Four Reasons the Bills Shouldn’t Overlook the Browns in Week 16
On paper, Week 16 should be a layup for the Buffalo Bills. They’re facing a 3-11 Cleveland Browns team that’s been out of the playoff picture for weeks.
But if you’ve followed the NFL long enough, you know these are the kinds of games that can turn into headaches-fast. Buffalo is riding high after an emotional comeback win over the Patriots, but that momentum can quickly turn into complacency if they’re not careful.
Here are four reasons why the Bills need to keep their foot on the gas this Sunday-and why Cleveland might be more dangerous than their record suggests.
1. This Has All the Markings of a Classic Trap Game
Let’s start with the obvious: this is the textbook definition of a trap game. The Bills are coming off what might be their most emotionally charged win of the season-a dramatic road comeback against a divisional rival.
That kind of victory can leave a team feeling invincible. But that’s exactly when things get dicey.
Cleveland, despite its record, isn’t a team that’s just going to roll over. And if Buffalo comes in thinking they can sleepwalk to a win, they’re playing with fire.
The AFC playoff picture is still fluid. The Bills haven’t locked up the No. 5 seed, and depending on how things shake out with New England, the division isn’t entirely out of reach either.
This is not the time to let up.
2. Myles Garrett Has History on His Mind
If you’re looking for a game-wrecker on the Browns’ roster, you don’t need to look far. Myles Garrett is one of the league’s most dominant edge rushers-and this week, he’s got more than just a win on his mind. Garrett is just one sack shy of tying the all-time single-season sack record, and 1.5 away from breaking it outright.
That kind of milestone has a way of fueling already elite players. Garrett will be coming in with extra juice, and if the Bills’ offensive line isn’t sharp, it could be a long afternoon for Josh Allen.
Buffalo’s offense thrives when Allen is in rhythm, but that rhythm breaks down quickly when he’s under constant pressure. The Bills would be wise to treat Garrett like a game-changing force-because that’s exactly what he is.
3. Kevin Stefanski Is Coaching for His Job
When there’s desperation on the sideline, it often shows up on the field. Kevin Stefanski’s seat is about as hot as it gets right now. After a disappointing 2024 and a rough 2025 campaign, he’s running out of time to prove he’s the guy to lead this team forward.
But here’s where it gets interesting: rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders has shown flashes. If Stefanski can guide this team to a signature win-or two-down the stretch, it might be enough to buy him another year to develop Sanders and solidify a long-term vision.
That kind of urgency can galvanize a locker room. Don’t be surprised if Cleveland plays with a little extra fire, knowing that jobs-coaching and otherwise-are on the line.
4. Cleveland’s Run Defense Could Muck Things Up
Buffalo’s offense has found a nice rhythm when James Cook is rolling. When he rushes for over 100 yards, the Bills are 7-1.
When he doesn’t? They’re just 3-3.
That’s a telling stat, and it becomes even more relevant when you look at Cleveland’s run defense.
The Browns are allowing just 110 rushing yards per game-14th best in the league. That’s not elite, but it’s solid, and it could be enough to throw Buffalo off balance if Cook can’t get going.
If the Browns bottle up the run game early, they’ll force the Bills into a more one-dimensional attack. That’s where mistakes can happen, especially if Garrett and the pass rush start heating up.
Bottom Line:
Yes, the Bills are the better team. Yes, they should win this game.
But “should” doesn’t mean “will” in the NFL-especially in late December, when playoff stakes and job security collide. Cleveland may be out of the postseason picture, but they’re not out of fight.
Buffalo needs to bring the same urgency they showed in Foxborough last week, or they could find themselves in an unexpected dogfight.
The margin for error is razor-thin in the AFC. The Bills can’t afford to learn that the hard way.