Bills Eye Playoff Berth, but Browns Stand in the Way in Crucial Week 16 Clash
The Buffalo Bills are on the doorstep of their seventh straight trip to the postseason, and the math is finally starting to work in their favor. At 10-4, Buffalo can clinch a playoff spot this Sunday with a win-or even a tie-against the 3-11 Cleveland Browns. But there’s a little help needed, too: either the Houston Texans (who host the Raiders) or the Indianapolis Colts (who face the 49ers on Monday night) need to lose or tie.
That’s the scenario. But if you’re expecting anyone in Buffalo’s locker room to look past Cleveland or start scoreboard-watching, think again.
“Most important because it’s the next one”
This Bills team knows better than to take anything for granted. Wide receiver Khalil Shakir summed up the mindset heading into Week 16: “It’s the most important one because it’s the next one.” That’s not just a cliché-it’s a reflection of how locked in this group is heading into a game that could punch their playoff ticket.
Quarterback Josh Allen echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the bond that’s formed inside the locker room through a rollercoaster 2025 season. “We don’t want to let each other down,” Allen said. The team has weathered injuries, inconsistency, and tough losses-but they’ve also strung together two straight wins and look like they’re peaking at the right time.
Head coach Sean McDermott has been equally focused, not letting the playoff implications distract from the task at hand: slowing down Myles Garrett and a Browns team that, despite its record, still has elite talent on the defensive side of the ball. Garrett remains one of the league’s most disruptive forces, and he’ll test a Buffalo offensive line that’s been trending upward in recent weeks.
Injury updates: Benford trending up, others sidelined
There’s good news on the injury front for the Bills, starting with cornerback Christian Benford. After missing the win over New England with a toe injury, Benford was back on the practice field Wednesday. McDermott said the young corner is “moving in the right direction,” which could be a big boost for a secondary that’s still finding its rhythm.
However, several key players were absent from the team’s walkthrough. Left tackle Dion Dawkins (illness), tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee), defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (ankle), and kicker Matt Prater (quad) all sat out. Kincaid’s status, in particular, will be one to watch, as the rookie has become a reliable target for Allen and a key piece in Buffalo’s offensive game plan.
The team also opened the 21-day practice window for wide receiver and return specialist Mecole Hardman, who’s been sidelined since suffering a calf injury in Week 11 against the Buccaneers. Hardman’s speed and special teams ability could add another dimension to Buffalo’s attack if he’s able to return before the end of the regular season.
Tight end shuffle, Allen’s big day, and Bosa’s impact
While Kincaid’s knee issue is something to monitor, it’s also opened the door for Dawson Knox to reassert himself in the tight end rotation. Knox, who’s battled injuries of his own this season, has reclaimed the top spot in recent weeks and is reminding fans why he was such a key red-zone weapon in years past.
Meanwhile, Josh Allen is coming off one of his best performances of the season in the win over New England-a game where the offense found its rhythm in the second half and never looked back. Allen’s ability to extend plays, make throws on the run, and lead with confidence was on full display, and it’s the kind of performance that can carry a team deep into January.
Defensively, the addition of Joey Bosa continues to pay dividends. Signed in the offseason, Bosa has brought a veteran presence and a relentless motor off the edge.
He’s not just making plays-he’s setting the tone. And with the postseason looming, having a proven pass-rusher like Bosa in the mix could be a difference-maker.
McDermott makes history
The win over the Patriots wasn’t just another notch in the win column-it was a milestone for McDermott. With that victory, he etched his name into franchise history, continuing a run that has turned Buffalo into one of the most consistent contenders in the AFC.
But none of that matters this week. Not the playoff scenarios, not the accolades, not even the momentum.
For the Bills, it’s all about Sunday. Beat the Browns, and the path to the postseason becomes a whole lot clearer.
Slip up, and things get complicated in a hurry.
It’s December football in Buffalo-and that means every snap, every drive, and every decision matters.