CBS Sports

‘Since that embarrassing loss to Denver, the Bills have gone 3-1 to improve to 8-6, and not only are right back in the thick of the AFC wild card race, but the AFC East race as well. After Buffalo’s dominant 31-10 victory over Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys, many now view this team as one of the best in the AFC. They could be hitting their groove at the right time, but do they control their own destiny?’

‘No, the Bills’ standout on Sunday was running back James Cook. The second-year, second-round pick totaled a career-high 179 rushing yards on 25 carries with a touchdown, a 24-yarder. That comes out to a 7.2 yards per carry average. Cook also tallied 42 yards receiving on two catches, including an 18-yard receiving score in the second quarter. That performance makes Cook the first Bills player with 200+ scrimmage yards (221), one or more rushing touchdown and one or more receiving touchdowns in a game since Hall of Fame running back Thurman Thomas did so back in the 1991 season.’

‘”Obviously, Josh, you have to put him in a different space because he was a cover of Madden,” Parsons said Thursday. “He’s up there with the greats. So I never told Josh this, but I’m a little jealous because he was on the cover of Madden. I think growing up I think that’s everyone’s dream.”‘

‘Hyde previously missed one game this season — Buffalo’s 24-22 loss to the Broncos back in Week 10. He had otherwise played 80% of the team’s snaps or more in every game before getting injured this past weekend against Kansas City. He is an extremely important piece on the back end of Buffalo’s defense, and an especially important one in the wake of all the injuries the Bills have dealt with this season on the second and third levels.’

‘Kincaid was asked about playing, and winning, in front of one of his favorite singers and he said the dramatics of the matchup may have inspired her to write a hit.’

‘This game between these two AFC rivals came down to the final possession. After a Harrison Butker 27-yard field goal knotted the game at 17 at the start of the fourth quarter, this contest was determined on the final two drives. Buffalo marched 48 yards into field goal range where Tyler Bass booted a 39-yarder to give the Bills the go-ahead lead with under two minutes remaining. Meanwhile, the defense held up its end of the bargain as it kept Patrick Mahomes and the K.C. offense at bay, forcing a turnover on downs and the win.’

‘The match pitted two of the league’s most dominant signal callers against one another in Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts. Hurts had a great game and threw for 200 yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, Allen was balling out in the loss, rushing for 81 yards and two touchdowns on only nine carries, while also throwing for 339 yards and two touchdowns.’

‘Patrick Mahomes (2.5) and Josh Allen (2.4) rank one-two in NFL history in terms of total touchdowns per game. Mahomes is already one of the top five or ten best QBs of all-time, if he retired today. He is the NFL’s all-time leader in passer rating and passing yards per game.’

‘”I’m 335 pounds. How am I gonna stop regardless. How do I know that the ball wasn’t going. And after I saw him move I put my eyes on him and I’m gonna go.”‘

‘Buffalo has been without Knox since Week 7, when he suffered a wrist injury during the team’s loss to the division rival New England Patriots. Prior to the injury, Knox had caught just 15 of 28 passes thrown his way for a mere 102 yards and one touchdown. In his absence, rookie Dalton Kincaid has been the primary and often only tight end the Bills have used, and he has emerged as a solid target for Josh Allen.’

‘Beane did not say whether Miller will actually suit up; Buffalo could still choose to deactivate the veteran for the game. But the Bills are following the NFL’s lead when it comes to potential discipline. And as of now, the league isn’t planning to deactivate Miller via the commissioner’s exempt list unless he faces formal criminal charges, according to CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones.’

‘The preliminary investigation determined Miller and the victim got into a verbal argument and Miller assaulted the victim. Miller left the scene before officers arrived. The victim was not transported to a hospital, but was treated for minor injuries, according to a police spokesperson.’

‘”Additional calamities” throughout 2023 could “alter the organization’s plans,” Graham noted, but team ownership has “neither the desire nor plans to make a coaching change.” Pegula still holds McDermott in “high regard,” per The Athletic, and “doesn’t want to meddle with the strong working bond McDermott has with Bills general manager Brandon Beane.”‘

‘One player who had a pretty interesting day was Bills defensive tackle Jordan Phillips. Phillips was involved in a couple of scuffles, including one play where he jumped offsides on a “Tush Push” setup. On that “play,” Phillips ran through Eagles offensive lineman Cam Jurgens, taking him down to the ground. Eagles center Jason Kelce called Phillips’ decision “bull****,” and said that he needs to be fined.’