Orchard Park, N.Y. (WBEN) - The hopes of another AFC East title are no more for the Buffalo Bills after a 13-12 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday at Highmark Stadium. They will now get ready to compete as a Wild Card team in the AFC Playoffs following their regular season finale next week against the New York Jets.
Despite scoring on their last two offensive drives and making the contest interesting in the waning moments of the game, a blocked extra point attempt and a missed two-point conversion attempt ended up doing the Bills in at the end. It was a tough loss to swallow for some Bills fans.
"At the end, the Bills coming back, which was typical for Buffalo, but then not going for that kick to go into overtime was kind of costly. A little upset about it, I think it was bad call. I think we should have kicked it and went in overtime," said Andrew from Rochester in an interview with WBEN. "Defense was playing great all playing great all game, I think [the Eagles] had 17 yards in the second half. Little disappointed on that, but what are you gonna do? I still see a good playoff opportunity for Buffalo, and I look forward to that."
"Obviously, they only allowed them to score one touchdown and two field goals, but we couldn't score. We had good numbers, if you want to look at it that way - we had more yards rushing, more yards passing - but the results speak for themselves," said Jeff from Rochester with WBEN. "Should we have gone for it? Should we have kicked instead? I don't know. I don't think they trust their kicker."
With the Bills' loss to the Eagles, it officially clinched the AFC East for the New England Patriots, who are division champions for the first time since the 2019 season. In addition, it now pushes the Bills back to the seventh seed in the AFC standings behind the Houston Texans and the Los Angeles Chargers, who are also both 11-5.
While some fans may be disappointed the Bills failed to come up with another division title, resulting in, at least, one home playoff game, others know it's now just about finding a way as a road opponent come the postseason.
"That's all we needed to do was get in. Now we're going to show them," said Chris from North Collins with WBEN. "I believe we are the team. No matter what the standings are, we are the team."
"I'm still looking at it like there's no [Kansas City] Chiefs, there's a lot of questions, and a lot of teams are leaving a lot [to be] desired out there. So I think the Bills have a great opportunity this year. I'm still excited," added Andrew. "And it doesn't matter if we're going to New England and taking on the Patriots or if they're at home. Either way, I like our chances with Josh Allen. Put him in there, and I think we're gonna win this game. And I think we're going to take it far this year."
Next week will see the Bills play, what is likely, their final game ever at Highmark Stadium before the team makes the move across the street to the new Highmark Stadium for the 2026 season.
While the Bills may be playing for AFC seeding, and some players like running back James Cook may be looking to finish the year on a high note as the NFL's leading rusher, many fans are hoping the team rests a number of starters to ensure they're ready for a postseason run.
"I think maybe let [Cook] play a little bit, but I wouldn't keep him in the whole game. You don't want to get anybody hurt," Jeff said. "And in a game that doesn't matter to the Jets, for sure, they might want to make a point, because they're trying to prove they can win a game against a team that we're already in the playoffs, we're not likely to get a home game at all."
"It's nice and all to get the rushing title, that's cool and bragging rights. But I care more about that Super Bowl. I care more about bringing a ring to Buffalo," Andrew added. "If players are in crucial positions, like Cook, those key players, I want them to be rested up and be well for the playoffs. That's what's important for me and for us."
As for the final game at the current stadium, Bills fans admit it is something that will be top of mind going into the finale.
"It's going to be sad," said Chris, who's set to be back at the stadium next week with his family. "I started coming here in 1975, that was a full season I did, and I've had Season Tickets since '96 . It's going to be saying goodbye to an old friend."
"I'd like to see the Bills finish with, at least, a win at home for, most likely, their final home game here in this stadium. That's something to strive for, I think," Jeff added.
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