Denver Broncos vs. Buffalo Bills: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

The first game on Sunday's slate in the NFL Wild Card round sees the No. 2 Buffalo Bills hosting the seventh-seeded Denver Broncos in an AFC clash.

The Broncos were the third and final team from the AFC West to qualify for the playoffs but they should not be counted out despite the difficulty of their first playoff test under head coach Sean Payton.

The oddsmakers have been respectful to the Broncos' chances with a single-digit spread and while the Bills have handed out some heavy beatings this season, they have also become embroiled in some games that had tighter finishes than they should have.

The Bills were able to rest their starters in Week 18 - barring quarterback Josh Allen making a ceremonial appearance to keep his run of consecutive starts going - so nothing should be read into their 23-16 loss to the New England Patriots, which saw them end the season with a 13-4 record.

Equally, no weight should be given to the Broncos' 38-0 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, as the defending champions fielded a skeleton squad to keep their stars healthy for the playoffs.

Even so, the Broncos have exceeded many peoples’ expectations this season with a 10-7 record based on a solid defence and a promising offence led by quarterback Bo Nix. 

It may not be enough to take down MVP candidate Josh Allen and the Bills, but the visitors are capable of giving a good account of themselves at Highmark Stadium.

Denver Broncos vs. Buffalo Bills betting picks and predictions

Broncos +9.0 (-115)

The Broncos finished with five wins in their final seven games, and they lost by less than the spread for this game in their defeats to the Chargers and Bengals in Weeks 16 and 17, too.

The Bengals game needed almost nine minutes of overtime to separate the teams, so the Broncos should be capable of making life awkward for the Bills if they are not overawed.

It's hard to predict an upset, with the Broncos winning only four of their nine road games this season and losing on four of their last five trips. But they have been beaten by a double-digit margin only once all season, in a 41-10 Week 9 defeat in Baltimore when the game slipped away from them in the second half.

Rookie QB Nix has thrown 12 touchdown passes in his last four games, while the Broncos defense has racked up 12 sacks in their last two matchups, with linebacker Nik Bonitto among those making a real name for himself.

With the Broncos clicking on both sides of the ball, back them to keep the final score within +9.0 points.

Marvin Mims longest reception Over 19.5 yards (-120)

The Broncos seemingly turn to young wide receiver Marvin Mims whenever they need a big play and he has been delivering regularly over the second half of his second NFL campaign.

Mims has had at least 44 receiving yards in six of his last seven games, so taking Over his line of 37.5 for this game could appeal, but our preference is for a wager that needs only one play to cash.

Mims has also had a reception of at least 32 yards in six of his last seven appearances and looks a good bet to snag one for 20 yards or more against the Bills.

He had plays of more than 50 yards against the Chargers and Bengals, as well as a 92-yard score against the Browns, and could prove too elusive for a Bills team that ranks only 24th in the league for passing yards allowed.

Read the latest outright betting picks and predictions for the 2025 NFL Playoffs.

Khalil Shakir Over 54.5 receiving yards (-110)

Amari Cooper arrived in Buffalo in a mid-season trade from Cleveland and that was the team's latest attempt to replace Stefon Diggs, but young wideout Khalil Shakir has been their leading receiver by some distance with 821 yards in 15 starts.

Shakir's 54.7 receiving yards per game is only just above his line for this contest, but with Cooper averaging only 37.1, rookie Keon Coleman at 42.8 and tight end Dalton Kincaid providing 34.5 yards per appearance, Shakir remains Allen's best bet when he needs a play to be made.

Shakir didn't feature in Week 18, as the Bills starters rested, and he has not had a big game since posting 106 receiving yards against the Rams in Week 14, but the Bills will need him to step up as they open their playoff campaign.

Read more betting picks and predictions for the NFL on site.

Denver Broncos vs. Buffalo Bills odds

Denver Broncos	+350 ML
Buffalo Bills	-450 ML
Spread	BUF Bills -9.0
Total Points	O/U 46.5

Denver Broncos vs. Buffalo Bills player props

Anytime Touchdown

James Cook (BUF Bills)	-125
Josh Allen (BUF Bills)	-120
Courtland Sutton (DEN Broncos)	+160
Khalil Shakir (BUF Bills)	+187
Dalton Kincaid (BUF Bills)	+210
Keon Coleman (BUF Bills)	+240

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.