Josh Allen predicts Bills’ win total needed for playoff berth

Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen, LB Lorenzo Alexander and head coach Sean McDermott on wins needs for playoffs, Denver Broncos.

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is prepping for the Denver Broncos with his teammates this week. With a win over the 3-7 visitors at New Era Field on Sunday, Allen’s team will be 8-3 overall on the year.

But the second-year QB knows the job won’t be done there.

In order to get his team into the postseason for the second time in three years and the first time in his career, Allen put a number on it.

While admitting he and his teammates are guilty of “keeping an eye on” the scoreboard around the AFC playoff picture, Allen predicted it will take double-digit wins to crack the playoffs on Wednesday.

“Ultimately, at the end of the day, I think you need to get at least 10 wins to get into the playoffs,” Allen said. “I know we got six or seven games left, whatever it is. We got to win some more games to kind of get in there. Whether we have an opportunity to make the playoffs, I think we’ve got a good opportunity in front of us right now.”

Naturally Allen didn’t want to get too far ahead of himself, though.

“Guys aren’t looking forward, we’re not talking about it, we’re taking it one week at a time, trying to win a football game this week,” Allen said.

While four games under a .500 mark, the Broncos will be among the better opponents the Bills have faced this year. At least, in terms of their defense.

After five weeks, the Broncos defense was the No. 15 unit in the NFL. Middle of the pack. Since then, they’ve blossomed into the fourth-best unit. The Bills’ stout defense ranks third.

While the Bills are a 7-3 for the first time since 1999, the group is planning to do their best in not worry about those types of figures at all. Veteran linebacker Lorenzo Alexander, like the youthful quarterback, only has the Broncos in mind even with the standings looming.

“Anytime you start looking past teams, you can get bitten,” Alexander said. “This Broncos team can come up and bite us.”

That type of message is coming from the top, down, as well. This week-to-week approach isn’t anything new for various NFL coaching staffs, with Sean McDermott being no different. He compared his team’s postseason approach in 2017 to their current one this week.

“We took it week to week back then, we take a week to week now,” McDermott said. “A lot of [his message] has remained the same because I believe in it. And then, I’m hoping that I’ve gotten better with age, as well and experience.”

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Bills vs. Broncos: Wednesday injury reports

Injury reports for both the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos ahead of their Week 12 meeting at New Era Field.

The Bills will do battle with the Denver Broncos at New Era Field in Week 12.

Here are early injury reports from Wednesday for both teams ahead of the meeting:

Denver Broncos (3-7)

Did not practice

OL Dalton Risner (ankle)
C Connor McGovern (back)
OL Ron Leary (shoulder/ neck)
LB Joe Jones (foot)
LB Justin Hollins (hamstring)
WR Tim Patrick (shoulder)

Limited

OL Ja’Wuan James (knee)
TE Jeff Heuerman (knee)

Notes:

Dalton Risner, Connor McGovern and Ron Leary are all starters on the Broncos’ offensive line. … Tim Patrick returned from injury last week and could be sitting out as a precaution. … Ja’Wuan James started at right tackle last week for the Broncos, but Denver head coach Vic Fangio said on Wednesday “it could be this week or next week.”

Buffalo Bills (7-3)

Did not practice

OL Ty Nsekhe (ankle)
S Siran Neal (concussion)
DE Jerry Hughes (groin)

Notes:

Buffalo head coach Sean McDermot labeled Ty Nsekhe as “week-to-week” so he’s unlikely to play vs. the Broncos and rookie Cody Ford would start in his place. … Jerry Hughes played in Week 11 vs. the Dolphins despite being questionable with the same groin injury heading into the game. … Siran Neal exited Buffalo’s Week 11 game.

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Broncos vs. Bills broadcast map: Will the game be on TV?

Will the Broncos’ game against the Bills be televised on Sunday? View the TV broadcast map here.

The Denver Broncos (3-7) will travel to New Era Field to take on the Buffalo Bills (7-3) in Week 12 of the 2019 NFL season on Sunday, Nov. 24. The game will begin at 11:00 a.m. MT and will air on CBS. In-market fans can stream the contest with FuboTV (try it free).

Kevin Harlan (play-by-play) and Rich Gannon (analyst) will call the game for CBS with former NFL kicker Jay Feely reporting from the sideline.

On the radio, the game will air on KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM and The Fox 103.5 FM in English. The contest will also air in Spanish on KNRV 1150 AM.

The Bills and Broncos have played each other 37 times since 1960 and Buffalo owns a 20-16-1 advantage in the all-time series, including a 13-11 record at home. The Bills have won three of their last four games against Denver, including a 26-16 win in 2017, which was the last time these two teams faced off.

Fans in the yellow areas on the map below will get the game on local CBS stations, according to 506sports.com.

Those in the green will watch the Oakland Raiders take on the New York Jets and fans in the red will see the Carolina Panthers face the New Orleans Saints. Fans in the orange will see the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Cincinnati Bengals and those in the blue will watch the Jacksonville Jaguars take on the Tennessee Titans.

The Broncos are considered 3.5-point underdogs against Buffalo.

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Bills OL Ty Nsekhe listed as week-to-week

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott listed offensive tackle Ty Nsekhe as “week-to-week” with an ankle injury ahead of the team’s Week 12 meeting with the Denver Broncos.

Nsekhe was carted off the field after a Miami Dolphins defender landed awkwardly on the back of his leg during the Bills’ Week 11 37-20 win.

#Bills Ty Nsekhe gets carted off.. #Dolphins defender falls on back of his leg, not what you want to see for a guy who’s worked for everything he’s got #BUFvsMIA pic.twitter.com/QxAmCYJAEE

— Nick (@Nick_Wojton) November 17, 2019

Without Nsekhe in the lineup, rookie Cody Ford will likely take the bulk of the snaps at right tackle for the Bills. According to Pro Football Focus, Ford has had a tough start to his career.

Ford’s overall grade via the analytics outlet is a 53.7 this season, landing in the outlet’s “below average” category. On the flip side, Nsekhe has steadily improved via PFF’s grades this year and ranks as an “above average” lineman with a grade of 67.3.

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Backhanded compliment from Broncos’ Chris Harris Jr? CB talks ‘positive’ on Josh Allen

Denver Broncos CB Chris Harris said he’s going to ‘keep it positive’ on Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen.

When the Bills host the Denver Broncos on Sunday in Week 12, will it be another week of proving doubters wrong for Buffalo’s second-year quarterback in Josh Allen?

If there’s one player on the Broncos that doesn’t sound sold on Allen, it’s cornerback Chris Harris Jr.

On Monday, Harris chatted with local reporters. He previewed his meeting against Allen and the Bills. He started his comments in a status quo style. They ended with smirks.

“I think he’s solid,” Harris said. “He’s a really good quarterback. He uses his legs, he’s playing smart, they’re doing a lot of no-huddle with him, he’s moving around in the pocket and he can make all the deep throws.”

Yawn.

Here’s where it gets interesting.

“If I can give him a little… I don’t want to actually,” Harris curiously said with a grin and chuckle. “I’m going to say all positive about him today.”

An oft-made comparison with Allen is the one made to quarterback Cam Newton. The Panthers quarterback is out this year, but the Broncos beat Newton in the Super Bowl during his MVP season. Harris was part of that team.

But that comparison is rubbish, says Harris. The defensive back admitted he thought Newton was “real” while Allen is not.

“No [he’s not similar to Newton]. (Allen) can run, though,” said Harris. “Other than that, he’s not really like Cam. They might do a quarterback draw-designed run, but Cam was for real.

“(The Panthers) had designed runs like Lamar Jackson for him because he was so elusive with the real run plays that they had for him,” Harris added.

From there, Harris concluded his press conference with one more “I’m going to keep it positive on Josh Allen.”

While Harris had some questionable comments, safety Justin Simmons was more complimentary of Allen and the Bills, by comparison.

“Josh Allen is a really talented quarterback,” Simmons said. “He can make all the throws, he has a strong arm, a really good build. He runs hard and fast.

“They’ve got a good team, they’re 7-3 for a reason,” he added.

While Allen could be motivated by some remarks such as these, it’s not going to be easy to impress this Broncos secondary. Overall, the Broncos sit as the fourth-best defense in the NFL. Buffalo’s defense is third.

Also by comparison, Harris had a much quicker interview, lasting about three minutes on Monday. Those interested in hearing his remarks can do so below. His comments on Allen and the Bills begin at the 2:00 mark:

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Bills playoff picture: Chiefs’ Tyreek Hill scheduled for MRI

Buffalo Bills playoff picture news: Injury update on Kansas City WR Tyreek Hill.

An MRI will revealed how long the Kansas City Chiefs could be without wide receiver Tyreek Hill down the stretch run.

In their 24-17 win over the Chargers on Monday Night Football, Hill left the game with a right hamstring injury. Chiefs Wire reported on the MRI on Monday.

Hill is quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ top-target in the Chiefs’ dynamic offense. At 7-4 overall, KC is currently the No. 3 seed in the AFC playoff picture. Buffalo is at No. 5, the first wild card spot.

With their close records in mind, the Chiefs could be a team Buffalo faces if the Bills reach the postseason. Had the playoffs started last week, that would have been the case.

But we might need to wait a bit to hear a status update on Hill. The Chiefs are entering their bye in Week 12, so media availability will be at a minimum in Kansas City. Hamstring injuries are known to linger, and missing your best playmaker is never a good thing, even with a QB like Mahomes in the fold.

The 25-year-old wide receiver has been held to seven games played this season already due to injury. He’s made 33 catches for 543 yards with five scores. Hill also ranks as Pro Football Focus’ best receiver in the entire NFL with an overall grade of 90.4.

The Bills and Chiefs are not slated to faceoff in a head-to-head meeting during the remainder of the regular season.

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Stephen Hauschka lands on PFF’s Team of the Week

Buffalo Bills K Stephen Hauschka lands on Pro Football Focus Team of the Week.

Good thing the Bills didn’t act rash in regard to kicker Stephen Hauschka.

After missing two kicks including a potential game-tying kick from 53 yards in Week 10 against the Browns, Hauschka has landed on Pro Football Focus‘ Team of the Week a week later.

Hauschka was a perfect 3-for-3 on place kicks and 4-for-4 on extra-point attempts against the Dolphins in a 37-20 win in Week 11. Hauschka’s first kick was from 51 yards after missing his last five attempts from 50 yards or longer prior to that.

His other attempts were converted from 34 and 21 yards.

Of Buffalo’s 37 points, Hauschka accounted for 13 of them.

In terms of his overall season, Hauschka is ranked as PFF’s 18th best kicker in the NFL after his early-season struggles.

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Josh Allen named AFC Offensive Player of the Week

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has been named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week by the NFL for his performance against the Miami Dolphins in Week 11.

[jwplayer pTHaYmig-ThvAeFxT]

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has been named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week by the NFL for his performance against the Miami Dolphins in Week 11.

Allen racked up four touchdowns in Buffalo’s win over Miami in Week 11, helping his team rise to 7-3 on the season. That brought Allen to 20 total touchdowns this season, third-most among quarterback in the AFC.

In the air, Allen had 256 passing yards on 21-of-33 passing. Three of his scores were passes, including two to wideout John Brown. On the ground, Allen added another 56 yards rushing with a score.

His passer rating of 117.7 for the game was a career-high.

It’s the second time Allen has earned the award after landing it in the team’s season finale of his rookie season. A game which also included the Dolphins.

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Bills playoff picture: Post Week-11 recap of AFC teams ‘in the hunt’

Here’s a recap of the latest happenings in the AFC playoff picture after Week 11.

The Buffalo Bills thrashing of the Miami Dolphins in Week 11 has further helped their chances at making a post-season appearance for the second time in the past three years. However, there are still several teams nipping at the heals of the Bills in the playoff race.

Here’s a recap of the latest happenings in the AFC playoff picture:

AFC seeding:

New England Patriots (9-1)
Baltimore Ravens (8-2)
Kansas City Chiefs (7-4)
Indianapolis Colts (6-4)
Buffalo Bills (7-3)
Houston Texans (6-4)
Oakland Raiders (6-4)
Pittsburgh Steelers (5-5)
Tennessee Titans (5-5)
Cleveland Browns (4-6)

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

Playoff teams recap:

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8 things to know about the Bills’ Week 12 opponent, the Broncos

Eight things to know about the Denver Broncos, the Buffalo Bills’ Week 12 opponent.

The Bills (7-3) host the Denver Broncos in their Week 12 matchup at New Era Field.

Here are eight things to know about their upcoming opponent:

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton. Credit: David Berding-USA TODAY Sports

A true No. 1

The Bills found themselves a true top-wideout in John Brown. Broncos receiver Courtland Sutton is neck-and-neck with Brown this year. Brown has 56 catches for 817 yards, that’s good for the ninth-most yards of any receiver in the NFL and most for any in the AFC. Sutton is right behind him, but has less catches so he’s a big more of a deep-threat guy. Sutton has 39 grabs for 805 yards. Both players have four touchdowns this year.

But in Sutton, he leaves a bad taste in one’s mouth. While you consider Brown better perhaps because of your fandom for the Bills, consider this: If you also think Josh Allen is a good quarterback, you can admit Sutton’s thriving with much worse QB play this season with Joe Flacco and Brandon Allen. The bad taste comes from his draft status. He was the Broncos No. 40 pick in the second-round of 2018. Perhaps the Bills could’ve waited a year and not taken Zay Jones at No. 37 in 2017?

Pro Football Focus also ranks him as the seventh-best wideout in the NFL current (86.4).

💪 Courtland Sutton with the STRONG catch#DENvsMIN

(via @thecheckdown)

pic.twitter.com/U0bfDOb1W9

— PFF (@PFF) November 17, 2019

Pages: 12345678

Denver Broncos (3-7)

Did not practice

Limited

Notes:

Buffalo Bills (7-3)

Did not practice

Notes:

AFC seeding:

“In the hunt” recap

10. Cleveland Browns(4-6)

Week 11:

Next game:

9. Tennessee Titans (5-5)

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8. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-5)

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7. Oakland Raiders (6-4)

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Playoff teams recap:

6. Houston Texans(6-4)

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5. Buffalo Bills (7-3)

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4. Indianapolis Colts(6-4)

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3. Kansas City Chiefs (7-3)

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2. Baltimore Ravens (8-2)

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1. New England Patriots (9-1)

Week 11:

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A true No. 1