Olean Times Herald

‘Though he didn’t score, Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs had a monster game with 11 catches for 147 yards. He was also part of the game’s longest play, a 55-yard connection from quarterback Josh Allen. It was Diggs’ third-straight game with double-figure receptions and fourth in the last five. He’s also had seven 100-yard receiving games this season.’

‘The Bills, who beat Denver 20-3 in Orchard Park last season, are 6½-point favorites against a struggling team, which has been inundated with major injuries and dealt so poorly with the coronavirus it was forced to play a home game (31-3 loss to New Orleans) using a practice squad wide receiver at quarterback when all four of its QBs were forced to quarantine.’

‘In assessing Allen’s skills in scoring territory, Fangio noted, “They do a good job schematically in the red zone (inside the 20-yard line). They take advantage of his abilities to run … they’ll run plays where he’s actually running the ball. His scrambling has a big effect for their success in the red zone. People fear his running, scrambling and quarterback runs and sometimes that causes teams to be in favorable coverages for the offense when they do decide to throw it. A big part of (the Bills’ success) is a balanced ability to do everything that he does.”’

‘Allen’s struggles seemed an indictment of Beane and McDermott, who traded up twice to take a non-Power 5 conference QB at No. 7 overall in 2018. But both stuck with their quarterback even as “experts” suggested the selection could be “career suicide.” And this year, they were vindicated.’

‘Not only did Buffalo verify its place among the conference elite, but it also edged a bit closer to the AFC’s No. 2 playoff seed — Pittsburgh is 11-2 and the Bills 10-3, but with the head-to-head tiebreaker — and, if Cleveland beats Baltimore tonight, a postseason berth is assured.’

‘McDermott’s squad has conjured as many victories against teams with winning marks in the first dozen games this year as it did in his first 48 as Buffalo coach.’

‘This game, matching the 11-1 Steelers and the 9-3 Bills, is the most meaningful one between these two regional rivals separated by barely 200 miles, since the fateful finale of the 2004 season.’

‘Mayfield (6-foot-1, 215 pounds) has emerged, leading Cleveland to a 9-3 start – the same as Buffalo – and became the leader the Browns expected. But Allen has his own leadership skills – albeit not quite as passionate – plus a way bigger arm and more impressive rushing proficiency based on his size (6-5, 237) and speed.’

‘The win lifted the Bills to 9-3, two games behind the Steelers (11-1), whom they host Sunday night. And while Kansas City and Pittsburgh are tied for the American Football Conference’s best record and resurgent Cleveland is tied with Buffalo, it can clearly enhance its playoff position and the quality of its first-round postseason foe over the season’s final quarter.’

‘But, if you’re wondering why the line on tonight’s game is a “pick” it’s because of San Francisco’s defense.’

‘What’s interesting is how the Dolphins are winning. Their offense is pedestrian, ranking in the middle of the league in points scored. But Miami’s defense ranks second in the NFL in fewest points surrendered and its highly proficient special teams have been the key to an unexpected eight victories.’

‘But as the Bills embark on the home stretch of their season, there’s the reality that they’ve had trouble putting teams away.’

‘Still, while there were some reasons for encouragement in Buffalo’s performance, there were also some circumstances creating genuine concern.’

‘The win ended a four-game losing streak against the Chargers, with Buffalo having last beaten them in 2008.’

‘Buffalo is scoring an average of 27 points per game and giving up an equal number while L.A. is scoring at a 26-point rate and also giving up 27.’