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The Buffalo Bills clinched their first AFC title since 1995 last week with a road win in Denver. Last night, they took care of some more business, business that may have been more personal than anything else, as they swept the hapless New England Patriots for the first time since 1999, before Bill Belichick built his dynasty.
With the win the Bills remained ahead of the Steelers for the second spot in the AFC playoffs thanks to their victory over Pittsburgh a few weeks ago that now serves as a tie-breaker between to the two 12-3 teams.
Also with the 38-9 win, the Bills again showed everyone on a national stage that they are going to be a very big problem when the playoffs begin in two weeks.
Josh Allen was fantastic yet again Monday night as he threw for four touchdowns and 320 yards before being relieved in the fourth quarter.
Three of those touchdown passes went to Stefon Diggs, who has had a an incredible first season in Buffalo. Diggs has already broken a couple of franchise records (catches and yards) in his very short time with the Bills and his connection with Allen is a big reason why nobody is going to look forward to playing Buffalo in the playoffs.
The Bills, of course, haven’t won a playoff game since 1995 when Jim Kelly led Buffalo to a win over Dan Marino and the Dolphins. If that seems like ages ago its because it was ages ago.
While the Bills have made a few trips to the playoffs in recent years, they haven’t gone into the playoffs the way they will this year – with swagger for days and talent on both sides of the ball that can get them to the Super Bowl.
To do that, however, they will most likely have to eventually get past Patrick Mahomes and the defending-champion Chiefs. While Mahomes is special and his team has everything it takes to go back to the Super Bowl, I’d feel pretty good taking the Bills to beat them.
Buffalo is playing its best football when it matters most. They’ve won five straight games, thanks to a very strong defense and huge performances from Allen and Diggs.
The Bills have other weapons on offense, too. And they seem very comfortable playing football in whatever stadium they’re told to play in.
Right now the Bills are AFC East champs and it wouldn’t be a surprise if they’re AFC champs come the end of next month.
Quick hits: Dwayne Haskins released… Cam Newton’s early mornings… Trae Young-Grayson Allen beef… And more.
– Charles McDonald looks at Washington’s decision to release QB Dwayne Haskins and what it now means for the franchise.
– ESPN showed off Cam Newton’s morning routine and NFL fans had lots of jokes.
– Nate Scott explained the Trae Young-Grayson Allen beef.
– Dwyane Wade went full Dad Mode while going 1-on-1 against his son Zaire and talked some really good trash.
– Henry McKenna looks at how many QBs could go in the first five picks of the 2021 NFL Draft.