Bills-Bears weather update

The forecast for today's Bills-Bears game calls for temperatures in the single digits, wind chill below zero and winds of 20-25 mph with gusts of 35-40 mph. Not quite as bad as what we're seeing in Cleveland -- but pretty ugly. We've adjusted our projections for this game to account for the weather.

Bills QB Josh Allen said Monday that he's not expected to have surgery on the UCL injury he suffered in his right elbow on November 6. He also told reporters that he didn't feel like he had his usual throwing mechanics until 2 weeks ago. Allen's numbers certainly suggest that the elbow was an issue. In his first 8 games, including the 1 in which he hurt the elbow late, he posted a 64.1% completion rate, 8.1 yards per attempt and 19 TDs vs. 8 INTs. Over his final 10 games, including the playoffs, he registered a 61.7% completion rate, 7.1 yards per attempt and 19 TDs vs. 9 INTs. We'll keep an eye on Allen's status throughout the offseason, but he should tentatively expected to be 100% for the 2023 campaign.

Bills QB Josh Allen completed 25 of 42 passes for 265 yards and 1 INT in Sunday’s loss vs. Cincinnati. His pick came late in the 4th with the game already wrapped up. The Bengals mustered only 1 sack, but steady pressure — and snowy conditions — made life tough for Allen. Allen did pop in a rushing score, his 8th of the season. Buffalo should now shift its focus to upgrading the pass catchers and the OL.

Bills QB Josh Allen put up a monster 352-3-2 passing line in a Wild Card win over Miami. We wouldn’t put either INT on Allen, although he was to blame for a lost fumble in the pocket. Credit Miami for only allowing 20 rushing yards on 4 Allen runs. As a passer, though, Allen’s rare arm talent showed up in several key spots. His scores went to Gabe Davis, Cole Beasley and Dawson Knox. Allen will likely face the Bengals — at home — next weekend.

Bills QB Josh Allen (ankle, right elbow) upgraded to full practice again on Friday and doesn't carry an injury designation ahead of Week 18 vs. the Patriots. With AFC playoff seeding still being a factor in this game, it stands to reason that Allen and all other key starters will play the full compliment of snaps. Fire up Allen as a no-doubt QB1, per usual.

The NFL announced that the Bills-Bengals game will not be rescheduled. It's officially a no-contest and players do not receive any stats for the game. Commissioner Roger Goodell is also recommending that the AFC Championship Game be played at a neutral site if the Bills or Bengals make it there as the road team. All 32 teams will vote on that proposal on Friday.

Update: The NFL owners have approved these changes to the playoff setup.