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The NFL preseason exists for one primary purpose: to give players fighting for a roster spot the chance to prove themselves to coaches. It is a crucial window for rookies coming out of college, for new arrivals signed in free agency, and for veterans hoping for one more opportunity to show they still belong. The games may not count in the standings, but for many players, they determine whether their careers move forward.
That is why the three preseason games usually feature plenty of unfamiliar names, athletes competing desperately to make the final roster. Traditionally, by the third and final matchup, starters are expected to see at least limited action, often a quarter-so they can establish rhythm ahead of the season opener.
But in Buffalo, as in Pittsburgh with the Steelers, that familiar approach will not apply this year.
Josh Allen will not play a single preseason game
Since entering the NFL in 2018, Josh Allen has always taken at least a few preseason snaps. The idea was to give the franchise quarterback a taste of live action before the real battles began. This time, however, head coach Sean McDermott has taken a different path. He confirmed that Allen will sit out entirely, including the upcoming matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He's shown to this point that he's in a good spot." ... "I have a responsibility to protect him and protect the team.
Those were McDermott's words, underscoring his conviction that risking Allen in August is unnecessary when the true tests await in September.
A challenging start to the season
The Buffalo Bills' 2025 campaign will open with a formidable test: a Week 1 clash against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, September 7. Facing Lamar Jackson and a stacked Ravens defense will be no easy task, and Buffalo knows it must be sharp from the opening whistle.
Here is the full 2025 regular-season schedule for the Bills:
- Week 2: @ New York Jets (Sunday, September 14)
- Week 3: vs. Miami Dolphins (Thursday, September 18)
- Week 4: vs. New Orleans Saints (Sunday, September 28)
- Week 5: vs. New England Patriots (Sunday, October 5)
- Week 6: @ Atlanta Falcons (Monday, October 13)
- Week 7: BYE
- Week 8: @ Carolina Panthers (Sunday, October 26)
- Week 9: vs. Kansas City Chiefs (Sunday, November 2)
- Week 10: @ Miami Dolphins (Sunday, November 9)
- Week 11: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Sunday, November 16)
- Week 12: @ Houston Texans (Thursday, November 20)
- Week 13: @ Pittsburgh Steelers (Sunday, November 30)
- Week 14: vs. Cincinnati Bengals (Sunday, December 7)
- Week 15: @ New England Patriots (Sunday, December 14)
- Week 16: @ Cleveland Browns (Sunday, December 21)
- Week 17: vs. Philadelphia Eagles (Sunday, December 28)
- Week 18: vs. New York Jets (Sunday, January 4, 2026)
A Super Bowl-or-bust mentality
Over the past three years, Buffalo has consistently ranked among the league's elite, only to fall short of reaching the Super Bowl. Time and again, the Chiefs have stood in their way, preventing Allen and company from seizing the ultimate prize.
This season, the mission is clear: refine every detail, maintain health, and break through the barrier that has stopped them before. The organization believes 2025 can be the year that changes everything. The path to February's Super Bowl is set, and the Bills hope this time it will finally lead them to glory.