Is Amari Cooper playing today vs Broncos? Latest on Bills WR ahead of wild-card clash

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper will suit up for Sunday's wild-card showdown against the Denver Broncos at 1:00 p.m. EST. Despite appearing on the injury report, Cooper participated fully in practice throughout the week.

Cooper heads into this playoff matchup looking to spark his production in Buffalo. Since joining the Bills via trade, he has posted modest numbers — 20 catches for 297 yards and two touchdowns across eight games.

His 37.1 receiving yards per game average tells the story of an adjustment period that has lasted longer than the Bills hoped. The front office brought Cooper in to be Josh Allen's primary target, but the connection hasn't clicked yet.

The weather could add another wrinkle to Sunday's game. Forecasts predict temperatures in the upper 20s at kickoff in Orchard Park, with snow possible throughout the afternoon.

New York Jets v Buffalo Bills - Source: Getty

Cooper sounds ready for the playoff spotlight.

"I feel good. I've always wanted to be on a team like this," Cooper told reporters ahead of the matchup. "Being in the league a long time, some guys are fortunate enough to be on great teams every year, teams that go deep into the playoffs, but that's more of a rare occasion."

Amari Cooper's tough test against Denver's elite defense

New York Jets v Buffalo Bills - Source: Getty

The path to a breakout game won't come easy. Denver's defense ranks third in points allowed this season and seventh in yards allowed. Their secondary has given fits to opposing top receivers all year.

The numbers paint an interesting picture. Several teams' secondary receivers have outproduced their top targets against Denver. Tee Higgins outscored Ja'Marr Chase, Tyler Lockett topped DK Metcalf and Chris Godwin put up better numbers than Mike Evans.

If Patrick Surtain II shadows Amari Cooper, it could open opportunities for other Bills pass-catchers. Keep an eye on Keon Coleman potentially stepping into a larger role if Denver focuses their coverage on Cooper.

Cooper's deep-threat potential remains. His 14.4-yard average depth of target with Buffalo shows the big-play chances exist. After sitting out the regular season finale, he should be fresh for the playoff run.

The Bills need Cooper to recapture his form as a consistent 1,000-yard receiver. With Buffalo trying to reach its first Super Bowl since 1993, it will look to Cooper to justify its trade deadline investment and help Josh Allen advance in the postseason.

As temperatures drop and the stakes rise in Orchard Park, Cooper's playoff experience could prove valuable. The veteran receiver understands these chances don't come often and he must turn that appreciation into production on the field.