Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) looks at the scoreboard as time runs out during the second half of Sunday's game against the New England Patriots at Orchard Park. AP Photo
ORCHARD PARK – Don’t count the Buffalo Bills out of – or in – the playoffs just yet. After all, this is a team that hasn't made much of anything look easy this season.
It's remarkable that the Bills (10-6) made it this far. They've won four in a row and five of six as they prepare to close out their schedule at Miami (11-5) with the AFC East title on the line Sunday night.
A victory would secure the Bills their fourth straight division title and the second seed in the AFC. But a loss could put them out of the playoffs altogether.
If the Bills lose or tie, they'll need a Pittsburgh loss or tie, a Jacksonville loss or tie, or a Houston vs. Indianapolis game ending in a draw. The Dolphins have clinched a playoff spot.
The Bills will know the math before kickoff, since their game is the last of the regular season.
They're in this position despite a patchwork defense, quarterback Josh Allen's ongoing turnover issues and an inconsistent offense that led to the firing of coordinator Ken Dorsey in November.
Coach Sean McDermott was criticized for squandering last-minute leads in losses to New England, Denver and Philadelphia, and for having to apologize for praising the 9/11 hijackers for their coordination during a team meeting four years ago.
This week is not without its disturbing subplot. Questions remained unanswered regarding wide receiver Stefon Diggs' sudden decline in production and playing time. McDermott said it wasn't injury-related, but noted it could be because Diggs needed a break or, perhaps, the receiver wasn't part of the team's roster. staff for a particular game or series.
McDermott's vague responses indicate something is going on, but what?
Diggs' production also dipped toward the end of last season, and the receiver refused to speak to the media over the final three weeks and into the playoffs.
In mid-November, Diggs chastised reporters for questioning his commitment to Buffalo. He hasn't spoken since Dec. 14, when he admitted to being frustrated by constant double-team coverage.
That's been only half the problem for Diggs over the past three outings, in which he's spent 83 of Buffalo's 192 offensive snaps on the sideline.
The receiver played 45 of 69 snaps in a 27-21 win over New England last weekend. Diggs was not on the field for an eight-play, 75-yard drive to open the second half, which Allen capped with a 1-yard touchdown run.
In 10 games, he had 73 catches for 868 yards and seven touchdowns. Over his last six games, he has been limited to 27 catches for 228 yards and one touchdown.
Allen insists he views Diggs as Buffalo's top threat and that getting him the ball is imperative.
The offense showed signs of regression and was limited to a season-low 281 yards against New England.
Allen has been more productive, scoring five rushing touchdowns with two passing touchdowns and two interceptions in his last three outings.
What appeared to be running back James Cook's breakout game, throwing for 221 yards from scrimmage in a 31-10 win over Dallas, turned out to be a failure. He has passed for a total of 114 yards from scrimmage in his last two scrimmages.
Credit the defense for limiting its last three opponents to a combined total of 762 yards and four touchdowns. The defense was the star against New England, with cornerback Rasul Douglas contributing to three of Buffalo's four takeaways, including returning an interception 40 yards for a score.
The Bills put what was supposed to be their stamp on the division with a 48-20 rout of the Dolphins on October 1.
Three months later, nothing is certain.
WHAT WORKS
The defense hasn't allowed a touchdown and has thrown four interceptions in its last three outings.
WHAT NEEDS HELP
Attack in the red zone. The Bills were held to two touchdowns on five drives inside the New England 20. More worryingly, Buffalo scored a touchdown and two field goals on drives that started at the Patriots 30 or better.
STORE
Douglas. The trade deadline addition has four interceptions in eight games since being acquired from Green Bay and supports missing defensive starter Tre'Davious White (torn Achilles tendon).
STOCK REDUCTION
Edge rusher Von Miller. The NFL's active sack leader was inactive for the first time in 12 games, and he faces domestic violence allegations following what Texas police described as an argument with his girlfriend during the week of leave from Buffalo. Miller has denied the allegations.
“We remain fully confident in Von and look forward to a great week of training,” » said McDermott.
INJURIES
Allen has a sore neck but should play after sealing the victory by lowering his head on a 4-yard run to convert a third-and-3.
KEY NUMBER
6 — Sam Martin became the third punter this season to make six or more attempts at an opponent's 20 in a game.
NEXT STEPS
The Bills face a potential must-win against a division rival they've beaten in 10 of the last 11 meetings, including a 34-31 playoff win last season.