Buffalo Bills
Houston Texans J.J. Watt speaks during a press conference on Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2019, in Houston. Watt will return to practice with the Houston Texans on Tuesday, clearing the way for the star defensive end to play in the team's playoff game in two weeks. (Yi-Chin Lee/Houston Chronicle via AP)
Watt to return for Texans in playoffs against Buffalo

By Kristie Rieken Jan. 02, 2020 04:38 PM EST

FILE - In this Dec. 29, 2019, file photo, Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph stands on the sidelines during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, in Minneapolis. In his ninth season with the Minnesota Vikings, tight end Kyle Rudolph realizes he doesn't have many more of these chances to win a championship. The Vikings start the playoffs at New Orleans on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King, File)
Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings 12/29/2019

Jan. 02, 2020 03:04 PM EST

Bills' Lawson, Wallace questionable for wild-card playoff

Jan. 02, 2020 02:30 PM EST
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Bills starting defensive end Shaq Lawson and starting cornerback Levi Wallace are both listed as questionable for Buffalo's AFC wild...

FILE - In this Jan. 3, 1993, file photo, Houston Oilers kicker Al Del Greco (3) and holder Greg Montgomery (9) juggle the ball after an aborted field goal attempt during the fourth quarter of their game against the Buffalo Bills, at Rich Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Bills, down by 32 points earlier in the game, beat the Oilers 41-38 in overtime. (AP Photo/Bill Sikes, File)
Buffalo-Houston playoff matchup conjures 'Comeback' memories

By John Wawrow Jan. 02, 2020 02:04 PM EST

Seattle Seahawks' Marshawn Lynch (24) carries between San Francisco 49ers' Richard Sherman (25) and Solomon Thomas (94) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Teams without a bye have a tough road to the Super Bowl

By Rob Maaddi Jan. 02, 2020 02:20 AM EST

AP Sportlight

Compiled By Paul Montella Jan. 01, 2020 09:47 AM EST
Jan. 2 1961 — George Blanda passes for three touchdowns and kicks a field goal and the extra points to give the Houston Oilers a 24-16...

FILE - In this Oct. 14, 2018, file photo, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) is check on after he was injured during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans in Houston. In making his NFL playoff debut against the Texans this weekend, second-year Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen gets an opportunity to show how far he's come since his last trip to Houston 14 months ago. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke, File)
Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans 10/14/2018

Dec. 31, 2019 07:48 PM EST

FILE - In this Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, file photo, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets in Orchard Park, N.Y. In making his NFL playoff debut against the Texans this weekend, second-year Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen gets an opportunity to show how far he's come since his last trip to Houston 14 months ago. (AP Photo/David Dermer, File)
Allen makes great jump in 2nd year for playoff-bound Bills

By John Wawrow Dec. 31, 2019 07:46 PM EST

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) scrambles against the Tennessee Titans in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. The Texans won 24-21. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Analysis: Young QBs get plenty of opportunities in NFL

By Josh Dubow Dec. 31, 2019 04:12 PM EST

Oregon's Sabrina Ionescu, left, is congratulated by head women coach Kelly Graves and others on the bench after recording her 21st career triple double in an NCAA college basketball game against Kansas State in Eugene, Ore., Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019. (AP Photo/Chris Pietsch)
Name dropping: A few up-and-comers who may make mark in '20

By Pat Graham Dec. 31, 2019 12:08 PM EST

FILE - In this Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, file photo, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets in Orchard Park, N.Y. In making his NFL playoff debut against the Texans this weekend, second-year Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen gets an opportunity to show how far he's come since his last trip to Houston 14 months ago. (AP Photo/David Dermer, File)
New York Jets at Buffalo Bills 12/29/2019

Dec. 31, 2019 08:58 AM EST

New York Jets wide receiver Vyncint Smith, center, is tackled by Buffalo Bills' Dean Marlowe, left, and Corey Thompson during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Bills believe they're better prepared for playoffs than 2017

By John Wawrow Dec. 30, 2019 06:43 PM EST

Houston Texans quarterback AJ McCarron (2) is sacked by Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey (99) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Texans rested and ready to start playoffs against Bills

By Kristie Rieken Dec. 30, 2019 03:36 PM EST

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (17) celebrates his kickoff return for a touchdown with fans during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
As No. 2 seed, Chiefs on cusp of returning to AFC title game

By Dave Skretta Dec. 30, 2019 03:04 PM EST

Playoff-bound Bills force Sabres' scheduling change Saturday

By John Wawrow Dec. 30, 2019 12:56 PM EST
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Buffalo Bills and Sabres fans need not worry. They'll get a chance to see both of their teams play Saturday. The...

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady leaves the field after being defeated by the Miami Dolphins in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Can playoffs be as unpredictable as end of regular season?

By Barry Wilner Dec. 30, 2019 02:18 AM EST

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett (58) celebrates with cornerback Carlton Davis (33) at Barrett sacked Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
NFL Today, Week 17

By The Associated Press Dec. 29, 2019 10:23 PM EST

Buffalo Bills cornerback Levi Wallace (39) is carted off the field during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/David Dermer)
Chiefs among playoff-bound teams with injury concerns

By The Associated Press Dec. 29, 2019 06:59 PM EST

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Pats to play in wild-card game, 49ers get NFC's No. 1 seed

By Dennis Waszak Jr. Dec. 29, 2019 06:05 PM EST

Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick celebrates his winning touchdown pass to Mike Gesicki in the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Dolphins stun Pats; Chiefs top Chargers to grab bye in AFC

By The Associated Press Dec. 29, 2019 05:58 PM EST