Success

Ravens are playing great - but the Steelers did NOT show for this game. At all. It's noteworthy.

The plays where Lamar fakes the handoff and then runs off-direction seem so obvious - but Pitt generally hasn't left a guy to spy him. It's like everyone the D bites on the running back.

The folding chair defense. Shrewd.

Steelers do NOT belong in the playoffs. What a humiliating showing.

Feels like they had to go for that.

The Chargers are making me appreciate my life as a fan of the Bills.

KC just gets a pass to the AFCCG.

When was Herbert ever considered in the top tier?

"Choke" is overused in sports - but man, are the Chargers choking.

Only one of 3 teams will be in the SB from the AFC: Buffalo, KC or Baltimore.

Man, do I hope the Steelers win tonight.

You're right. I had it mixed up - I thought the Chargers would play KC regardless, and they stand the best chance against KC. But if they win & the Steelers win, we get the Chargers. Bummer. I thought today was more uncomplicated.

I think like most fans, I've gone back & forth on McDermott, and have had my doubts at times. But we're lucky. No, he isn't the best coach, and I don't think I'd put him top 5. But he's top 10, and knows what he's doing. There is a LOT of bad coaching in the league. McD has done a fantastic job this year - as good as anyone. The playoff failures are obviously unfortunate - but we almost beat the champs last year with half of our defense hurt or out. If KC had the same injuries, and we were as healthy as them, we probably win that game by 2+ scores.

Go Chargers, go Steelers.

KC because of the psychology - not talent wise, but the history w/ them creates a problem. No one else. We could lose to anyone, but I like our chances against every team.

Rousseau.

I was thinking about that with Surtain. It's really one of the nice things about not having a true #1 guy in our WR corps. He'll probably take Cooper most of the time - or maybe Shakir? It doesn't really matter, because we spread it around more than any other top-tier team. I think the only advantage Denver has over us is - weirdly - youth & inexperience. They don't have that pressure of expectation that the Bills have. If they can hang in the game long enough, that could potentially be a negative for the Bills. Just knowing how devastating an upset in the WC round would be. But I don't expect that to play out. I think we come out, execute, play our game, and play like the better team w/ the significantly better QB, at home. I expect us to take a lead early not not really look back.

That's a crazy dropoff for a defense. Did they lose any key players?

All season, I just wanted to get to the playoffs relatively healthy. Couldn't have asked for a better situation as we head into WC weekend.

Much respect to the Broncos, but they're just starting their journey, and the difference in playoff experience will show up in this game: Bills 34 Broncos 16

That's fantastic. It does seem like we score in a pretty wide variety of ways once we get close to the endzone. I think we'd be tough for a DC to plan against in that situation.

Gotta love playoff football! I love this matchup for the Bills. I have a ton of respect for the Broncos & what they've accomplished this year, but for them, it's a first step. We're the better team, the more seasoned team, and we're at home. One of those games where we just need to execute & limit mistakes, and we should win comfortably.

How did another McDermott debate get started on this thread? The man has done an outstanding job this year. I've had sporadic doubts about him, but for the most part, our playoff shortcomings are more unlucky than anything. With the exception of the Cincy game, the Bills have always played competitive ball in the playoffs and the losses have generally come down to a play or 2. And usually those losses were to what many consider to be the greatest team of the past 5 years. Let's have some faith. I think he's ready for a run here, and the stars seem to finally be aligning health-wise for this team.

I've seen other fanbases get their feathers ruffled when fans of an underdog opponent do this. It never bothers me. What are they supposed to say? They're not saying they're better than the Bills. I'll be chanting that about the Chiefs if the Bills and KC both make it to the AFCCG.

Codrington?