It was just a month ago where the Bills stood at 6-6 after a heartbreaking loss against the Philadelphia Eagles and their playoff hopes. Since then, they have ripped off three consecutive wins against the Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys and the Los Angeles Chargers.
They were able to get the upper hand on the Chiefs, beat down the Cowboys, and just squeak by the Chargers to put them at 9-6. Not only do they have a great chance at making the playoffs, but they also can go into Week 18 battling for the AFC East against the Miami Dolphins, if the Dolphins lose to the Baltimore Ravens.
Going into their last game against the Chargers, there were many reasons as to why it was considered a trap game for the Bills. They were a 12 point favorite, going up against a Chargers squad that had fired their head coach and general manager, and also didn’t have notable players like Justin Herbert, Keenan Allen and Joey Bosa due to injury. The Bills went down 10-0 early in the game and were saved by the leg of Tyler Bass who kicked the game winning field goal with 28 seconds left in the fourth quarter to give the Bills a 24-22 victory.
At this point in the season, a win is a win. However, this was the clear-cut definition of a trap game because of all the advantages the Bills had and all they did was play down to their competition.
The Bills are back in Orchard Park for a New Year's Eve game with the New England Patriots, who beat the Bills back in Week 7 and made now backup quarterback Mac Jones look like Tom Brady.
This once again feels like a trap game for the Bills. They have more to lose than the Patriots (even though New England’s win last week may have cost them a Caleb Williams or Drake Maye). The Patriots are coming off a win against the Denver Broncos, who were fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive but failed to do so.
This could very well be the last time the Bills see Bill Belichick across from them, with there being rumors about his future with the Patriots. Don’t think that Belichick wouldn’t like to walk into Highmark this Sunday and get the final shot against the Bills. Buffalo will need to stay focused and prepare for a New England defense that has been the reason why they have the wins they do this season.