1. Buffalo needs this to happen to clinch a playoff spot tonight
Last night's win over the Steelers gave the Bills their 10th win of the season. This is the first time in franchise history that the Buffalo Bills have an exact record of 10-3. The Bills retain sole possession of first place in AFC East and the team last had sole possession of first place this late into a season since the end of the 1995 season. The win over Pittsburgh alone does not clinch a playoff spot for the Bills, but they still can before Week 14 ends. With losses by New England, Las Vegas, and Miami this week, a win by Cleveland tonight against Baltimore would clinch the team's second straight playoff berth for Buffalo.
Below are the current AFC Playoff standings heading into Monday night's game:
- Kansas City Chiefs (12-1)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (11-2)
- Buffalo Bills (10-3)
- Tennessee Titans (9-4)
- Cleveland Browns (9-3)
- Indianapolis Colts (9-4)
- Miami Dolphins (8-5)
In the hunt
- Baltimore Ravens (7-5)
- Oakland Raiders (7-6)
2. Another one: Josh Allen set this franchise record on Sunday night
For back-to-back weeks, Josh Allen continues to win under the bright lights of primetime and continues to set new franchise records. His two touchdown passes on the night bring him to 35 total touchdowns so far this season. He passed Jim Kelly's record of 34 touchdowns that was set in 1991. Allen also now has 323 completions in 2020, which is the third-highest single-season total in Bills history. Last night he surpassed Jim Kelly (304 in 1991) and Ryan Fitzpatrick (306 in 2012). Allen is now 30 completions behind #2 Fitzpatrick (353 in 2011) and 52 completions away from record-holder Drew Bledsoe (375 in 2002). Allen spoke after the game about what setting new franchise records means to him.
"I mean to be mentioned in the likes a guy like Jim [Kelly], a Hall of Fame guy, regarded as the best quarterback to ever play in Buffalo," Allen said. "I know him personally and he's taken me under his wing. So, like I said, being mentioned in the same sentence as him is super humbling, but that's not why I play. I play to help this team win the football games and be the best quarterback and teammate."
3. McDermott's postgame message to the fans
The Bills have now appeared on Sunday Night Football three times since its inception in 2006, and this was the first SNF game in Buffalo since 2007. With no fans allowed at Bills Stadium this season, the rest of the world couldn't see how energetic Bills games get. But, after the game Coach McDermott said that this game was for the fans and that he wishes they all could have been there last night.
"Glory to God for this win and for all the blessings of people in our building and fans," McDermott said. "Just want to get that out there and wish the fans could have been there tonight and all the way through the season, this is for you guys. I'm just real proud of everyone in the organization; coaches, players, and staff. A great team effort all the way through this so far, but a lot more football yet to be played, and it's fun to say that."
