many fans and media outlets had high expectations for this game. even though it was only a wild card game and the first playoff game of the weekend, it was believed that both teams in the contest were better than their playoff seedings indicated. the bills, who finished at 11–5, possessed the league's #1 defense in yards allowed, holding their opponents to just 252.8 yards per game. meanwhile, at 13–3, the titans had the best record of wild card team in nfl history (later tied by the new orleans saints in 2019). as a result, it was believed that whoever won the game would be a serious contender to represent the afc in the super bowl.