The health of the Bills heading into the playoffs can't be overstated, especially when comparing it to the significantly hampered roster that showed up against the Chiefs in the Divisional Round last season. Bernard missed that game, along with having linebacker Matt Milano on Injured Reserve.
This year, the Bills will be as close to full strength as a team can be at this point in the season. Denver has the potential to pose significant challenges to Buffalo, especially their elite pass rush. Denver has generated the most sacks in the NFL this season. Going against Josh Allen, the least sacked quarterback in the league, it'll be a battle of strength-on-strength.
Buffalo will have some key advantages in their matchup, though. For instance, Denver has struggled away from home this season to the tune of a 4-5 road record. They'll also have to travel to the East Coast for an early kickoff. Denver also has struggled against good quarterbacks this year, and they'll be going against the best in the NFL on Sunday in Allen.
The Bills will look to exploit some weaknesses, like Denver's struggles against pass-catching running backs, in their Wild Card meeting. Buffalo is hoping to finally get over the hump this season, which inevitably will require getting past Kansas City. But first, they have this weekend's test to pass.