Jones spotted a disparity on Christmas Day, taking to social media to criticize officials on a call that benefitted the Kansas City Chiefs in their win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Though the call didn’t matter much in the end, the game ended up having a big impact on the Bills and their playoff seeding.

DaQuan Jones Upset About Controversial Call

The Chiefs jumped out to a 13-0 lead in their game on Christmas, but the Steelers were looking to strike back and driving into the red zone. They appeared to cut into the lead on a Jaylen Warren touchdown, but it was called back after a holding call on tight end Darnell Washington.

The penalty ended up having a big impact, with Russell Wilson throwing an interception on the following play. Many questioned the call, including Bills defensive tackle DaQuan Jones.

“They never call that hold,” Jones shared in a post on X.

The call didn’t have much impact on the game, with the Chiefs dominating en route to a 29-10 victory.

There has been controversy surrounding the Chiefs this season, including a Week 2 pass interference call that helped set up a game-winning field goal against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Chiefs Win Clinches Top Seed

The win on Christmas moved the Chiefs to 15-1 and sealed their place as the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC for the playoffs. That will allow the team the chance to sit quarterback Patrick Mahomes and other starters in the season finale if they choose, while also taking some pressure off the Bills.

Going into Wednesday’s game, the Bills needed to win both games and have the Chiefs lose both of their remaining games to give Buffalo the chance to clinch the No. 1 seed. The Bills clinched the AFC East in early December and are now close to locked into the No. 2 spot, needing just one win in their remaining two games or one more loss from the Baltimore Ravens to lock up that spot.

The Bills face the New York Jets on Sunday, a game that could have meaning beyond the playoff standings. After a shaky game in last week’s win over the New England Patriots, quarterback Josh Allen is in a closer race for MVP. Though Allen seized the frontrunner status in the race, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson pulled closer with a strong performance in his team’s Christmas Day win over the Houston Texans.

USA Today’s Safid Deen wrote that Allen is still in the lead despite one shaky performance.

“Allen may have been subpar against New England, but it’s hard to forget what Allen has accomplished this season: He led the Bills to wins over the teams with the best records in the NFL – the Chiefs and Lions,” Deen wrote. “He became the first player in NFL history to throw three touchdowns and score three rushing touchdowns in a game. And the Bills clinched the AFC East on Dec. 1.”

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The team announced on Dec. 23 that they signed Nicholas Morrow to the active roster, close to three weeks after they released the veteran linebacker. Morrow will provide some depth after the team placed linebacker Baylon Spector on injured reserve, potentially ending his season.

Nicholas Morrow Returns to Bolster Linebacker Group

Morrow signed with the Bills this offseason after spending a season with the Philadelphia Eagles. Though he appeared in 11 games this season, Morrow played a light role on defense and was used mostly on special teams. Morrow played just 44 total snaps on defense this season and 182 on special teams, making three total tackles.

Spector was listed on last week’s injury report with a calf injury but was active for Sunday’s 24-21 win over the New England Patriots, though was forced to leave the game and missed the second half.

The team placed him on injured reserve on Monday, meaning Spector must miss at least four weeks before he would be eligible to return. The Bills have two regular-season games remaining and will likely play in the wild card round of the playoffs.

The Bills are currently two games behind the Kansas City Chiefs for the No. 1 overall spot, and the Bills would need to close out with two victories and have the Chiefs lost both games in order for Buffalo to earn a first-round bye.

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The cornerback struggled in his big opportunity, committing a series of costly penalties and giving up some big plays in his team’s 24-21 win over the Patriots. Elam had already been under scrutiny after falling down the team’s depth chart, and Sunday’s game brought a new round of criticism.

Kaiir Elam’s Costly Day

Elam struggled to find a regular role in the secondary after the Bills traded up in the 2022 draft to land him, starting six games his rookie season before eventually losing his starting spot to fellow rookie Christian Benford.

Elam has started just five total games in the two seasons since then, having been a healthy scratch for three straight games earlier this season. He was inserted into the starting lineup on Sunday after Rasul Douglas was ruled out.

It was a tough day for Elam. He was called for defensive pass interference twice late in the fourth quarter, with the Bills leading by 10 and the Patriots driving near the goal line. Both penalties came on third downs, allowing the Patriots to extend the drive and eventually score a touchdown.

While the Bills were able to recover an onside kick and run out the clock to secure the win, Elam’s play drew some major scrutiny.

“I like Kaiir Elam and several of the calls against him are questionable but he’s got to find a way to be on an NFL field without taking penalties,” noted reporter Nick Veronica in a post on X. “The flags are too much.”

Elam also struggled in coverage, with Patriots quarterback Drake Maye frequently picking on him in the secondary. Many fans called on the Bills to bench Elam, with others saying they understand better why the coaching staff passed him over for playing time.

Sean McDermott Sent Message to Kaiir Elam

The team’s coaching staff has sent messages to Elam on his play in the past. Speaking to reporters earlier this season, Bills head coach Sean McDermott said Elam was a healthy scratch because he hadn’t earned his way onto the depth chart.

“Everything’s earned,” McDermott said, via The Buffalo News. “That’s part of every decision, a big part of every decision, for most of the reasons of who is active or inactive. Everything’s earned and will continue to be earned as we move forward.”

Elam was not happy with the decision, saying after he was benched for a Week 11 game against the Kansas City Chiefs that he’s working hard to make a difference on the field.

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The Bills erased an early 14-point deficit in their win over the New England Patriots on Dec. 22, tightening the clamps defensively in the second half to help overcome a shaky day by the offense.

Bills quarterback Josh Allen had an uncharacteristically shaky game amid an MVP-worthy season, but said after the game that the offense may be conservative by design for the rest of the regular season.

Bills Playing it Safe

Speaking to reporters after the game, Allen reiterated that the Bills are still in the hunt for the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC. Though the Bills moved to 12-3 with the 24-21 win over the Patriots on Sunday, their quest for a playoff bye gained more remote when the Kansas City Chiefs won on Saturday to move to 14-1.

The Chiefs now need just one more win or a Bills loss to clinch the playoff bye. The Chiefs get a chance to clinch on Christmas Day, which could leave the Bills with little to play for the rest of the way.

Allen hinted that the Bills would push hard for the No. 1 seed, but didn’t want to reveal too much for potential playoff opponents.

“Allen with a super interesting answer about the offense,” reporter Matt Bove noted in a post on X. “Basically said they know they are still playing for the No. 1 seed but also know they don’t want to show everything in their arsenal and empty the tank now.”

Josh Allen’s Injury Scare

The Bills may have another motive in keeping the offense conservative over the final two weeks of the season — Allen’s health. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported on Sunday that Allen broke a bone in his hand in a Week 1 win over the Arizona Cardinals, an injury that left him hampered but has since healed.

Allen was hurt again in Sunday’s win over the Patriots, hitting his funny bone and leaving his throwing hand numb.

“Lost some feeling in my hand. Just hit the funny bone nerve,” Allen said, via The Associated Press.

Allen added that the frigid, single-digit temperatures made his recovery more difficult, though he never had to leave the game.

“It took a good five to ten minutes, so just making sure, trying to get some blood flow back in there,” Allen said. “So it was a weird feeling. Just glad it’s gone now.”

Allen had a shaky game, completing 16 of 29 passes for 154 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He also rushed six times for 60 yards.

The Bills won thanks in large part to the defense, which forced turnovers the first three drives for the Patriots in the second half including a fumble recovered in the endzone for a touchdown. After giving up touchdowns on the first two drives of the game, the Bills kept the Patriots out of the endzone until less than two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.

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Allen was injured in the third quarter of the 24-21 win, scrambling for a 7-yard run in the third quarter and falling hard to the ground. Allen appeared to hit his right hand against linebacker Yannick Ngakoue’s helmet, and the Bills quarterback was shaking his hand when he got back to his feet.

Though Allen was tended to by medical staff, he was able to return to the game and help lead the Bills to their 12th victory of the season. After the game, Allen shared an optimistic outlook on the injury.

Josh Allen Explains Injury

Speaking to CBS reporter Evan Washburn on the field after the game, Allen revealed that he actually hit his elbow, which caused his hand to go numb.

“Got a helmet to the funny bone. I went to throw the next one, and I had no feeling in the hand. Came out a little wobbly,” Allen said.

The Bills did not give a detailed report on Allen’s injury, and he could undergo further testing on Monday.

The injury came hours after a report from NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport that Allen had been nursing a broken left hand for much of the season. Allen suffered the injury on a touchdown run in a Week 1 win over the Arizona Cardinals, lingering for several weeks.

“Sources say Allen has played through most of his MVP-caliber season with a fractured left hand,” Rapoport wrote. “Now fully healthy as his team prepares to play the Patriots today, Allen wasn’t for much of the 2024 season.”

Rapoport reported that the injury had since healed, though the Bills quarterback continued to take precaution. Allen has worn a protective glove on his left hand after the injury while the team has cut back on the number of designed runs for the quarterback.

Josh Allen Leads Bills to Victory in Sloppy Game

The Bills struggled at times on offense against the last-place Patriots, falling behind 14-0 to start the game. Allen completed 16 of 29 passes for 154 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

It was the Bills defense that took over in the second half, forcing turnovers on each of the first three possessions by the Patriots including a fumble recovered in the endzone for a touchdown. The win moved the Bills to 12-3, keeping them in the hunt for the No. 1 overall seed.

In order to earn a playoff bye week, the Bills would need to win each of their remaining games with the Kansas City Chiefs losing both of their remaining games.

Should the Chiefs lost their game on Christmas Day, the Bills would only need to win one of their remaining two games to lock into the No. 2 overall seed. That could give the team some latitude to rest Allen for one or both games if further testing were to reveal that the injury was more serious than initially thought.

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But it’s a much more significant injury that has been hampering Allen this year, an insider revealed on Dec. 22. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported that Allen suffered a broken left hand in the team’s Week 1 win over the Arizona Cardinals, which forced him to take precautions for much of the season but did not knock Allen out of any games.

Though Allen’s hand injury has been apparent as he wore a protective glove after the game, Rapoport’s report revealed for the first time the true severity of the hand injury.

Josh Allen Finally Healed

Though the broken bothered Allen for several weeks, Rapoport reported that he is finally back to full health as the Bills enter a critical stretch of the season.

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After joining the team in a midseason trade, Cooper appeared to be building a strong connection with quarterback Josh Allen and carving out a significant role in the offense. But that changed quickly the next week, when Cooper had no targets in a 48-42 win over the Detroit Lions.

Cooper shared a surprising perspective after the game, explaining why he wasn’t dismayed at the sharp drop in production.

Amari Cooper Not Worried

Speaking to the The Buffalo News this week, Cooper said he’s not at all unhappy about the uneven role in the offense and said he’s happy to be on a winning team. Cooper started the season with the Cleveland Browns but was shipped to Buffalo ahead of this season’s trade deadline.

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The Bills have struggled on defense when facing tougher competition, giving up more than 40 points in each of the last two games. Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon identified the Buffalo defense in an article about the biggest weakness for the league’s top contenders, warning that the sometimes porous unit could become a liability in the playoffs.

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Reporter Matt Bove of WKBW in Buffalo reported that Dawkins was not at the team’s practice, though it was not clear if he left early or did not attend at all.

“We just finished watching Bills practice,” Bove shared in a post on X. “Dion Dawkins was excused from today’s practice for a personal reason.”

Bove also linked to a separate report from WKBW that shared details about the crash, reporting that it did not crash near any homes.

“New York State Police say a small, single-engine plane has crashed in a remote area of Aurora,” the report noted. “The crash happened Thursday morning off Route 20a on Stewart Court. The plane went down in a wooded area behind houses.

“According to public records, the property belongs to Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins.”

Police Investigating Plane Crash

There was no indication that Dawkins or anyone in his family was hurt in the crash, which remains under investigation. WKBW reported that the Erie County Sheriff’s Office was working with the East Aurora Police Department on the investigation.

The town of Aurora posted a message on Facebook reporting the crash and asking people to stay away from the area.

The WKBW report added that there were reports of heavy fire and smoke around the area of the crash. There was “possibly only one person on board” the plane, the report added, citing reporter Eileen Buckley.

A report from WIVB in Buffalo noted that the crash took place at close to 11:30 a.m., leaving one person aboard the aircraft dead.

“Multiple agencies responded to the crash, including State Police and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office,” the report noted. “The flight originated in Lansing, Mich. and was heading to White Plains, north of New York City.”

The report shared more details on the crash, saying authorities attributed it to a mechanical issue.

“Police said the plane had mechanical issues and that the pilot had declared an emergency shortly before the crash and was diverting to Buffalo Niagara International Airport. The crash is under investigation,” the report noted.

Dion Dawkins’ Girlfriend Witnessed Aftermath of Crash

The crash may have been witnessed by someone close to Dawkins, with Stephen Marth of Spectrum News in Buffalo sharing that his girlfriend shared a video of the aftermath on social media.

“JUST IN: The address where the crash occurred is listed on public records as being owned by @buffalobills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins,” Marth shared in a post on X. “No agencies have confirmed that connection, though Dawkins’ girlfriend Daiyaana Muhammad posted video on Instagram of a plane crash in her yard, but took it down shortly after posting.”

A screenshot of the video showed flames and wreckage near a wooded area. Reporters on the scene shared more images of a heavy police presence, with first responders lining the street.

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The Bills announced on Dec. 17 that they released Casey Toohill, who had appeared in 13 games. Toohill’s release came amid a series of roster moves that included the return of a rookie offensive lineman.

While Toohill is still a candidate to return to the practice squad, one national writer suggested the Bills are ready to hand his role in the defensive line rotation to a rising rookie.

Casey Toohill Released After Return of Another Veteran

Toohill joined the Bills in the offseason in a move that added depth to their pass rush rotation, though he failed to make a steady and significant impact. He appeared in the team’s first 13 games of the season before missing last Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions with a rib injury. Toohill made a total of 14 tackles with 1.0 sack and one pass deflection.

As Ralph Ventre of SI.com noted, the return of another veteran pass rusher left Toohill’s spot on the roster redundant.

“Dawuane Smoot’s return last week lessened Buffalo’s need for Toohill moving forward,” Ventre wrote. “In the win over the Detroit Lions, the Bills used starters Greg Rousseau and AJ Epenesa along with bringing Smoot, Von Miller and Javon Solomon off the bench. Should Toohill clear waivers, Buffalo could look to bring him back into the building on a practice squad deal.”

Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports also suggested that Toohill’s release could pave the way for rookie pass rusher Javon Solomon to take on a bigger role down the final stretch of the season and playoffs. In a post on X, Trapasso noted that Solomon looked strong in limited action against the Lions, even winning a matchup against All-Pro candidate Penei Sewell.

Bills Bring Back Another Player

Toohill’s release cleared the way for the Bills to bring back rookie offensive lineman Tylan Grable to the active roster after a stint on injured reserve. As Ventre noted, the No. 204 selection in last year’s NFL Draft has impressed coaches and worked his way up the depth chart this season.

“The Bills made Grable the No. 204 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, and the UCF product garnered praise for his preseason performance. The sixth-round rookie impressed enough to bump Ryan Van Demark onto the gameday inactives list prior to suffering an abdominal injury in Week 3,” Ventre wrote.

Grable’s return will give the Bills depth at offensive line down a critical stretch of the season. The Bills already clinched their fifth-straight AFC East title earlier this month and are now looking to lock up their playoff position and a potential run for the Super Bowl.

The Bills close out the season with two games against the New England Patriots and one against the New York Jets, likely needing to win all three to have a chance at catching the Kansas City Chiefs for the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC.

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While Diggs suffered a season-ending injury after just eight games with the Texans, he was on pace for another 1,000-yard season before he got hurt. As for Allen, he’s having the best season of his seven-year NFL career. The 28-year-old quarterback seems to break a new NFL record every week and leads the MVP race.

During an appearance on “Good Morning Football” on Tuesday, December 17, Diggs reiterated his thoughts about Allen winning MVP and revealed the one reason he might not win.

“Somebody had said something to me on Twitter [about Allen winning MVP],” Diggs said. “And I was like ‘he definitely should be winning. He’s been balling. Obviously, it’s no secret that Josh Allen is amazing.

“As far as seeing him game in, game out, he’s making those plays. It’s not new to me at all… It’s just respect coming full circle. He’s finally getting the credit he deserves.”

However, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who made NFL history by recording his seventh game with as many or more passing touchdowns (five) as incompletions (four) on Sunday, poses a threat.

“The only person you kinda compete with is Lamar Jackson who’s playing hell of a ball, too. It’s going to be a tough decision toward the end of the year for whoever makes those decisions because boys going crazy.

Stefon Diggs Said ‘He’ll Never Forget’ His ‘Good Years’ With the Buffalo Bills

GettyBills quarterback Josh Allen and former teammate Stefon Diggs at Lincoln Financial Field on November 26, 2023.

While there were years of tension between the two-time All-Pro and the Bills, Diggs recalls his time in Buffalo fondly.

Speaking to People about the Bills in an interview published on Dec. 16, “I always want everybody to do well, especially except for when they play me, but other than that, I’m always pulling for ’em. I just navigate through life with a lot of love no matter what people say about me or how things happen around me.

“I just like to move with a lot of love. But my time back in Buffalo, I look at it as I had a hell of a time. I had a hell of a year, hell of a season. It was good years, man, that I’ll never forget.”

Former Bills Star Stefon Diggs Considers Himself ‘Blessed’ to Be With the Texans

While the Bills clinched their fifth consecutive AFC East title and look like strong Super Bowl contenders, Diggs remains confident signing with the Texans was the best move for him. For the veteran, his new teammates immediately felt like family.

“So just that process of me being in Houston, I was so happy,” he told People. “I woke up every day happy. It was a little hot, I ain’t going to lie, but every day I woke up with a smile. Just the fact that I was blessed to be where I was at.”

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Against the No. 1 team in the NFC, Allen threw for 362 yards and two touchdowns, along with 70 rushing yards and two scores. After Allen became the first player in NFL history with 35 or more total touchdowns in four consecutive seasons, he headed straight to the X-ray room at Ford Field.

While it’s unclear when or how Allen got injured, he took numerous rough hits from the Lions’ defense. The Bills star downplayed any concern after the game. “Yeah, I just took a funky fall,” he told reporters. “More peace of mind than anything. Everything checked out. I’m good.”

Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott Delivers A Clear Update on Josh Allen’s Injury

GettyBills quarterback Josh Allen at Ford Field on December 15, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan.

While Allen has a history of never letting on if he’s in pain, Bills head coach Sean McDermott confirmed that there’s nothing to worry about when it comes to Allen. He’s “all good,” McDermott told reporters on Monday, December 16. While they’re still going through some tests on other players, he reiterated that their superstar quarterback is “all good.”

The Bills already clinched their fifth consecutive AFC East title and a spot in the postseason, however, dethroning the Kansas City Chiefs as the No. 1 seed remains in play.

McDermott, who became the first coach in franchise history to win 11+ games in five consecutive, seasons, didn’t seem terribly concerned about Allen’s injury immediately after the game. Instead, he applauded Allen’s MVP-level performance. “It’s the best I’ve seen him play and not surprised,” McDermott told reporters. “When he sets a goal for himself, for the team, he’s hard to stop.”

Allen was on the same page. “The mindset we had this week was, ‘Win every play,'” he said. “Whatever the play was, find a way to execute it at the highest level. We were just focused on the next one. Guys made some really good plays tonight.”

Bills QB Josh Allen Is Expected to Play Against the New England Patriots in Week 16

GettyBills quarterback Josh Allen (L) and tight end Dalton Kincaid (R) celebrate at Ford Field on December 15, 2024.

With Allen’s injury status cleared, fans can expect him to start when the Bills host the New England Patriots in Highmark Stadium in Week 16. Buffalo enters the matchup with an 11-3 record while the Patriots (3-11) sit in last place in the AFC East division.

The Bills are on a serious hot streak heading into Sunday’s matchup, which was moved to 4:25 p.m. ET. After taking down the Lions, Buffalo tied the NFL record for most consecutive games with 30+ points scored (8 games). With Allen leading the team, the Bills have a chance to break that NFL record in Week 16.

McDermott couldn’t be more proud of his team’s performances heading into the final few weeks of the regular season. “You could tell there’s an attitude and a focus about them,” he said of his players. “You could tell just something in the locker room, that’s what I’m used to feeling, that’s what I’m used to seeing.”

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But Allen also took some bumps and bruises, taking a detour to the X-ray room following the game to get checked out for what the Bills quarterback described as an awkward fall.

Allen cut the suspense quickly, telling reporters that everything checked out fine.

“Just took a funky fall, more peace of mind than anything,” Allen said. “But everything checked out.”

The X-rays were the latest injury scare for a quarterback who suffered through a series of nagging injuries while putting together what could be the best statistical season of his NFL career.

Josh Allen Adds to MVP Resume in Big Win

The Bills went into Sunday’s game knowing they would need to pile up the points as they faced the league’s top-scoring offense and would be missing both starting safeties. While the Bills struggled to contain Detroit’s offense, Allen made up for it with another MVP-worthy performance.

The Bills quarterback finished the game competing 23 of 34 passes for 363 yards and two touchdowns, adding 68 rushing yards with two rushing touchdowns.

Sunday’s win was the third-straight stellar performance from Allen. In the team’s Week 13 win over the San Francisco 49ers, he became the first quarterback in NFL history to record a passing, rushing, and receiving touchdown. In last week’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams, he became the first player in history to throw for three touchdowns and rush for another three.

While Allen didn’t set any single-game NFL records on Sunday, he did generate some significant MVP buzz.

Banged-Up Josh Allen

Though everything checked out following Sunday’s win, Allen has still drawn some concern for the small but accumulating injuries he has suffered this season. He suffered an injury to his non-throwing hand on a touchdown run in Week 1, forcing him to wear a protective glove and keeping him on the injury list until the beginning of December.

Allen was hurt again on a designed quarterback run in the team’s win over the 49ers in Week 13. The Bills quarterback was in noticeable discomfort, then told reporters after the game that he was hit in a very painful area.

“I got hit in the not-so-funny bone. It was bad,” Allen said, via SI.com. “I don’t know if anybody’s ever been hit that hard in the funny bone, where it feels like your hand’s on fire. That’s what it felt like, and I just kind of had no feeling in my fingers for a few plays. Not fun.”

Sunday’s win moved the Bills to 11-3, a game ahead of the Pittsburgh Steelers for the No. 2 spot in the AFC and within striking distance of the Kansas City Chiefs at 13-1.

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The Bills announced on Dec. 14 that they released lineman Will Clapp, who made the active roster but had been a healthy scratch all season. The move will make room for two defensive players returning from injured reserve.

The Bills head into Sunday’s game facing some key injuries, forcing the team to look to the practice squad for depth.

Bills Clearing Roster Space

The 29-year-old Clapp came to the Bills after playing a significant role with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023. He appeared in 14 games and started 11 while appearing in 75% of the team’s snaps on offense. Clapp has appeared in 65 games over the course of his seven-year NFL career, making 21 starts.

Though Clapp did enough in training camp to earn a spot on the final 53-man roster, he had yet to appear in a game this season. The Bills also released wide receiver Jalen Virgil, who signed to the active roster from the practice squad amid a series of injuries to the team’s wide receiving corps. Both Clapp and Virgil could be candidates to return to the team’s practice squad.

The moves cleared space for defensive end Dawuane Smoot and linebacker Baylon Spector, who both returned from injured reserve.

Despite the returns, the Bills could still be shorthanded on defense for Sunday’s game, especially in the secondary. The team already ruled out starting cornerback Rasul Douglas and safeties Damar Hamlin and Taylor Rapp are listed as questionable for Sunday.

The Bills moved to boost their safety depth, elevating Kareem Jackson from the practice squad. The team opted not to call up veteran safety Micah Hyde, who returned to the team earlier this month.

Hyde played with the Bills for seven seasons, last appearing in the team’s divisional-round loss to the Kansas City Chiefs last season, but wavered on whether to retire or return for one final season. After re-signing with the Bills, Hyde said he’s willing to take on whatever role the team needs from him.

“I just wanted to come back and do anything I could do to help,” Hyde said, via ESPN. “If it’s helping young guys understand the NFL on and off the field, older guys helping them, with what they got to do on the field, whatever it may be, I’m here to help. I’m an open book, and so I’m excited for this role, and it’s a new role for me. And I’m ready to excel now.”

Bills Face Critical Test

Sunday’s game against the Lions could be a major test for the Bills and a defense that struggled to stop the Los Angeles Rams in last week’s 44-42 loss. The Lions boast the league’s top offense and their 12-1 record is tied for the best in the NFL this season.

The Bills have already clinched their fifth straight division title but are trying to make up ground on the Chiefs for the top spot in the AFC. They currently stand two games behind the Chiefs.

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The Bills will be taking on the league’s best offense when they travel to Detroit to face the Lions on Sunday, a game that could determine whether the Bills remain in the race for the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC. Ahead of this week’s game, McDermott warned that the team would need to shore up the mistakes that plagued them in a 44-42 loss to the Rams last week — and would need a sense of urgency to do it.

“We’ve got to get better,” McDermott said.

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Hyde hinted for months that he would be open to returning to the Bills for one final NFL season, and the Bills announced on Dec. 4 that he had signed to their practice squad. Though Bills head coach Sean McDermott stressed at the time that Hyde wasn’t coming to take anyone’s job, a series of injuries could thrust the veteran into action against the offensive-minded Detroit Lions on Sunday.

Bills Nursing Injuries in the Secondary

The Bills could be missing two starting safeties on Sunday against the Lions, listing Taylor Rappy and Damar Hamlin as questionable on Friday’s injury report. Though both were able to practice in a limited capacity on Friday, it remains unclear whether they will be healthy enough to suit up against the Lions.

As Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports noted, the Bills could be forced to turn both to Hyde and a practice squad safety to fill the void.

“Might we see safeties Micah Hyde AND Lewis Cine elevated/play on Sunday?” Trapasso wrote in a post on X.

McDermott hinted when Hyde initially signed that the veteran would be joining largely for a leadership role, helping the team’s young defensive backs develop while providing an insurance policy in case of injury.

“I say this respectfully, [expecting] very little [from Hyde]. We’re in a good spot. Very confident in the guys that have played there all season long and have done both a nice job,” McDermott said, via SI.com. “Very little from, hey, you’re going to come in and you’re going to play and you’re going to help. It’s just, let’s just take it one day at a time.”

Hyde initially signed with the Bills in 2017, helping anchor a defense that broke the team’s 17-year playoff drought then grew into a perennial Super Bowl contender. He has not played since the team’s divisional-round loss to the Kansas City Chiefs last season.

Hyde could face a challenge in his first game back with the Bills, facing a Lions offense that leads the league in scoring. The Bills trail the Chiefs by two games for the No. 1 spot in the AFC, and an upset of the Lions could help keep them in the race for a playoff bye.

Big Opportunity for Lewis Cine

Cine, a former 2022 first-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings, signed with Buffalo’s practice squad in August after missing the final cut in Minnesota. Though he initially committed to signing with the New York Jets, Cine changed course and joined the Bills.

Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN suggested that a coaching connection may have helped Cine choose Buffalo over New York.

“Cine, 24, also has a connection on the coaching staff through cornerbacks coach Jahmile Addae, who coached defensive backs at Georgia in 2021,” Getzenberg wrote.

Cine has yet to appear in a game for the Bills this season, but could be elevated for Sunday’s game against the Lions as a precaution if Rapp or Hamlin are not able to play.

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The Bills ate over $31 million in dead money and took a $4 million cap hit to part ways with quarterback Josh Allen‘s No. 1 wide receiver. Buffalo also sent Houston a 2024 sixth-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick. In exchange, the Bills received a 2025 second-rounder.

The wide receiver’s departure came a month after the Bills abruptly cut several key veterans in a cap-saving move. With so much turnover, the Bills appeared to be in rebuilding mode, taking a year to reset.

However, the Bills went on to clinch their fifth consecutive AFC East title. Entering Week 15, Buffalo sits in second place in the AFC with a 10-3 record, and much credit is due to Allen and his heroic performances. The 28-year-old quarterback is in the midst of the best season of his career and leading the MVP race.

Diggs, unfortunately, suffered a season-ending injury after just eight games with the Texans. After tearing his ACL on a non-contact play during Houston’s 23-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts, the 31-year-old has been laying low.

He tweeted on Friday, December 13, “Speaking less.. praying more,” to which a fan replied, “Hows you healing? Think Josh is gonna get MVP this year?”

GettyFormer Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs with quarterback Josh Allen at Soldier Field on August 26, 2023.

“On schedule,” Diggs wrote of his progress. As for Allen winning MVP, “he should shorty balling fr,” the veteran wrote.

Prior to Diggs’ departure, there had been years of tension between the two-time All-Pro and the Bills. On March 30, Diggs responded to a fan’s tweet that stated, “Does Josh benefit from having a top tier receiver, yes. Is he essential to his success, no.” Diggs replied, “You sure ?” and was traded the next day.

Bills QB Josh Allen Shared a Heartfelt Sentiment After Buffalo Traded Stefon Diggs

GettyFormer Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs (L) and quarterback Josh Allen at Highmark Stadium on November 13, 2023.

Allen told reporters about three weeks after Diggs was traded, “We’ve made a lot of changes this offseason, lost a lot of veteran leadership. Stef being one of them. I guess that’s the nature of the business. Going into Year 7 now, it is what it is. I don’t get paid to make changes on the team.”

“I shared a text with him,” Allen said of Diggs, “and got one back. Just thanking him for everything he did for me and always have a spot in my heart for him, always love that guy like a brother, I wish him nothing but the best… He meant a lot. You look at the statistics, numbers don’t lie.”

On what he learned from Diggs, “His mentality. The way he attacked every practice was infectious, especially to the younger guys.” As for his lasting memory of Diggs, “The receiver that helped me become the quarterback that I am today.”

Josh Allen and The Bills Face a Tough Challenge Against the Detroit Lions on Sunday

GettyBills quarterback Josh Allen at SoFi Stadium on December 08, 2024 in Inglewood, California.

Allen made NFL history last week, becoming the first quarterback to ever throw three touchdowns and rush for three touchdowns in a single game. However, the Bills still fell 44-42 to the Los Angeles Rams. While the Bills look to usurp the No. 1 seed from the Kansas City Chiefs, they need to get a win over the Detroit Lions on December 15.

The Lions sit atop the NFC with a 12-1 record. Allen knows beating them on the road will be no easy feat.

“It’s a really, really well coached team and they’ve battled with a lot of injuries throughout the season on that defensive side and you wouldn’t know by watching the film because they know their film and they attack on each and every play, and we got to be ready for them,” Allen told reporters.

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Enduring the second major winter storm in a matter of weeks, the Bills took to social media on Dec. 12 to announce a significant change to their practice schedule this week.

“Today’s practice has been canceled & the team is meeting virtually due to inclement weather,” the team shared in a post on X.

The change could leave the Bills facing an unusual situation, preparing to face the league’s top offense without a full practice all week.

Dangerous Conditions Lead to Practice Change

The Bills were forced to change their practice plans due to a significant lake-effect snowstorm that battered parts of Buffalo. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced in a post on X that several counties were under states of emergency, including Erie County where the Bills play. The storm was expected to dump several feet of snow in the most persistent bands, with heavy wind and whiteout conditions.

As ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg reported, the southern suburb of Orchard Park, where the Bills play, already had 30 inches of snow by midday on Thursday with close to a foot more expected before the end of the day.

Getzenberg added that the change to Thursday’s practice could leave the Bills without a full practice all week leading up to their game against the Lions.

“The Bills (10-3) held a walkthrough on Wednesday. Friday — when the snow is expected to end — will be the team’s first full practice, although it is typically a shorter practice to end the week,” Getzenberg.

The Bills were also hit with a snow storm at the beginning of December that dumped several feet of snow, leading the team to seek snow shovelers to clear the stadium for their game against the San Francisco 49ers.

The lack of a full, in-person practice this week could pose a challenge to the Bills, who are coming off a 44-42 loss to the Los Angeles Rams and will face the league’s top offense in Detroit. The Bills already clinched their fifth-straight AFC East title, but are chasing the Kansas City Chiefs for the top overall seed in the AFC and the bye week that comes with it.

Bills Familiar With Weather Changes

The Bills have been impacted by weather many times in recent years, with their wild-card round playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers last season moved by a day while the region was hit with another major storm.

As Getzenberg noted, the Bills have also been forced to relocate another game due to a blizzard.

“Ahead of facing the Lions in 2022, the Bills had a game against the Cleveland Browns moved to Detroit due to weather conditions and safety concerns in Orchard Park,” Getzenberg noted.

The Bills were also forced to stay in Chicago following a game on Christmas Eve in 2022 while another storm bringing fierce winds hit Buffalo. The team flew into nearby Rochester, getting a state police escort down the Thruway back to Buffalo on Christmas Day.

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The Bills have three starting defensive backs — safeties Damar Hamlin and Taylor Rapp and cornerback Rasul Douglas — nursing injuries that could put them at risk of missing Sunday’s game. The Bills also moved closer to a return for defensive end Dawuane Smoot and linebacker Baylon Spector, who are both making their way back from stints on injured reserve.

The moves come as the Bills look to make up ground on the AFC-leading Kansas City Chiefs, with little time remaining in the season for a run at the No. 1 overall seed in the playoffs.

Bills Face Uncertainty on Defense

Bills head coach Sean McDermott announced this week that the team was opening the 21-day practice window for Smoot and Spector, a first step for them to come off injured reserve.

“Baylon, we’ll open his window, and Smoot as well, today,” McDermott said, via SI.com.

The Bills will have three weeks to decide whether to add Smoot and Spector back to their 53-man roster or else place them on season-ending injured reserve. Spector has been out since the team’s Week 10 win over the Indianapolis Colts, where he suffered a calf injury, while Smoot has dealt with a series of injuries. He missed the first three weeks of the season with a toe injury, then was hurt again in a Week 9 win over the Miami Dolphins.

The Bills could be taking a big hit in their secondary, with Douglas and Rapp not practicing on Wednesday and Hamlin being added to Thursday’s injury report. The team was unable to practice due to a heavy snowstorm that caused parts of Buffalo to be placed under a state of emergency, making it unclear whether any of the three might play on Sunday.

Big Opportunity for Returning Bills Player

If Rapp or Hamlin are unable to play against the Lions, the Bills could turn to a longtime player who returned last week. The Bills announced that veteran safety Micah Hyde had signed to the practice squad.

At the time Hyde signed, McDermott stressed that he wasn’t taking anyone’s job and that the team was happy with its current depth chart.

“Just to set expectations, Micah is in a practice squad role,” McDermott said, via ESPN. “We are fully confident in Taylor Rapp, Damar Hamlin, Cole Bishop, Kareem Jackson. They’ve all been doing a real good job for us in the roles that they are currently in. They’re going to stay in those roles and Micah is in a practice squad role, so good to have him back and his family as well.”

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Cornerback Rasul Douglas, one of the team’s top defensive backs, was hurt in last week’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams and could be in danger of missing this week’s game against the Detroit Lions. While former first-round pick Kaiir Elam has been behind Douglas on the depth chart, Syracuse.com writer Matt Parrino reported that the Bills could pass him over in favor of another player.

Bills Could Bench Kaiir Elam

Parrino suggested that the Bills are ready to turn to Ja’Marcus Ingram, a former undrafted rookie from the University of Buffalo who spent significant time on the practice squad in the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

“The Kaiir Elam story takes another turn as it appears Ja’Marcus Ingram has passed him on the depth chart,” Parrino wrote in a post on X. “The former first-round pick may not be the one who plays if Rasul Douglas can’t make it back from a knee injury.”

The Bills turned to Ingram in last Sunday’s game after Douglas was injured. He made three total tackles.

Though the Bills traded up in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft to land Elam, he has struggled to find a place on the team. He started six games in his rookie season before being replaced by another rookie, sixth-round pick Christian Benford. Elam has started just three total games over the last two seasons, appearing in 16% of the team’s defensive snaps this year.

Some insiders predicted that the Bills were ready to move on from Elam earlier this season. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell predicted that they would move on from Elam at the trade deadline, noting that he never seemed to gain the full confidence of the coaching staff.

“Despite injuries opening up opportunities for him in the depth chart, he never seemed to convince McDermott he deserved steady playing time,” Barnwell wrote. “Injuries hit Elam last season, and while back healthy, he has played just 23 defensive snaps in 2024.”

Bills Hoping to Rebound

The Bills are looking to move on from their worst defensive performance of the season against the Rams, giving up 37 total points on defense and another touchdown on a blocked punt returned for a touchdown.

The team will have another challenge this week, facing one of the league’s best offenses in the Detroit Lions. McDermott said he was confident the team could rebound and that the loss to the Rams was a one-week aberration.

“A lot of teams have scars on their way to having a darn good season. And we’re having a darn good season,” McDermott said, via The Associated Press.

“So what has to be in front of us this week is the opportunity that’s in front of us, quite frankly, to challenge [the Lions]. You better bring your heart, you better bring your guts, you better put it on the line.”

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The loss dealt a serious blow to Buffalo’s hopes of surpassing the Kansas City Chiefs for the No. 1 overall seed, but the team is still fighting for its playoff standing after clinching the AFC East last week.

One analyst suggests it could be time for the Bills to bring in some help for their defense in the form of an All-Pro defensive back waiting for his next opportunity.

Bills Urged to Sign Former Rival

Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report suggested the Bills look into signing former Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard, the 31-year-old free agent. Ballentine wrote that the Bills could have a serious chance at making a title run this year and could use some minor upgrades on defense.

“Perhaps this is the week that makes the Bills take a serious look at bringing in another defensive back,” Ballentine wrote. “This is a team that is dangerously close to putting together a Super Bowl run, but it just has a few tweaks to make.”

Ballentine added that signing Howard would be “a fairly cheap way to attempt to push the Bills over the top at this point.” He noted that Howard was strong in his last NFL season, allowing a passer rating of 81.3 when he was targeted in 2023.

Though the Bills’ defense has been strong throughout much of the season, they have also struggled at times against high-powered offenses, giving up 44 points to the Rams and 35 to the Baltimore Ravens.

Bills Brought Back Another Veteran Defensive Back

The Bills have already made one move to help boost their secondary, bringing back longtime safety Micah Hyde to their practice squad. Hyde had long hinted that he would consider a return to the Bills, while Bills general manager Brandon Beane also said the team was open to bringing him back at some point.

Bills head coach Sean McDermott stressed that Hyde’s addition was to add depth, not because any of the team’s current safety group is struggling.

“Just to set expectations, Micah is in a practice squad role,” McDermott said, via ESPN. “We are fully confident in Taylor Rapp, Damar Hamlin, Cole Bishop, Kareem Jackson. They’ve all been doing a real good job for us in the roles that they are currently in. They’re going to stay in those roles and Micah is in a practice squad role, so good to have him back and his family as well.”

Hyde seemed content in his role on the practice squad, saying he was eager to help the team’s younger players develop. The Bills also have the opportunity to bring Hyde into games as needed, with three practice squad elevations available over the last four games and the potential for more in the playoffs.

“I just wanted to come back and do anything I could do to help,” Hyde said. “If it’s helping young guys understand the NFL on and off the field, older guys helping them, with what they got to do on the field, whatever it may be, I’m here to help. I’m an open book, and so I’m excited for this role, and it’s a new role for me. And I’m ready to excel now.”

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The Bills were able to rally from a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter, scoring three touchdowns in the final quarter and cutting the lead to three points with close to a minute remaining. But the Rams were able to run off enough time to end the game on a punt into the endzone — a play that has since drawn some controversy.

Bills Squander Chance to Comeback

The Bills had pressure on the Rams after a pass interference penalty put them on the one-yard line with less than a minute left and trailing by 10 points. With the Bills holding all three timeouts, they had a chance to score and try to stop the Rams, potentially getting the ball back with enough time to drive for a field goal.

But Allen failed to score on a sneak on first down, forcing the Bills to call a timeout. Though Allen scored on the next play, the Bills were only able to stop the clock twice after failing to recover an onside kick.

That allowed the Rams to punt the ball into the endzone as time expired, though a coaching miscue may have helped. As Syracuse.com reporter Ryan Talbot noted, the Bills have trouble substituting on the punt and only had nine players on the field.

Talbot predicted that special teams coordinator Matthew Smiley could be in danger of losing his job after the blunder.

“Sean McDermott says the #Bills didn’t have 11 players on the field for the #Rams‘ final punt,” Talbot shared in a post on X. “It’s why they couldn’t go for a punt block. Buffalo has to move on from Matthew Smiley after the season.”

The Bills had another costly mistake on special teams earlier in the game, a blocked punt that the Rams returned for a touchdown.

The loss wasted an all-time performance from Allen, who became the first player in NFL history to record three passing touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns in the same game.

Matthew Smiley’s Other Big Blunder

Some fans pointed out that Smiley has been on the hot seat before, including last season’s loss to the Denver Broncos where the Bills had 12 players on the field for a final field goal attempt. The Broncos initially missed the kick, but were able to convert after the penalty and won the game.

“Matthew Smiley is really bad at managing his personnel. Or he just can’t count,” noted Bills reporter Kevin Massare in a post on X. “I’m not really sure which, but he should have been fired after Denver last year with Dorsey”

Others joined in questioning how Smiley was able to keep his job despite a series of mistakes over the past two seasons.

“There’s the special teams screw up,” noted Derek Kramer of WGR 550 in Buffalo. “Matthew Smiley needs some higher heat, the ST has not been good enough overall the past two years.”

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Allen helped the Bills rally from a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter. But with just over one minute remaining and the Bills knocking on the door for a touchdown, Allen failed to convert a quarterback sneak from the one-yard line and the Bills were forced to call timeout.

Though Allen plunged in for a touchdown on the next play, the defense didn’t have enough time to stop the Rams on the following drive. After the game, the Bills quarterback put the blame on himself for not coming through on the first attempt.

Josh Allen: ‘I’ve Got to Be Better’

Speaking to reporters after the game, Allen reiterated several times that he needed to get into the endzone on the first play, after a pass interference penalty had set the Bills up on the one-yard line. The Bills still held all three timeouts at the time and could have stopped the Rams with time left on the clock on the subsequent drive.

But because the Bills had to use a timeout after the failed quarterback sneak, they could only stop the clock twice and the Rams were able to run out the clock on a fourth-down punt into the endzone on the next drive.

Allen lamented the missed opportunity after the game.

“I’ve got to be better for our guys,” Allen told reporters.

Allen had one of the best statistical games of his career. He completed 22 of 37 passes for 342 yards with three touchdowns and played largely mistake-free, throwing no interceptions and not being sacked. Allen also rushed 10 times for 82 yards with three touchdowns on the ground.

On a day where the Bills defense gave up 37 points and the special teams had a punt blocked and returned for a touchdown, Allen stressed that it was a total team loss and the offense wasn’t without blame.

“We gotta make one more play than they do,” Allen said. “It’s a total team loss, all three phases. We feel like we didn’t play up to our standard.”

Josh Allen’s Historic Performance

Allen may be alone in placing blame on himself after the loss. The Bills quarterback had a historic performance, becoming the first player in NFL history to throw for three touchdowns and rush for three more. The performance came just a week after he became the first quarterback in NFL history to record a throwing, rushing, and receiving touchdown.

Vinnie Iyer of The Sporting News suggested that Allen’s performance in the loss to the Rams could help sew up the MVP award for him.

“To also recall college football, that’s a ridiculous ‘Heisman moment’. All told, Allen was responsible for 424 yards and six TDs in the same game in a prime television window,” Iyer wrote. “Doing that in the NFL should be impossible, but Allen still did it. His team gets blown out with absolutely no chance without him on the field. He’s the most valuable in every sense of the word now.”

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Miller suffered a torn ACL in his first season with the Bills in 2022, returning last season and struggling to regain his previous form. Miller had a career-worst season with no sacks and just two total tackles, though did increase his production at the conclusion of the season and the playoffs.

Though his production rebounded this season with 4.0 total sacks, Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine suggested the Bills could seize the opportunity to move on from Miller in the coming offseason and find a more affordable replacement.

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Allen popped the question to the actress and singer during the team’s bye week, then took to Instagram the following week to share the news with the world. Though Allen only briefly addressed his proposal after the team’s win over the San Francisco 49ers, he opened up more in a newsletter shared by Steinfeld this week.

In her latest issue of “BEAU SOCIETY” newsletter, Steinfeld asked 17 questions of No. 17, with Allen revealing that he was “very nervous” before proposing and even teared up earlier that day.

Josh Allen Worked Hard to Keep Big Secret

In her newsletter, Steinfeld said that Allen seemed “so chill” with the proposal, but the Bills quarterback said inside he was filled with nerves about keeping the secret from her. Allen even had a difficult time keeping his composure while preparing for the big moment.

“I was very nervous,” Allen said. “I think I was most nervous about you finding out about the proposal. It was hard to keep secrets from you and have other people in your life keep secrets from you. Then multiple times throughout the day a song would come on and I would tear up thinking about how special our day was going to be.”

It wasn’t an easy task for Allen, who added that Steinfeld brought up the idea of marriage that same day.

“The funniest thing was that we woke up and were getting ready for brunch and you jumped on the bed and said ‘Can we get married already?!? What are you waiting for??!’ I replied, ‘Just give me a little more time.; Little did you know I was about to propose to you… ” Allen shared.

But Allen managed to keep the secret until the big moment, saying in the newsletter that it was a relief.

“In one word: relieved,” Allen shared. “That I didn’t blow it nor did anyone else. You were extremely surprised, you said yes, and that was all that mattered to me. And the sun was out.”

Allen and Steinfeld were first spotted together during the offseason in 2023, keeping their relationship low-profile through the season. Though both Allen and Steinfeld tend to shy away from the spotlight, she was seen cheering him on at several Bills games through the season.

Josh Allen’s Thoughts on Being Engaged

Allen had been asked about his engagement following Sunday’s 35-10 win over the 49ers, but the Bills quarterback didn’t initially have much to say. When asked by a reporter how it felt to get his first win as a soon-to-be-married man, Allen had just two words.

“Felt good,” Allen said with a smile.

He had a longer answer for Steinfeld, sharing more excitement for his reply in her newsletter.

“It feels unbelievable to be engaged to someone who is so special and loving and caring and gorgeous and fun and happy…I can keep going if you want me to keep going…” Allen shared.

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Buffalo Bills Uphauled Expectations To Dominate The AFC East

GettyJosh Allen vs. Arizona Cardinals

Meek seasons from the New York Jets and New England Patriots, and a month long spell on the sidelines for Dolphins quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, catapulted the Bills to a 5th straight AFC East title, making them the first team in 15 years – the 2009 Indianapolis Colts – to win their division with 5 games to spare.

The Bills are currently the joint second favorites to win the Super Bowl, behind only the 11-1 Detroit Lions, and much of that – according to Bills 3 x Pro Bowl left tackle, Dion Dawkins – is down to superior quarterback play, per Matthew Bove.

I asked Dion Dawkins if something was different about the Bills this year.

His answer was exceptional. And hilarious. #BillsMafia @WKBW pic.twitter.com/BAPteAqg3w

— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) December 5, 2024

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Dion Dawkins Sheds Light On Differences Between 2023 And 2024 Seasons

GettyDion Dawkins scores touchdown vs. New England Patriots

In what may seem like an indirect shot at former offensive coordinator, Ken Dorsey; currently the OC for the Cleveland Browns; Dawkins made an interesting revelation as to the source of the team’s improved success. Asked if the team felt different to this time last year, Dawkins responded accordingly.

“I don’t want to get anybody in trouble, but it’s drastically different; our quarterback is engaged. It’s drastically different.

We all stem from the head; he [quarterback Josh Allen] touches the ball every single play. And not to say anything bad that ever happened was because of anything, that’s not what I’m saying. But when he is fully right and he feels fully complete, we have the best shot of winning; and my quarterback…is right: mentally, physically, emotionally.”

Dawkins is right, Josh Allen is certainly “right”. Beyond some happy personal news, as the Wyoming alum got engaged last weekend, Allen has been the epitome of efficiency this season: throwing for 2,691 yards, 20 touchdowns and 5 picks as the 10-2 Bills rank 2nd in the AFC behind only the 11-1 Kansas City Chiefs.

Under new offensive coordinator, Joe Brady, gone are Allen’s days of “reckless gunslinger”, where the strong armed talent religiously racked up double digit interceptions, including a career high 18 in 2023.

Instead, a more prudent, decisive, young Aaron Rodgers-esque passer has emerged, slicing through defenses with a Santoku knife.

Much of this, Dawkins asserts, comes down to this happier, grounded, “right” persona, continuing:

“You can see how he smiles; you can see how he is on interviews; you can see how he is running on and off the field; you can feel how he’s playing…you can literally feel how that kid plays ball.

That’s what’s different; it stems from 17 and the rest trickles down…I want to be the best version for him, because he has shown me the best version of Josh Allen”.

Some poignant words coming from the Pro Bowl offensive lineman. And indeed if this version is Josh Allen’s best, will it finally be good enough to usurp the Chiefs as rulers of the AFC – and indeed the NFL.

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While the veteran’s wife, Amanda Hyde, hinted toward the safety’s retirement following Buffalo’s devastating loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional round last season, Hyde is now back.

Heading into Week 14 of the NFL season, the Bills announced they were signing Hyde to the practice squad. “Micah Hyde is in a practice squad role,” Bills head coach Sean McDermott said on Wednesday, December 4. “Extremely confident in Taylor Rapp, Damar Hamlin, and Cole Bishop.”

Amanda shared her immediate reaction to the news on her Instagram Stories. She simply wrote, “Home 🥹💙❤️.”

@amandahyde_/InstagramBills safety Micah Hyde’s wife, Amanda Hyde, reacts to her husband re-signing with Buffalo.

Amanda, who shares two children with Hyde, also responded to all the celebratory message she received from those thrilled over the All-Pro’s return. She wrote in response to the Bills’ official announcement, “Forever proud of this man. here we goooo.”

@amandahyde_/InstagramMicah Hyde’s wife, Amanda Hyde, celebrated his return to Buffalo on Dec. 4, 2024.

Hyde returns to a Bills team that’s already clinched the AFC East title and a spot in the playoffs. Hyde could play a vital backup role as Buffalo looks to win their first-ever Super Bowl championship.

Micah Hyde’s Wife, Amanda Hyde, Sent an Emotional Letter to Bills Mafia Last Season

After the Bills’ 27-24 loss to the Chiefs in the playoffs last season, Amanda posted an emotional letter to fans on her Instagram page. While she left the door slightly ajar for a return, Amanda wrote in the caption that a message from her husband was “coming soon.”

Amanda reflected on Hyde’s seven years in Buffalo in her letter addressed to Bills Mafia. “Through the highs and lows, you guys stood by our side, and we see you. This really is the city of good neighbors, and what a privilege it has been.

“So, Bills Mafia, thank you. Thank you for making this place our home… And thank you for making this place so hard to leave. You will always have a piece of our hearts, and man, do we love you guys!”

She also addressed the team’s loss to Kansas City and her hope for the team moving forward. “This might sting now, but believe this – this city will get theirs. And even if it might be our time to say goodbye, know that no matter where we go, or what may be next, the Hydes will happily be promoted from the roster to The Mafia.”

Amanda closed her message with a nod to Marv Levy. “Because when it all comes down to it, where else where you rather be than right, right now?

Bills Safety Micah Hyde Said He Was in ‘No Rush’ to Decide His Future

After missing almost the entirety of the 2022 NFL season with a neck injury and then suffering two stingers last year, Hyde was mulling over retirement

Speaking to reporters following the Bills’ elimination from the playoffs, he was not ready to make a definitive statement on his future. After four years with the Green Bay Packers, Hyde became a star in Buffalo and played a huge part of turning the team into a winning franchise.

“Every year when you lose, you wake up the next day and you’re filled with so much frustration because you weren’t able to get it done,” Hyde said in January. “This morning I woke up and I’m like, ‘Wow, that was a run. That was an amazing run we went on.’ I’m forever grateful for this team, the hard work and the resilience this team has showed.

“I just have no idea what the future holds right now. I’m going to sit down, maybe in a couple weeks or something, and talk to the wife and talk to the family. But we’ll see. I’m in no rush, no rush at all.”

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An insider believes that with five games left in the regular season and a fifth-straight AFC East title clinched, now is the perfect time for Hyde to walk through it.

The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia wrote that it “makes sense” for the Bills to bring back Hyde for the final stretch of the season, providing a trusted veteran. Bills general manager Brandon Beane had been open to the idea of Hyde returning, and Buscaglia believes the team may have a pending roster opening that would fit perfectly.

Micah Hyde Ready to Return

Hyde had been a favorite among fans and a mainstay in the Bills’ secondary since joining the team as a free agent in 2017, joining with Jordan Poyer to create one of the league’s top safety tandems. When his contract expired at the conclusion of the 2023 season, Hyde said he would only consider returning for one more season if he played for the Bills — but stressed that he wanted to spend more time with his family.

Buscaglia suggested that the timing may be perfect for Hyde to return now, having gotten to spend several months including the Thanksgiving holiday with his wife and children. The Bills are also in strong contention for the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC, giving Hyde a chance at the Super Bowl he has badly wanted.

“Hyde has obsessed about getting to the Super Bowl in Buffalo since he arrived in 2017, so it wouldn’t have made any sense for him to commit to playing, given all his other reasons, without knowing he’d have one last chance to win it all,” Buscaglia wrote. “Now with the Bills at 10-2, already division champions and only one Chiefs loss from sliding into the AFC’s No. 1 seed, Hyde couldn’t have asked for a better situation. If it’s going to happen, the timing and opportunity now appear right.”

Buscaglia added that the Bills could free up a roster spot by parting ways with wide receiver Jalen Virgil, who was signed to the active roster from the practice squad in November after injuries to Amari Cooper and Keon Coleman. With Cooper already returned and Coleman close, Buscaglia suggested the Bills could waive Virgil with the hopes of signing him back to the practice squad.

Return Would Be ‘Home Run’ for Bills

Buscaglia noted that Hyde’s role on the field would be “unclear,” but noted that his leadership alone would be a big asset to a team looking to get over the hump and make a Super Bowl run.

“From a locker room perspective, it would be a home run,” Buscaglia wrote. “Hyde is a universally beloved player by his teammates, and with the majority of the locker room having been with the team in 2023, it would be an easy assimilation for Hyde despite being away from football since January.”

Bills quarterback Josh Allen seemed open to Hyde’s return, telling reporters in November that he has kept in close touch with his longtime teammate. Allen was careful to stress that he was not criticizing the team’s current makeup on defense, but said Hyde’s addition would be a big boost.

“That would be great, but depending on, I don’t know what you want me to say,” Allen said, via SI.com. “I don’t have any thoughts or ways about it. I think our guys are, especially on the defensive side of the ball, are playing really fantastic football right now. But if there was an opportunity that arose to have him back, I think everybody in this locker room would welcome him with open arms.”

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Oddsmakers showed the 2 players separating from the pack after bravura Week 13 performances, with Allen’s odds dipping to -225 on DraftKings and Barkley at +350 — reigning NFL MVP and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was at +900.

“I think Saquon Barkley’s got an awesome MVP chance,” said “This is Football” host Kevin Clark on December 1. “And I don’t want to make any proclamations. Like, if I was voting now, yeah, probably Josh Allen. Probably. He deserves it. But Saquon is right there. And I also think that we’re going to see some more moments in December and early January … I think if anybody’s going to close and take it away from Josh Allen, it would be Saquon Barkley. I would go so far as to say it’s a two-horse race…”

Barkley leads the NFL with 1,499 rushing yards in 12 games, which Clark pointed out was in the Top 10 in NFL history through 12 games and puts Barkley ahead of NFL legends like Terrell Davis, Walter Payton and Jim Brown, who did it twice.

No running back has won NFL MVP honors since Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson in 2012, when he rushed for 2,097 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Not Everyone Sold on Barkley’s MVP Chances

Not everyone is so gung-ho about Barkley’s MVP chances, pointing out the friendly nature of the Eagles’ offense for running backs. Few teams can say they have as many elite skill players as Philadelphia with Barkley, quarterback Jalen Hurts, wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith and tight end Dallas Goedert.

Not to mention the Eagles have arguably the NFL’s best offensive line — they lead the NFL in rushing offense at 188.9 yards per game.

“I know Barkley is having a great year, but we can’t say he’s MVP of the league,” The Ringer’s Bill Simmons said on “The Bill Simmons Podcast” on December 1. “If you just removed him and put an average running back in the Eagles attack, I still think they’re a playoff team. If you removed Josh Allen … are (the Bills) a .500 team? Probably not. I think the Eagles would be a playoff team no matter who their running back was, as good as Barkley has been.”

Superstar RBs Have Been Few and Far Between

The last 25 years has seen the gradual decline of the superstar NFL running back as quarterbacks and wide receivers have taken over the game, taking advantage of stricter rules on illegal contact.

While the NFL MVP drought for running backs recently passed the decade mark, it’s been much longer since a running back grabbed the biggest individual honor on the NFL’s biggest stage — no running back has been named Super Bowl MVP since Denver Broncos running back Terrell Davis in 1998.

Since Peterson won in 2012, a running back has only even been runner-up in MVP voting once, when Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley finished behind New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in 2017.

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Allen, who has often been reluctant to share details about his private life and relationship with the actress and singer, was asked about how he felt about playing his first game as a soon-to-be-married man following the team’s 35-10 win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday Night Football.

The Bills quarterback had a simple reply.

“Felt good,” Allen said with a smile.

Josh Allen’s Unforgettable Week

Allen announced on Friday that he popped the question to Steinfeld, his girlfriend of more than a year and a half, sharing the news in a joint social media post with his now-fiancee. The Bills quarterback had kept the engagement secret for a week, sharing in the post’s caption that they got engaged on Nov. 22.

The Bills quarterback was back to work this weekend, leading his team to a win over the 49ers that clinched the team’s fifth straight AFC East title. Allen had one of the best games of his career, throwing for two touchdowns including a very unlikely one in the third quarter.

With the Bills driving deep in Niners territory, Allen found wide receiver Amari Cooper for a short pass that was stuffed near the line of scrimmage. With three defenders swarming Cooper, he turned to lateral to Allen who rumbled seven yards into the endzone. The play was officially scored as a touchdown pass from Allen to Allen, making him just the fourth player in NFL history to throw a touchdown pass to himself.

Allen made more history later in the game when he scrambled for an eight-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to record a rushing, receiving, and passing touchdown in a game.

Josh Allen’s Wedding Plans

Though Allen was a man of few words when asked about his engagement after the game, he did share some details about the proposal with the broadcast crew for Sunday’s game.

“Melissa Stark with the inside scoop on Josh Allen’s engagement,” shared reporter Bradley Gelber on X. “Spoke to Josh before the game tonight. The engagement took place in Malibu. Hailee was very surprised. No wedding date set yet.”

It was an unusual admission for a player who has taken great lengths to protect his private life. As The Associated Press noted, Allen even tried to keep reporters from identifying Steinfeld when the pair first started dating.

“Allen and Steinfeld were first linked in the spring of 2023, when they were photographed dining together in New York City,” a report noted. “Months later, Allen acknowledged the two were dating, but asked The Associated Press not to mention Steinfeld by name in a bid to maintain a semblance of privacy.”

Allen worked hard to keep the proposal a secret until Friday’s announcement. When asked by reporters earlier in the week how he had enjoyed his time off during the bye week, Allen was coy about his real plans.

“Fantastic. It was great. Got some sun. Hung out with family. It was fantastic,” he said, via The Associated Press.

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