CBS Sports

‘The Buffalo Bills are looking for added help at wide receiver in time for the playoffs, despite their offense putting up near record-setting numbers for the franchise. Buffalo is expected to sign free agent wide receiver Kenny Stills after a scheduled visit, per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. Stills, a deep-ball receiver by trade, struggled in his 10 games for the Houston Texans this season, catching only 11 passes for 144 yards and a touchdown. He was released by Houston in November.’

‘Diggs is clearly one of the top two wide receivers in football — depending on which fan base is asked is No. 1 — in 2020, showcasing how dominant he’s been at the position. Diggs only had over 100 catches in a season once before the trade to Buffalo and his highest receiving yardage total was 1,130 last season (he’s had two 1,000-yard seasons prior to the trade).’

‘Stills was used sparingly this season and never saw over 50% of the offensive snaps during the 10 games he played with the Texans. He played in just four offensive snaps in Houston’s Week 11 matchup against New England, which proved to be his final game in a Texans uniform. He was targeted just 19 times and caught 11 of those passes for 144 yards and a touchdown.’

‘The tests will be administered through Bioreference Laboratories, who is the NFL’s official testing partner. In total 6,772 fans will be able to attend the Wild Card game, which will be played on Jan. 9 or 10.’

‘The fan edit looked like a jersey, with the number 30, and said “Extend A. Gase” where the last name would go. The tweet was deleted shortly after.’

‘While Week 15 may have officially given the division crown to the Bills, Week 16 was the coronation that served as a very apparent sign that there is a changing of the guard within the division. It’s Buffalo’s time and it looks like it’ll stay that way for the foreseeable future. But just talking about Sean McDermott’s team as the top dog in the division is short-changing them a bit as they have the capabilities to aim much higher than just a division title. The Bills are ready to make a legit run to a Super Bowl.’

‘”Congratulations Josh! Keep breaking records and winning games! Keep doing your thing!” Kelly wrote. “Proud of you! Let’s go Buffalo!”‘

‘According to Bills beat writer Sal Capaccio, Brown is considered a close contact of running back T.J. Yeldon, who tested positive and was also placed on the COVID-19 list. Along with Brown, running back Christian Wade and safety Josh Thomas are considered close contacts, and have been placed on the COVID-19 list as well. In the corresponding roster move, the Bills promoted practice squad quarterback Davis Webb to the active roster.’

‘Bills Mafia started making $17 donations to Oishei Children’s Hospital, a hospital in the Buffalo area that Allen supports and visit. The hospital tweeted that $34,650 was donated by Bills fans as of Monday afternoon. That number reached $200,000 in November and was up to $1 million in December.’

‘This is not a year in which many coordinators are considered can’t miss in terms of landing an NFL job, but Buffalo offensive coordinator Brian Daboll is emerging as the closest thing to it.’

‘A pair of offensive stats to keep in the back of your head while watching: Buffalo enters the contest with 289.6 passing yards per game on average, good for third best in the league. Less enviably, the Patriots are stumbling into the contest with the fewest passing touchdowns in the NFL, having accrued only eight on the season.’

‘The key to containing Allen will be to get pressure while also not allowing him to escape to the outside — especially to his right. Allen has thrown for 366 yards, six touchdowns, and no interceptions when escaping pressure to the right side of the field, per Pro Football Focus and Tru Media. Going to his left, it’s 160 yards, two touchdowns, and one pick. Getting into his line of vision without allowing him to roll right and load up that cannon on his arm is key to stopping the Buffalo passing attack. The Patriots have been below-average at generating pressure this year, though, per PFF and Tru Media, notching a sack, hit, or hurry on 32.8 percent of opponent dropbacks against a league average of 37.6 percent.’

‘Regardless of arm strength, Allen has the Bills in great position for the playoffs. The Bills have already clinched the AFC East for the first time since 1995, which was before Allen was even born. At 11-3, Buffalo is one of the best teams in the conference and are hoping to finally have some postseason success. Buffalo has not won a playoff game in 25 years.’

‘The overarching concerns would involve fans adhering to strict policies on distancing and face coverings, violation of which would result in immediate ejection from the building. Additionally, all parties are considering the possibility of having every fan take a COVID-19 test prior to entering the facility and contact tracing them when the game concludes, among other variables, are being discussed between the Bills, Cuomo and the health commissioner, Dr. Howard Zucker.’

‘The simple answer is Josh Allen. The third-year quarterback has been great as of late and should be mentioned in the MVP discussion. It appears he’s processing the field better every single week and also reminded everyone on Saturday night that he is a true dual-threat quarterback. Allen also has developed strong chemistry with his top two wideouts, as Diggs caught 11 passes for 147 yards and Cole Beasley caught eight passes for 112 yards. Whether it’s acting as a game manager or taking shots downfield and picking up yards in big chunks, Allen does whatever is needed from him and he does it well.’