Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) - Another week, and another win for the Buffalo Bills as they keep their hopes of a playoff berth at a fever pitch.
The Bills claimed victory in their regular season home finale this past Sunday over the New England Patriots to earn a fourth-straight win. It helped Buffalo improve to 10-6 on the season, and inch that much closer to clinching a playoff berth.
While Buffalo's offense had a bit of an off week, it was the defense that helped lead the charge in the first half, forcing four turnovers of the Patriots offense. The effort was led by cornerback Rasul Douglas, who picked up two total tackles, three passes defended and two interceptions, once of which returned for a touchdown.
From there, quarterback Josh Allen was able to get the offense into the end zone twice with legs to help push Buffalo past New England.
As it stands heading into the final week of the regular season, the Bills sit in sixth place in the AFC standings, currently holding the second Wild Card spot. If the playoffs started today, Buffalo would travel to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs in the AFC Wild Card Round.
According to the New York Times Playoff Machine, the Bills have a 95% chance to make the playoffs, and could have a playoff spot clinched before they kick off Week 18.
Although a playoff berth is the ultimate goal, at this point, there still remains a path for Buffalo to capture a fourth-straight AFC East championship. The objective is pretty simple: Beat the Miami Dolphins on "Sunday Night Football".
The Bills did get a helping hand from the Baltimore Ravens this past Sunday, as they blew out the Dolphins, 56-19, to avoid Miami from clinching the division.
With a win on Sunday, the Bills will clinch not just the AFC East, but also secure the No. 2 seed in the AFC Playoffs. If the Bills lose to the Dolphins, there is a chance Buffalo will miss out on the playoffs entirely.
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During this four-game run for the Bills, Howard Simon's confidence in the team has not wavered much. If anything, he has firmly maintained his belief in their ability to win the division and make a deep run in the playoffs.
Howard not only feels the Bills can upend the Dolphins this Sunday, but also secure the 2-seed and hosting a pair of playoff games at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park.
In the Week 18 edition of "Howard Picks the Bills", Howard foresees a pair of playoff wins at home over the Houston Texans in the AFC Wild Card Round, followed by a victory in the AFC Divisional Round over Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
The playoff magic, once again, stops, though, in the AFC Championship Game, as Howard still doesn't believe the Bills can pull off a win over the Ravens in Baltimore.
Be sure to follow along on X, formerly known as Twitter, for the latest picks from Howard by using the hashtag #HowardPicksTheBills. You can also track all of Howard's picks throughout the season with Brayton Wilson's picks tracker on X: @BraytonJWilson.
You can listen and watch the latest edition of "Howard Picks the Bills" available below:
