Back in early September, the Buffalo Bills appeared to have the makings of a team that would be contending for the No. 1 seed in the AFC by the time the penultimate week of the regular season rolled around.
But Buffalo has come up short of its lofty expectations on the heels of four consecutive trips to the postseason, with a fifth still not yet guaranteed.
Although they have won four of their past five games, the Bills are still very much in the thick of the playoff race heading into a Week 17 meeting with the New England Patriots on Sunday in Orchard Park, N.Y.
Even though the top spot in the AFC is unattainable at this point, Buffalo (9-6) can secure a postseason berth as early as this week.
The Bills head into Sunday's game with 14 clinching scenarios, all requiring a win or tie. Buffalo would then need help from at least two other teams in each scenario.
While it might be easy to get caught up in the playoff picture, Bills coach Sean McDermott's only focus is on New England (4-11), which beat Buffalo 29-25 on Oct. 22.
"I think you learn a lot going through any game, let alone in this case a loss like it was several weeks ago," McDermott said. "They're a good football team. ... The NFL is up for grabs every week. Records do not matter."
In a season that has featured plenty of lows, the Patriots have found a bit of a rhythm, winning two of their past three games in response to a five-game skid.
New England most recently edged the Denver Broncos 26-23 last Sunday thanks to Chad Ryland's go-ahead 56-yard field goal with 2 seconds left in regulation.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick realizes the Bills have just as much momentum -- if not more -- following their 24-22 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Dec. 23.
"Games they've won, they've made some critical plays in all three phases of the game -- offense, defense, special teams -- to win," Belichick said of the Bills. "So, that's the mark of a good team.
"Three weeks ago, everybody was talking about how much trouble they were in, then they come out and rip off three straight wins. So, here we are."
While Buffalo continues its playoff push, New England is trying to prevent itself from jumping the gun on the 2024 campaign.
The Patriots appear to be on the brink of a drastic rebuild, with Boston Sports Journal reporting Tuesday that Belichick has expressed doubts about his future with the franchise.
There's also the question of who New England's starting quarterback will be at this time next year. Bailey Zappe has played well after taking over under center for Mac Jones, but the Patriots are also in line for a high draft pick that could yield a franchise signal-caller.
"Right now, I'm just trying to be where my feet are and focus on the Bills," Zappe said. "I'm sure those conversations and things like that will happen in the offseason or after the Jets game (on Jan. 7), and I'll talk about that then."
Offensive tackle Trent Brown (illness), cornerback Jalen Mills (concussion) and safety Jabrill Peppers (hamstring) missed New England's practice on Wednesday. Tight end Hunter Henry (knee) was among nine Patriots who were limited.
Buffalo defensive end Leonard Floyd missed Wednesday's practice due to wrist and rib injuries. Safety Micah Hyde (neck) was among those limited.
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