Buffalo Bills vs. Atlanta Falcons: Top storylines for Week 17

Micah Hyde, Buffalo Bills (Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports)
Micah Hyde, Buffalo Bills (Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports)
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Buffalo Bills
Sean McDermott, Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Buffalo Bills must avoid a letdown game

Last week’s game against the Patriots seemed personal for a number of players and coaches that answered a number of concerns. Can Josh Allen lead this team to a tough road win while missing key players on offense? Can Sean McDermott change his play-calling and be aggressive when necessary? How does the defense respond after being run over in their first matchup in Week 13?

The Buffalo Bills were able to answer all those questions pretty emphatically with their win. However, this now leaves a big question and that is whether or not the Bills can avoid a letdown game.

The win over the Patriots makes the path to the playoffs pretty clear: win both games and they win their second consecutive AFC East title. However, in the second half of the season, the Bills have struggled to have week-to-week consistency where they would get blowout wins followed by a week where they struggled.

The Buffalo Bills can’t afford that this week even though this is a game that they should win, and based on the rosters, should win easily. The Bills can’t look past the Falcons or assume a win as Atlanta is still fighting for a playoff spot even with a 7-8 record. It will be important that this team comes out with the same sense of urgency and determination they showed last week against New England.

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