Bills coach lays out plans for Josh Allen, other starters vs. Patriots

The Buffalo Bills already have the AFC East and No. 2 seed locked up going into their Week 18 finale against the New England Patriots, so it would make sense for them to rest their starters as the playoffs approach.

But coach Sean McDermott confirmed Josh Allen will start on Sunday — though it will be for a “very, very short-lived amount of time.”

“In Josh’s case, one of the things that that we know is very, very important to him is his consecutive starts streak, if you will, and it’s important to him for a great reason,” McDermott told reporters. “He wants to be out there with his teammates and and so he will be out there for a very, very short lived amount of time, and then he’ll be off rather quickly there.”

Allen has started 110 consecutive regular-season games for the Bills.

McDermott added Sunday’s game will feature a “blend” of players who usually play and others who they want to take a closer look at.

The Patriots, meanwhile, will miss the playoffs for a third straight season. After the New York Giant’s win on Sunday, New England moved into the top spot for the 2025 NFL Draft. If the Patriots lose in Week 18, they’re guaranteed to keep their spot in the order and have the No. 1 pick come April.

It’s unclear what their game plan is, though coach Jerod Mayo said Monday benching Drake Maye and having Joe Milton III active isn’t off the table. Maye isn’t sure of what the game plan is, but he’s preparing this week as if he’s going to be the starter.