Olean Times Herald

‘Because so many unfavorable results occurred in Week 16, Buffalo’s playoff chances are down from the mid-40-percent range to about 20 percent. Part of the reason, of course, is that the Ravens, Titans and Chargers are playing at home and will likely all be favored as Cincinnati, Jacksonville and Oakland have nothing to play for.’

‘This trip, Buffalo has to win and needs help, but it still has a reasonable shot, though the Ravens and Chargers figure to be favored with the Jaguars a likely toss-up.’

‘“Looking back at that film, there was definitely a lot that we had to learn. Guys, I believe, have cleaned up those mistakes and are ready to go back out there and compete again (Sunday).”’

‘“You can’t necessarily worry about what other teams are doing. You have to be able to take care of business yourself because the help that you need, or may need, if you’re not taking care of business on your end, it won’t play out the way it should.”’

‘When asked how much time he’ll dedicate to doping out playoff scenarios, McDermott said, “I’ll spend very little. I’m proud of the fact that our guys have earned the right to be in that conversation, and I’m happy for our fans. (But) we have to focus on what’s in front of us and that’s the New England Patriots (Sunday).’

‘After a five-game losing streak dropped Miami to 4-7, the Dolphins regained some hope with wins over Denver and New England the previous two weeks. Coach Adam Gase couldn’t explain how the Dolphins could one week beat the first-place Patriots on Monday Night Football and the next, lose convincingly to Buffalo.’

‘But for Bills fans, here’s the reality. Three teams, all 8-6 — Buffalo, Tennessee and Baltimore — are the decided front-runners for the two AFC wild-card spots.’

‘But the Bills’ playoff hopes won’t survive if they only play a half.’

‘Thus, today becomes a swing game for Buffalo, which currently has a 25 percent chance of making the playoffs but could improve those odds to 40 percent by beating the Dolphins. However, a loss would drop the Bills chances into single digits.’

‘Of the milestone, McCoy admitted, “I look forward to doing that. When I leave this game, I want my name to be recognized with a lot of the other top backs. I think it’s really important to be a top back in your era, in your time. When you’re retired, you have kids, nephews and grandchildren and you can tell them that. You can look it up.”‘

‘“We had to go through the concourse with all the fans,” Dennison said. “It was a rough deal, because the golf carts couldn’t go. Once you make a decision (on being in the booth), I don’t think you can change the sideline to quarterback (communication). I had to go back up no matter what. I missed the kickoff and the first play of the defense (in the third quarter) because we were kind of stuck going up there.”’

‘But he admitted, “I always keep my mind fresh at quarterback. Like they say, you’re one play away … especially this week. That’s the way I always prepare.”‘

‘“I slip here and there and there were some cuts I missed on but, for the most part, I was running and cutting. I was stopping, where other guys were slipping. Maybe it’s because I know I’m going to get the ball a lot so I just try to play extra good.”’

‘The Bills were a mere field-goal favorite over the AFC’s second-worst team and Indianapolis (3-10) showed why.’

‘Optimists see Buffalo’s path to the playoffs as finishing 9-7 – though even with that record the Bills odds improve to only 40 percent – and that’s predicated on winning the last two home games (today against Indy and next Sunday versus the Dolphins) and then at least splitting the season-ending road games at New England and Miami.’