Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

‘Three players – edge rushers Von Miller and AJ Epenesa, and offensive tackle Dion Dawkins – sat out because of injuries, but defensive backs Siran Neal, Jordan Poyer, Dane Jackson, and JaQuan Johnson, running back Nyheim Hines, linebacker Tyler Matakevich, wide receiver Khalil Shakir, and tight end Quintin Morris all sat out because of illness.’

‘That was good news, but he did sustain damage to his lateral meniscus. McDermott did not elaborate on what the MRI showed, or how much time the 33-year-old Miller could miss. However, it would be logical to think that he’ll be out multiple weeks at a minimum, and the Bills can only hope that they can get him back on the field, at least by the time the playoffs begin.’

‘After their 33-26 loss to Minnesota on Thanksgiving night, Belichick’s team fell to 6-5, but this certainly looks and feels like a team that should have a better record.’

‘The math never changes in regards to the NFL standings, so when you win a game, it counts as one win. Nothing more.’

‘Again, part of coaching is getting your team to overcome adversity and given all that has gone on over the last 7-8 days, Sean McDermott deserves credit for coaching the Bills to two victories under trying circumstances. And let’s not overlook the fact that having all three timeouts at the end of the game was hugely important. But each side of the ball had issues that need to be addressed.’

‘Sal’s prediction: Buffalo Bills 34, Detroit Lions 23.’

‘The game will be available locally via the following stations: WROC (Channel 8, Rochester), WIVB (Buffalo area), WTVH (Syracuse area), WKTV (Utica area), WENY (Elmira area), WRGB (Albany area), and WBNG (Binghamton area).’

‘During their heyday in the American Football League, the Bills were a fixture on the Thanksgiving football smorgasbord as they played five times in a span of eight years, more than any other AFL team. But after being largely ignored for about a half century – the Bills are back to being the darlings of Thanksgiving as this will be their third appearance in the last four years.’

‘At 4-6, the Lions are four games behind the Vikings in the NFC North so they aren’t winning the division. However, with a three-game winning streak after a 1-6 start, they have lifted themselves into the conversation for a wild-card berth in the NFC.’

‘But this victory went beyond the standings; this was a victory for the entire organization and most certainly for the Buffalo-area community that did its part to help its beloved football team. Many fan bases pound their chests, but there is no bond stronger than the one between the Bills and their mafia and this was merely the latest example.’

‘CB Dane Jackson appeared to have a tough day and this only shines the spotlight even harder on Tre’Davious White who was once again inactive. The Bills need him back, especially with Kaiir Elam sitting out a second straight game. Jordan Poyer’s return helped and he had a nice pass breakup and a tackle for loss with a great read on a swing pass, but the Bills clearly missed Tremaine Edmunds in pass coverage.’

‘Sal’s prediction: Buffalo Bills 27, Cleveland Browns 16.’

‘Not only will the CBS crew working the game – specifically the camera operators out in the elements – not have to contend with the miserable weather in Orchard Park, the network’s local TV ratings are likely to get a nice boost.’

‘Also, with the unpredictability of the storm, the Browns’ travel plans would have likely been impacted. They were scheduled to fly to Buffalo Saturday afternoon, but that may not be possible.’

‘“Final determination is the league’s,” said Bills executive vice-president Ron Raccuia. “But we have all been communicating and collaborating on this decision. The (Erie) County Executive’s office, the governor’s office, certainly the (NFL) commissioner’s office and us, the Browns and as of recently, even the Lions. It’s really been a group effort.’