Niagara Gazette

‘With Miami’s loss to the Green Bay Packers Thursday, the Bills simply need a win to clinch the AFC East and a sixth consecutive playoff berth in the process. The current version of the Bills is the least talented of the last four seasons — if not for Josh Allen’s growth, even the 2019 wild-card team had more talent — and yet they can clinch the division earlier than any of their predecessors.’

‘McDermott has opted to go for it on fourth down 14 times this season, with 12 conversions, which are the fourth-most in the league. The Bills are keeping the offense on the field 1.2 times per game after doing so just 94 times in 98 games from 2017 to 2023.’

‘The Bills have not announced whether Milano will play against the 49ers and they have some time. Milano does not have to be added to the active roster until after Sunday’s game, and even if they bring him back to avoid losing him for the rest of the season, he still doesn’t have to play right away, like cornerback Tre’Davious White, who was activated on Nov. 1, 2022, but didn’t play for another three weeks.’

‘With six games remaining, Allen holds the best odds to win the MVP, according to DraftKings. Turnovers are down, talent around him is down and now Allen has a chance to beef his resume with upcoming games against the 49ers, Rams and Lions.’

‘While the Bills won’t need to win six in a row to get into the playoffs this time around, they might in order to get home-field advantage and the Dolphins are not quite out of the race for the division yet. This is the time to keep their foot on the gas to avoid any chance of a role reversal.’

‘Rousseau is ranked second in tackles for a loss (12), third in quarterback hits (18) and knockdowns (12) and eighth in pressures (26). And while his sack production has been mercurial — he went five games without a sack after recording three in Week 1 and has 2 ½ over the last five games — Rousseau has been consistent about one thing: he doesn’t care about sacks.’

‘Allen has struggled with decision-making and accuracy on first down, completing 61.7% of his passes (more than two points lower than his season average) and it hasn’t generated throws downfield as his 6.7 yards per attempt is nearly a yard lower than his overall total this season.’

‘The numbers when Cooper is on the field aren’t drastically different to when he isn’t, but the Bills are undoubtedly better when he’s in the game. In his three games, Josh Allen has thrown for 466 yards and three touchdowns — scrambling for 42 yards and a score — while throwing for 402 yards, three scores and 16 scrambling yards when Cooper isn’t on the field.’

‘“If rush and coverage aren’t working together, it doesn’t matter,” Bills defensive coordinator Bobby Babich said. “… They complemented each other well. There were even a lot of non-statistical things that the D-line did that was really, really a major factor in the outcome of the game.”’

‘McDermott wasn’t interested in daring Patrick Mahomes to beat them, bypassing a 43-yard field goal on fourth and 2 with 2:27 left to give the ball to his franchise quarterback, essentially telling him to go win the game. He put the ball in Allen’s hands and Allen never relinquished it.’

‘Khalil Shakir is currently Allen’s most trusted option, but if Cooper is also sidelined, the Bills will once again play with a receiving corps that includes Mack Hollins, Curtis Samuel, Tyrell Shavers and Jalen Virgil. Chiefs standout cornerback Trent McDuffie has moved from the slot to outside this season, but it wouldn’t be a shock if he matched up with Shakir.’

‘“We focus on what we focus on, and our controls are things that we can control,” Bills coach Sean McDermott said. “We don’t focus on things we can’t control. We certainly understand the situation and respect it, two good teams, and the most important thing we can be is consistent with our preparation, and that’s really the main thing that’s within our control.”’

‘But despite his interceptions and injuries to receivers Keon Coleman and Amari Cooper and tight end Dalton Kincaid, Allen’s production has increased the past five games. He’s averaging nearly 80 yards more per game, his completion percentage is up six points and his nine touchdown passes are one more than the first five outings.’

‘While the Bills have called him day-to-day since the injury, Cooper said he feels like he can play against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday and it would provide a major boost. Bills coach Sean McDermott already ruled out receiver Keon Coleman (wrist) for Sunday and tight Dalton Kincaid (knee) did not practice for a second consecutive day.’

‘When the Bills entertain Mahomes and the Chiefs Sunday, they know he can’t be worn down and the game will be a test of mental and physical endurance. Mahomes might be stopped on one drive and score the next, but his opponents can never declare victory until there is no time left on the clock.’