Niagara Gazette

‘The Bills can’t afford to rely on help from an already-clinched Ravens team that faces the Steelers in Week 18 and a five-win Titans team to beat the Jaguars.’

‘The Bills didn’t have Rasul Douglas nine weeks ago.’

‘It was the Bills who had the superstar quarterback who needed to do just enough and the Patriots who had the inferior quarterback who made critical mistakes that cost New England the game.’

‘The last player to win the award on a team that wasn’t a No. 1 or No. 2 seed in the playoffs was Adrian Peterson — the last non-quarterback to be named MVP — in 2012. And the last quarterback to do so was Peyton Manning in 2008.’

‘Jones is in the second week of his 21-day window to return from injured reserve, but the Bills cleared space on the active roster by releasing offensive lineman Germain Ifedi Thursday. Jones will have to officially be signed to the active roster before playing Sunday.’

‘He later said “all of it’s incorrect” except news he and his girlfriend are expecting a third son. Miller did not provide any specific details to dispute the charges, but said that everything with his girlfriend is still the same as before the arrest. He called it “a crazy day.”’

‘But over the last six games, Rousseau seems more like himself again. He’s got five tackles for a loss and two sacks for a Buffalo defense that is allowing 96.3 yards rushing per game over the last nine weeks after giving up 133.7 in the first six, including a season-high 196 against the Jaguars when Rousseau was out.’

‘The 2022 No. 23 overall draft pick has played three games this season and has not played Oct. 22 after being sidelined with a torn deltoid in his right foot. Elam was considered a healthy scratch during the first four games of the season after falling to No. 4 on the depth chart, but was thrust into the lineup when Tre’Davious White tore his Achilles in Week 4.’

‘The reality, though, is that Oliver isn’t just popping up around the holidays anymore. He’s been Buffalo’s most consistent, and perhaps best, defensive player this season, his first after being awarded a four-year $68 million contract extension over the summer.’

‘But beating an inferior opponent late in the game, needing to come from behind because of an abysmal start to the game makes those games harder than necessary.’

‘Buffalo currently has a 63% chance to make the playoffs and have a better than 99% chance if they win their remaining three games, according to Upshot’s playoff simulator. Those odds drop below 30% if they lose to either the Chargers or Patriots and the Bills are aware, no matter how much they say only the next game matters.’

‘But it’s Johnson’s versatility that makes him the most important player on the defense. His combination of coverage, physicality and tackling allows the Bills to substitute scarcely without teams being able to exploit a mismatch.’

‘Phillips said he hopes to be back for the playoffs, but this is the latest injury on a long list over the last four seasons. The 31-year-old had played in all 14 games this season, making 2 ½ sacks and two tackles for a loss, but he missed 15 games over the previous three seasons.’

‘After giving up a sack and five quarterback pressures in Week 1, Brown has allowed just three sacks since, as the Bills have surrendered the fewest sacks in the NFL (19). It started by skunking Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro Maxx Crosby in Week 2 and hasn’t relented, aside from a five-pressure game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 12.’

‘But when offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey was fired and replaced by quarterbacks coach Joe Brady Nov. 14, Johnson became a greater part of the offense and has seen his snap count rise. Johnson has 29 touches for 156 yards and a touchdown over the last four games, including a nine-carry, 54-yard outing against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, playing a season-high 20 snaps.’