Success

When the D makes a stand like that, you just can't cough it up carelessly.

You can't play it better than Wallace just played that.

That call was terrible.

Do the refs plan on calling every loose ball after a play ends a fumble?

I knew we were up there - the fact that we're actually leading is a bit surprising. The penalties are driving me crazy, for the most part. I can't remember a Bills team that was Offside so much.

I don't know why I do this to myself, but I lurk on the Pats boards once in awhile. It's striking to me how their conversations right now are the exact early December conversations we used to have. "If we can just win out, and have x team lose to y team, but y team lose to z team, and then if this & that happens, etc." It's kind of wonderful. But they're very invested tonight - about half of that fanbase thinks they can still take the division if the Bills lose tonight, next week and they beat us head to head. Gotta crush those hopes.

The Bills will effectively defend a hail mary.

Why would a coaching staff of a winless team tank?

The Chargers actually showed up for our game w/ them, though.

I watched a lot of that game. It was a perfect storm - Pats got every break & every big play, and even the refs handed them some drive-extending close calls. And man, did the Chargers quit. I'm a Lynn fan, and often wish we had hired him as HC, but I'm glad we didn't now. That team just gave up, visibly. That's really not something you see much - even the Jets & Jags played harder today.

It would start to chip away at the psychological damage I've developed over 2 decades if we could be the team to end their playoff hopes.

That's probably it for Lynn. It seemed like the team really quit - that final score is inexcusable. I'd love it if the Pats had zero hope at this point of the season. As it is, they have slight hope. Hopefully, the Rams can put an end to that.

It's really good - and rare - to feel the kind of confidence in a kicker that we had when Hausch was rolling. I'll always appreciate his time as a Bill. Best of luck in retirement!

I always feel like there are some guys who were supposed to be Bills at some point. I've loved him since he got here. I know he hasn't done too much on the field yet - but the spirit is there, and when he has played, I've felt like he's been one of the emotional leaders for the D. Kind of reminds me of Merriman, who never played amazing for us, but just seemed to love it here....

Great info. I'd be surprised if Mullens beat us - if we lose, it will be more self-inflicted, imo. This should be a solid win, though. Our defense has continued to improve. Klein's play has been such a difference-maker, and now Milano is coming back....

With Allen, you can really see how hard a time pundits have adapting and changing a conclusion that they make about a player early on. Everyone thought that they knew Allen and exactly what kind of QB he would be in the pro's. And they just can't let it go. You could see it directly in the KC game: Mahomes would make a mistake, and it was just an off play for him. Allen would make basically the same mistake, and it becomes "there it is! That's why people aren't buying into this guy...." It's fairly blatant.

"Lombardi" is the obvious answer. But, if I had to settle, it would be on "progression." So, we need to advance in the playoffs. That's still a drought we have to break, also. Winning only one game in the playoffs would be disappointing, but I'd still appreciate & value the season if we did that. Winning the division also goes a long way toward "successful." Losing in the 1st round would for sure be a fail.

The Patriots have ruined all other division-team-hate for me. It's like a total eclipse. I just feel bad for the Jets. Though I probably won't feel that way on draft day.

Let this news mark the official end of hot takes.

Good write-up. In a way, it reminds me of the '90's, when the Bills were on top, but the Dolphins were usually the main competition w/ Marino at the helm. It seemed like we were always battling w/ them for the division, while the Jets and Pats fought it out over who would finish last. It's going to be a long road back for the Patriots. As you mention, they currently have the worst QB situation. Belichick can make any roster competitive, and he has done that to an extent this year - but to build a true contender will take a few years, and who knows if he wants to even coach that much longer. Once he leaves, they're really back to being the Patsies. I know some think Lawrence will stay in school, but I'd have a hard time believing that. Being a top pick in the NFL draft is a huge accomplishment, and there is a lot of money involved there. Barkley made a mistake staying in school one more year. That would certainly be interesting if the Jets got him. Maybe it's weird, but I like the idea of getting real rivalries going in the division again, and the division title coming down to the last few games of the season. I also like that it will likely be us, Miami and maybe the Jets fighting for the title - while the Pats are in the cellar.

I haven't read through all of the comments. It's funny that people are critical about it. We're 8-3, with a solid win over a tough opponent. 1st place in the AFCE. Loving it.

Moss is our starter. Singletary is perfect for what he is - he can come in and break one anytime, which is all you can ask for out of the 2nd string guy.

8-3, fairly comfortable lead in the division - this is the best position we've been in at the end of November since the '90's. Loving it.

Patriots fans are ridiculously happy about getting a last-second FG to get to 5-6. I feel like I'm the Grinch watching the Who's celebrate after having everything stolen from them. "Their GOAT QB left....they won't make the playoffs...they'll miss out on a top draft pick....and still they celebrate...."

Klein has been a revelation. Former weak link, current leader. That wouldn't be sportsmanlike, Inigo...