621 yards and 12 touchdowns, taking pressure off the pass game. Allen often ran himself, picking up 40 first downs on scrambles. This balanced approach helped the team finish strong in December, where he threw six touchdowns without an interception.

Over his career, Allen improved year by year. In 2024, he threw 28 touchdowns, and in 2025, he kept the pace with better accuracy. His average depth of target sat around 7.55 yards, meaning he mixed short and medium throws effectively. Defenses focused on stopping the run first, leaving Allen room to improvise.

Key Details

Allen posted solid splits across situations. In wins, he went 294 of 417 for 2,414 yards, 19 touchdowns, and four picks, with a 110.8 passer rating. Losses saw dips, but he still managed 1,254 yards. He thrived outdoors, throwing 25 touchdowns in 16 games, and stepped up in the second half with 15 scores.

Playoff Performance So Far

In the wild-card round against the Jaguars, Allen completed 28 of 35 passes for 273 yards and one touchdown. He ran 11 times for 33 yards and two scores, securing a 27-24 victory. This win moved Buffalo to the divisional round, where they host a tough opponent.

His rushing kept the offense alive. He averaged 5.4 yards per carry on designed runs and scrambles, turning negative plays into gains. Teammates like Cook complemented him, with Cook's 5.25 yards per carry ranking high league-wide.

Allen cut down on mistakes late in the season. After early turnovers, he protected the ball better, throwing just a handful of interceptions down the stretch. His sack rate hovered around 7 percent, manageable for a mobile quarterback.

"Josh makes plays no matter who's open. He finds a way to win." – James Cook, Bills running back

In January games during the regular season, his stats were limited due to rest, but postseason showed his readiness. He practiced fully despite minor foot, knee, and finger issues earlier, proving durable.

What This Means

Without a top receiver pulling coverage deep consistently, Buffalo leans on Allen's ability to extend plays. His improved downfield accuracy—jumping completion rates on 20-plus yard throws—helps stretch fields when needed. Teams scheming to double up on Cook must respect Allen's legs, which produced eight rushing touchdowns in past seasons.

Playoff success hinges on matchups. Indoor domes or bad weather could favor Buffalo's ground game, where Allen excels. Road games showed slight dips, with 87.7 passer rating away from home, so divisional round at home gives an edge.

If Allen maintains his 65.0 QBR—seventh in the league—the Bills could advance. His decision-making has grown, with fewer fumbles lost and better choices under pressure. Opponents know stopping Cook forces passes, but Allen's 7.97 yards per attempt ranked ninth, efficient without elite targets.

Deeper runs demand health and rhythm. Allen's elbow healed from prior years, and recent tweaks did not sideline him. Buffalo's path mirrors past teams that won with quarterback play over star receivers—think balanced attacks that grind defenses.

Fans in Buffalo see Allen as the engine. His 104.43 PFF grade in key metrics shows reliability. As the playoffs unfold, each game tests if his magic holds without that marquee wideout. The Bills sit ready, with Allen at the center.