The Bills sent a Super Bowl-sized message after decimating the Broncos in their wildcard game. The 31-7 thrashing of their opponents was a reminder to their critics and fans that they are a force in the playoffs, with Josh Allen leading the way. However, for some of the Bills players, that win has been soured a little. The AFC East side was the most fined team by the NFL in the first round of the playoffs, with one of their players drawing two fines.

The QB Josh Allen shone for the Buffaloes and there have been talks of the franchise revisiting his contract to make it more appealing to him. But before the divisional round showdown against the Ravens, they will have to get their act together when it comes to discipline on the field.

The league is pretty hard on any plays where teams violate any rules and regulations and they fined 17 out of a total of 901 plays (1.89%) in wildcard games in 2025. Bills received the harshest punishment, with 5 fines of more than $38k.

The first play that ended in a fine came from cornerback Taron Johnson. Johnson was fined $14,305 for unnecessary roughness (use of his helmet) when tackling Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams with over six minutes to play in the first quarter. This is the third time Johnson has received fines from the NFL this season.

He received an $11,817 fine in Week 6 against the New York Jets for unnecessary roughness (low block) and next week he was slapped with a  $16,883 fine against the Titans for unnecessary roughness, on what was deemed a hit on a defenseless player.

Meanwhile, against the Broncos WR Mack Hollins and long-snapper Reid Ferguson taunted the rival after clearing the ball with two minutes to play before halftime. Subsequently, the NFL fined Hollins $6,736 and Ferguson $11,255 for the unsportsmanlike conduct (taunting).

Hollins was on the receiving end of the NFL’s punishment twice for the same offense. He made the same violation (taunting) at the 6:05 mark in the 4th quarter, for which even the referees penalized them 15 yards. The league later fined him $11,255, taking his total fine amount to $17,991.

Lastly, it was safety Damar Hamlin, who intercepted Bo Nix’s pass to the WR Courtland Sutton with 3:24 to play in the 4th quarter. However, the play was reversed following a review, and Hamlin has been fined $6,083 for the unsportsmanlike conduct (removal of the helmet). While these fines won’t have much effect in their upcoming game against the Ravens, this highlights a need to be more disciplined and not concede unnecessary penalties.

HC Sean McDermott has stressed the need for his team to play with more discipline, with deadball penalties hurting the team’s momentum on the field. Following the Week 16 24-21 win over the Patriots, McDermott had a clear message over penalties conceded by the team.

“I think they had 5 penalties overall. We had 13 overall, 6 of which were pre-snap. So, we gotta come out with more discipline and can’t beat yourselves,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Bills will still be feeling confident ahead of Sunday’s game against the Ravens, especially with Josh Allen leading the way. Against the Broncos, he completed 20 of 26 attempts for 272 yards passing and two touchdowns. Reports have now emerged that the Bills are looking to alter Allen’s current contract to reward him.

Allen agreed to a six-year, $258 million contract back in 2021 and stands to make just $14.5 million in 2025, lower than what most quarterbacks of his talent make. According to NFL.com’s insider Ian Rapoport, the Bills could revisit Allen’s current deal and alter it so that he gets paid more for the 2025 season and through the remainder of his contract.

For now, the quarterback’s sole aim is to win the divisional game against the Ravens and secure a trip to Arrowhead. Patrick Mahomes would be keen to welcome the winner. But he has Lamar Jackson waiting for him.

Lamar Jackson fires warning to Josh Allen before the divisional game

Only one thread ties the Bills and Ravens QBs together. The same draft class! Apart from that, they have nothing in common. Before their adrenaline-pumping clash, Lamar Jackson threw shade at Josh Allen and said, “We’re competing against each other. I am trying to beat you, not to be your friend.” He declined any problem but did acknowledge the competition.

The remaining 2 games in the AFC will divide the country. Lamar Jackson is Drake’s favorite NFL player. He made more than half a million dollars that could go up in millions on Sunday, January 19. From Josh Allen‘s side, Hailee Steinfeld will be cheering him up. Currently, they have a 2-2 win-loss playoff record in head-to-head games. Whoever wins the game will be up against the Chiefs.

Another player who gives an edge to the Ravens is their MVP, Derrick Henry. The RB joined hands with the QB to take them to a win against the Steelers with 2 TDs each. The flock is expecting the same dominance while the Bills mafia wants a tough show.