Josh Allen to Start for Bills in Final Regular-Season Game Before Brief Rest

The Buffalo Bills quarterback will make a short appearance against the Patriots to maintain his consecutive starts streak as the team prepares for the playoffs.

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen will start in Week 18 against the New England Patriots but is expected to leave the game shortly after kickoff.
Head coach Sean McDermott emphasized that the decision allows Allen to preserve his streak of 114 consecutive starts, the longest active streak among NFL quarterbacks.
The Bills have already secured the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs, making the game against the Patriots inconsequential for their postseason positioning.
Buffalo plans to mix regular starters with backups, providing rest for key players while evaluating others ahead of the playoffs.
The Patriots, currently holding the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, could solidify that position with a loss in this game.