Olean Times Herald

‘“I felt really nervous at first that the Bills were going to blow it at the end. Then they came through and we were like, ‘OK.’ Then it was anxiety all over again because now we have to hope the other team does what they need to do,” said Anastasia, who watched the game with friends at Don’s Semi-Friendly Tavern, where she bartends in addition to her job at St. Bonaventure University. “We cried a little bit, not going to lie. It was a good feeling,”’

‘Only seven Bills on the active roster or injured reserve (60 players total) were coached by Marrone but you can bet the front-office survivors would like nothing better than to see the franchise’s current edition beat him in the playoffs … on his homefield.’

‘So here’s how the anxiety unfolded trying to keep track of the four teams bidding for two AFC wild-card playoffs spots all with 4:25 p.m. kickoffs…’.

‘He added, “(This organization) is in a position that we haven’t been in, this city hasn’t been in, for a number of years. To me, there’s an electricity about it this time of year to be in this type of situation. It’s a situation that our guys have earned and I’m proud of them for it.”‘

‘“We have to handle our business and try to get a win in Miami. The city (of Buffalo), I’m sure, will be super excited to have this happen, especially where a lot of people aren’t sure if you can make it, what the scenario is, what can happen.”’

‘Consider, offensively, in the 32-team league, Buffalo is last in passing yards per game, 29th in yards gained, 27th in first downs and 24th in points scored. On defense, the numbers aren’t much better. The Bills are 30th in rushing yards surrendered, 29th in first downs given up, 28th in sacks and 25th in total yards relinquished.’

‘Because so many unfavorable results occurred in Week 16, Buffalo’s playoff chances are down from the mid-40-percent range to about 20 percent. Part of the reason, of course, is that the Ravens, Titans and Chargers are playing at home and will likely all be favored as Cincinnati, Jacksonville and Oakland have nothing to play for.’

‘This trip, Buffalo has to win and needs help, but it still has a reasonable shot, though the Ravens and Chargers figure to be favored with the Jaguars a likely toss-up.’

‘“Looking back at that film, there was definitely a lot that we had to learn. Guys, I believe, have cleaned up those mistakes and are ready to go back out there and compete again (Sunday).”’

‘“You can’t necessarily worry about what other teams are doing. You have to be able to take care of business yourself because the help that you need, or may need, if you’re not taking care of business on your end, it won’t play out the way it should.”’

‘When asked how much time he’ll dedicate to doping out playoff scenarios, McDermott said, “I’ll spend very little. I’m proud of the fact that our guys have earned the right to be in that conversation, and I’m happy for our fans. (But) we have to focus on what’s in front of us and that’s the New England Patriots (Sunday).’

‘After a five-game losing streak dropped Miami to 4-7, the Dolphins regained some hope with wins over Denver and New England the previous two weeks. Coach Adam Gase couldn’t explain how the Dolphins could one week beat the first-place Patriots on Monday Night Football and the next, lose convincingly to Buffalo.’

‘But for Bills fans, here’s the reality. Three teams, all 8-6 — Buffalo, Tennessee and Baltimore — are the decided front-runners for the two AFC wild-card spots.’

‘But the Bills’ playoff hopes won’t survive if they only play a half.’

‘Thus, today becomes a swing game for Buffalo, which currently has a 25 percent chance of making the playoffs but could improve those odds to 40 percent by beating the Dolphins. However, a loss would drop the Bills chances into single digits.’