Report card: Bills fall 24-17 vs. Patriots

The Bills had their first chance to win the AFC East in 20 years on Saturday, but couldn’t seal the deal in New England.

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Cole Beasley. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Wide receivers/tight ends: C

The receivers struggled throughout the game, but had some moments of brilliance against one of the best defenses in the NFL. Cole Beasley was the most consistent performer for the unit, he had seven catches for 108 yards. The absence of Patriots slot cornerback Jonathan Jones helped. Beasley looked good in the middle of the field, and created plays for the tepid Bills offense.

Dawson Knox and John Brown had two great plays for Josh Allen, but other than that they didn’t create much. Knox had one catch for 33 yards, that set up the teams first touchdown. While Brown had one catch and it was a 53-yard touchdown.

If the Bills offense wants to be successful in the postseason, different receivers will need to create plays for Buffalo and stretch opposing defenses.