Max Fischer

I mean, I hope so. Bernard, like Rapp, appears to be hampered by injury. I was surprised when Bernard turned into a serviceable linebacker, but he's a liability when he's not playing his "A" game. If Bernard isn't 100% then there's no use playing, and lately, even at 100%, the Defense hasn't played well with him on the field. The defense is clearly better with Thompson on the field. Not only the physicality, but Thompson has much better instincts, tends to be in the right place, and can play downhill to fill holes on the line. IMO, assuming Bernard is 100%, I can see him as a situational Dime linebacker going forward.

I believe any AFC playoff team could string together two or three wins to reach the Super Bowl. Right now, some are stronger than others, but I wouldn't discount any team that makes the playoffs (except maybe the Steelers, unless they beat the Ravens twice) As of right now, I'd tier them: (*wins division) Patriots* Texans* (I think they sneak in somehow) Chiefs (Chiefs probably need to win out, but it's possible they could, and in the process knock out the Jags, Colts, Texans or Chargers) Broncos* Bills (win three out of five should be enough to get in) Jaguars (head-to-head matchups with Colts and Texans) Colts (same) Chargers (tough schedule, Herbert health) Ravens* (beat Steelers twice?) Steelers (could swap with Ravens)

Although there's a long way to go, any combination of the current playoff scenarios appears to present decent odds that two Wild Card teams could meet in the Super Bowl. Of course, a team will ALWAYS want home field, and the bye has significant advantages, but there are quite a few scenarios in which a Wild Card team could run the table, even if on the road all three games. It's possible, given injuries and how each is playing, that more than a few Wild Card teams could be even or better odds versus Division winners.

Build a time machine, infiltrate the NFL, and manipulate the schedule so it does not fall on conflicting dates. If that doesn't work, make a lovely birthday, take the kid to basketball, and never mention the Bills game.

IMO, these internet "reports" should not be used as a reliable source of information. They are designed purely to get clicks.

I'd say listing Will Anderson as Questionable may have a bigger impact on the game. Nico Collins, too. At Right Tackle, the starter and back up both questionable. Note: all expected to play, but ya never know how they could be limited.

Do you mean Hall of Famer John Stallworth? Or is there another one?

The probability exists, but with seven games remaining, it's possible the seeding will look very different from today.

Changed my hat.

Dorian needs to gain about 20-25 pounds to take on a lineman. He's quick, but lacks the elite speed necessary to evade blocks.

Not even a close call: #1 seed. First, you get the bye and only need to win two games. A week of rest may be the difference between key players being able to get on the field. Second, playing at home and not traveling. Three, the #1 seed is a better indicator that the team is playing well, and the Bills probably lost again to the Pats. Four, %$@# the Chiefs and Ravens. Five, there's no guarantee the other playoff games will be any easier.

I've attended two games at Hard Rock, and I haven't decided whether it's worse to drive or using ride-share. Like Orchard Park, there's gridlock for a few blocks around the stadium. I'd consider scouting for parking far away or walking a bit before ordering an Uber. Maybe a mile or so. Even after a 35-0 Bills win, there were still a ton of people and traffic at the end of the game. The stadium is nice, although not nearly as great as SoFi, but it's somewhat easy to get around, there are a lot of food and drink options, and the bathroom lines are not too long. One caution: seats in the sun can get very warm, even in November. Use a hat and sunscreen, and avoid dehydration. Both games folks needed medical attention. Addendum - I see a lot of folks warn about the sun. It's no joke and can be miserable. Go Bills.

I stay far, far away. That place is a cesspit.

I think it's fair to say there is a vocal minority of Ravens fans who like to trash Josh Allen, but nearly every fan I know has a lot of respect for him, saying Allen is a big-time player, while worrying that Lamar won't ever rise to the occasion.

Well, maybe, but I'd like to see evidence other than a Seahawk hype video. The Bills could do the same for Keon.

I like Shaheed, and he may have been an upgrade, but I'm not sure he was worth a 4th and 5th as a rental. It's pretty steep, especially if he isn't a proven difference-maker.

The Jets did very well, but let's not forget that Williams is excellent, and it's a long shot that they will select or sign someone 70% as good. Gardner appears to have regressed somewhat, but he might still be among the top 15%-20% of all cornerbacks, and he'll need to be replaced with a draft pick or a signing. This is a good trade for picks and clearing salary, but the Jets have a LOT of holes to fill, including QB, and the grade on these moves may not be known for a few years.

I don't think the Bills make a big trade, but if they do, I'm guessing Maliek Collins - DT Browns

Thanks, we needed another thread. 🙂

That's a steep price.

The NFL is a multi-billion-dollar enterprise where by players are valued contractual commodities as well as individually incentivized businessmen. It's remarkable to believe that neither the team or the players “understand their bodies” - it's simply absurd. Flexibility and stretching? My God, how come no one has thought of that? Forget the tens of millions spent to keep the players healthy when all they needed to do was read this board.

I don't know the answer but I think it's probable that there is no significant difference in conditioning across the league. You would have to demonstrate that somehow the Chiefs are X% less likely to hurt because of Y. That Y factor would NOT be a secret as players and coaches coming off and on the team would be able to articulate whatever that is. So far, there is nothing to suggest that factor exists. Perhaps adding to the evidence is this year’s rash of Chiefs injuries; yet no one is pointing to any changes that would play a role. With the margins of victory so small, sometimes it's just luck. Like an injury at a position of strength rather where a team is most vulnerable. Like the Bills at LB and CB when they met in the playoffs. It's not an excuse but it's also a factor.

In my opinion, there are far too many factors to determine a trend with any degree of certainty. It's much more likely that the difference in injuries between teams is due to random probability, and pinpointing the reason is down to an unprovable guess. Adding: That's why it's so improbable that teams like the Chiefs have gone to the AFC Championship year after year. Yes, they are outstanding, but they have also benefited from a relatively healthy team and the misfortune of their opponents (see key Bills injuries). The same applies to the Bills' four-year Super Bowl run, and the opposite holds for the Patriots missing Brady for a year (when they could have won the Super Bowl that year as well).

This is dumb. Last year the Bills and Ravens were among the least affected by injuries and this year, among the most. You know why? Players get hurt. There is often nothing you can do about it. That why it's a random factor.

My hypothesis: Due to injuries, the Bills might have had many different combinations of players who have not worked together -- perhaps not even in practice. One consequence of so many defensive injuries is communication and understanding their individual roles when different combinations are on the field. This might not be the cause of the timeouts but it could have been a factor. Jeez. Coaching is there reason the Bills won. The Chiefs are much more talented up and down the roster and it was the coaching schemes that put in Bills in position to be a play or two from a blowout win.