BBNFL Playoffs: Ray Davis takes viscious hit, but Bills advance

Now that the playoffs are here, the number of former Kentucky players on a professional football field dwindles each week. Unfortunately, Ray Davis might have to sit out even though his Buffalo Bills routed the Denver Broncos 31-7 during Wild Card Weekend.

Davis took a brutal-looking shot to the head in the third quarter from Denver defensive back Brandon Jones as he went to catch an errant ball pass from Josh Allen. The Buffalo center immediately rushed to Davis and called for trainers to come onto the field.

The play resulted in a 15-yard personal foul penalty, and Jones tapped his chest afterward as if to take ownership of the hit.

Davis was able to walk off the field to the locker room under his own power, but the team ruled him out for the rest of the game with a concussion. He will now have to clear the league’s concussion protocol before being eligible to return to action.

After the game, Josh Allen said of Davis, “I hate what happened to Ray I feel like that doesn’t happen too often in this offense. I hate that feeling that I have for him right now. [I] got to see him. He’s doing OK.”

Davis takes a hard hit from Jones. He is currently down on the field and being evaluated. pic.twitter.com/yfoXZMkzK0

— Rate the Refs App (@Rate_the_Refs) January 12, 2025

Carrington Valentine, Mike Edwards, and Bud Dupree all bounced from playoffs

There will be no Super Bowl ring this year for Carrington Valentine, Mike Edwards, or Bud Dupree. All three former Wildcats played during Wildcard Weekend, but that will be the final game of their season.

Valentine, who started and played 60 snaps for the Green Bay Packers, had four tackles and an assist on the day, but the Philadelphia Eagles proved too much for the Pack, winning 22-10 and sending Love and Valentine home early to work on their heart-shaped cards for the upcoming holiday.

Edwards, whose late-season signing with the Tampa Bay Buccanneers fell under the radar, also began his offseason sooner than preferred as the Commanders upset the Buccs 23-20 in the most entertaining game of the weekend. Edwards led the BBNFL in tackles with five, but he will now reassess his future. The six-year veteran and two-time Super Bowl Champion began the season with the Bills before joining the Titans briefly and eventually signing with Tampa Bay. He is now a free agent.

Similarly, pour one out for former Kentucky offensive coordinator, Liam Coen, who took the loss in this one as well. He will now be available to interview for NFL head coach positions, as a handful of teams may inquire about his services.

Chris Rodriguez Jr. was inactive for the Commanders, an expected move now that Austin Eckler is healthy.

Finally, Bud Dupree and the Chargers lost to the Houston Texans 32-12. This will wrap up Dupree’s 10th year in the NFL with his fourth different team. Dupree, who will turn 32 on February 12, has one more year on his contract with Los Angeles, but it is not guaranteed. Let’s hope the team keeps him around for another run.

BBNFL Statistics for Wildcard Weekend

Player	POS	Result	Snaps	Stats
Carrington Valentine (GB)	DB	10-22 L vs. PHI	60	4 tackles, 1 assist
Mike Edwards (TB)	DB	20-23 L vs. WAS	60	1 QB pressure, 5 tackles, 1 assist
Bud Dupree (LAC)	LB	12-32 L vs. HOU	23	1 QB Pressure
Ray Davis (BUF)	RB	31-7 W vs. DEN	7	1 rush, 3 yards
Josh Paschal (DET)	DL	Bye	–	Bye Week
Za’Darius Smith (DET)	LB	Bye	–	Bye Week
Darian Kinnard (PHI)	OL	22-10 W vs. GB	–	Inactive
Chris Rodriguez Jr. (WAS)	RB	23-20 W vs. TB	–	Inactive
Devin Leary (BAL)	QB	28-14 W vs. PIT	–	Practice Squad
Keidron Smith (DEN)	DB	7-31 L vs. BUF	–	Practice Squad
Jeremy Flax (MIN)	OL	9-27 L vs. LAR	–	Practice Squad

Upcoming NFL Playoff Games

Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET | ESPN/ABC
(4) Houston Texans at (1) Kansas City Chiefs

Saturday, 8 p.m. ET | Fox
(6) Washington Commanders (Chris Rodriguez Jr.) at (1) Detroit Lions (ZaDarius Smith, Josh Paschal)

Sunday, 3 p.m. | NBC
(4) Los Angeles Rams at (2) Philadelphia Eagles (Darian Kinnard)

Sunday, 6:30 p.m. | CBS
(3) Baltimore Ravens (Devin Leary-practice squad) at (2) Buffalo Bills (Ray Davis)