Think the Bills Have Nothing to Play For? Think Again

Yes, Buffalo’s loss to Philadelphia last Sunday was a heartbreaker and basically guaranteed the Bills will miss the playoffs for the 16th straight season. However; just because they are out does not mean they won’t be playing hard. For many of these Bills, they still have a lot to play for.

Tyrod Taylor – Taylor has been a pleasant surprise for Buffalo, though the past few weeks has shown a weakness in crunch time. Taylor had opportunities to beat the Eagles and Chiefs in the final minutes but failed to do so, leaving the Bills where they are now, on the outside looking in.

Tyrod has three games left to fix that, and possibly convince the Buffalo front office to give him a contract extension this summer. Though I think Taylor is worthy of an extension after just one season, with stellar play the next few games he might be able to convince Bills’ management that he is.

Contract Year Players – Some of the big name free agents on the Bills include Cordy Glenn, Richie Incognito, and Nigel Bradham. Glenn and Incognito have had great years for Buffalo and will be looking for big paydays after this season.

For Incognito, if he can stay out of trouble like he has all year the last three weeks he will get paid well. Bradham needs to step up his play and prove he is capable of being a quality linebacker down the road for this team. Glenn just needs to keep playing well and stay healthy.

Bacarri Rambo – Rambo is another player in his contract year, however his situation is a little different. Rambo was afforded the opportunity to play when Aaron Williams went down with an injury, and he has taken advantage. Rambo has only started six games this year, and still has 50 tackles and three takeaways. Rambo looks like a starting safety in this league, can he keep it up for three more weeks?

Dec 6, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills strong safety Bacarri Rambo (30) breaks up a pass in the end zone during the second half against the Houston Texans at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Buffalo beats Houston 30 to 21. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Mario Williams – Williams is a candidate to be released this offseason. He is due to be paid $19.9 million next year, cutting him would give the Bills an extra $12.9 million to use re-signing other players. Williams has had a terrible year, can’t stay healthy, and when healthy can’t produce. He hates the defense under Rex Ryan, and you can see he isn’t happy by his effort. If Williams can get back to the pro bowler he was last year in the next three games, he would make a strong case to stay with Buffalo next year.

Rex Ryan – Ryan’s teams never quit on him, even when they are out, I expect this year to be no different. If Rex could beat the Jets with a playoff berth for them on the line in week 17 that would be a huge personal victory for him. It would also bring his divisional record to 4-2, not bad. Rex has to show his team is capable of being discipline in the next three weeks as well, something that doomed them all year.

Though the Bills playoff chances are slim, they still have plenty to play for. Who wouldn’t want to see them beat the Jets again and ruin their season?