For the first time since Damar Hamlin‘s injury on Monday night, members of the Buffalo Bills made themselves available to the media on Thursday.
Of the team members that spoke to the media, quarterback Josh Allen and head coach Sean McDermott were the most notable.
#Bills coach Sean McDermott and QB Josh Allen were asked if they're ready to play football.
Allen jumped in: "I do."
McDermott: "I do as well."
Allen: "That is what Damar wants, that's what his dad wants. Guys are excited to get out there." pic.twitter.com/JqliFLFUot
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 5, 2023
The Bills didn’t practice until later in the week, but it appears that they are ready to play their game on Sunday amidst all of the trauma surrounding Hamlin’s injury.
On Sunday, the Bills will be facing off against the New England Patriots, a divisional rival.
Both teams will be hungry and pulling out all of the stops, but they have different motivations for doing so.
The Bills’ spot in the playoffs is secured.
However, they are currently in the race for the number one overall playoff seed in the AFC, which they can secure with a win over the Patriots and a Kansas City Chiefs loss.
For the Patriots, they are fighting for their lives for the season as a whole and looking for any opportunity to join the playoff picture.
With a loss, their season is over and will be turning to 2023 as a season to rebound.
With a win and just a bit of help, they will sneak into the playoffs with a record of 9-8.
There are a few games in Week 18 that hold significant meaning to the overall structure of the playoffs, and this matchup is certainly one of the most significant.
Who will reign supreme when all is said and done?
NEXT: Bills Player Notes A Hero Within The Organization