The Baltimore Ravens are absolutely pummeling the Miami Dolphins today, but nobody affiliated with the Buffalo Bills would have any idea what’s going on.
It’s not like the Bills, who are entrenched in their own personal battle with the New England Patriots, don’t have enough to focus on already. They’re still hoping to have a shot at winning the AFC East.
As crazy as it sounds, the Bills are still very much alive for the division crown. If the Ravens finish their win against the Dolphins, and if the Bills close out business against the Patriots, there’s just one game left.
Then, in Week 18, the Bills head to Miami to face the Dolphins. If Buffalo wins, the division is theirs, thanks to winning the head-to-head tiebreaker.
Yet, again, if the Bills don’t beat the Patriots, none of that matters, and suddenly, their hopes of not only winning the AFC East but also reaching the postseason at all, greatly diminish.
That’s why the Bills really should have one thing and one thing only on their minds today, and that’s making sure they win at home against the Patriots.
Knowing this, the Bills’ coaching staff, led by Sean McDermott, requested the score of the Dolphins-Ravens not be shown at all at Highmark Stadium.
It’s a fascinating tactic, but not one that is uncommon this time of year when a potential playoff spot is on the line. We’ll know soon enough whether the method paid off.
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