Buffalo Bills: Week 15 Recap and Week 16 Outlook

Week 15 proved to be beneficial for the Buffalo Bills. Not only did they secure a remarkable comeback victory against the division-leading New England Patriots, keeping their hopes alive for a sixth consecutive division title, but several significant competitors were also knocked out of playoff contention.

While Buffalo remained in the same sixth seed in the AFC, their path to the playoffs has become clearer. Here’s an overview of the current situation as we approach Week 16.

AFC East Standings for Week 16

1. New England Patriots (11-3)
2. Buffalo Bills (10-4)
3. Miami Dolphins (6-8)
4. New York Jets (3-11)

AFC Playoff Scenario Heading into Week 16

1. Denver Broncos (12-2) – Clinched Playoff Spot
2. New England Patriots (11-3)
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4)
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6)
5. Los Angeles Chargers (10-4)
6. Buffalo Bills (10-4)
7. Houston Texans (9-5)
8. Indianapolis Colts (8-6)
9. Baltimore Ravens (7-7)
10. Kansas City Chiefs (6-8) – Eliminated
11. Miami Dolphins (6-8) – Eliminated
12. Cincinnati Bengals (4-10) – Eliminated
13. New York Jets (3-11) – Eliminated
14. Cleveland Browns (3-11) – Eliminated
15. Las Vegas Raiders (2-12) – Eliminated
16. Tennessee Titans (2-12) – Eliminated

No changes occurred in the AFC rankings after Week 15, but many teams had their playoff futures determined, with those marked with (x) now eliminated from contention. This includes teams like Kansas City, Miami, and Cincinnati.

Although the Bills can expect a Super Bowl path without facing stars like Patrick Mahomes or Joe Burrow, they still must navigate through strong opponents. Denver has clinched a playoff spot and can secure their place as the top seed in the conference with a win, combined with a loss from the Patriots.

To ensure their playoff berth, the Bills need to win against Cleveland this weekend, along with assistance from either Houston or Indianapolis losing. The pursuit of the division title is ongoing, contingent on adding another victory while relying on some help from other teams.

Week 16 Bills’ Rooting Interests

• Buffalo Bills (10-4) over Cleveland Browns (3-11) – A victory guarantees the Bills at least one playoff game.
• New York Jets (3-11) over New Orleans Saints (4-10) – A Jets win could disrupt New England’s momentum.
• Cincinnati Bengals (4-10) over Miami Dolphins (6-8) – Keeping Miami from higher draft picks could be crucial.
• Baltimore Ravens (7-7) over New England Patriots (11-3) – A Ravens win can complicate the standings for the Patriots.

These games are pivotal for Buffalo, as favorable outcomes can strengthen their position and ensure a clearer path to the playoffs. With the right combinations, the Bills could find themselves in a favorable spot within the AFC following Week 16.