Buffalo Bills collapse in third quarter versus Patriots: 5 Takeaways

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ORCHARD PARK, NY – DECEMBER 3: Head Coach Sean McDermott of the Buffalo Bills yells during the first quarter against the New England Patriots on December 3, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

4. Playoff picture gets tougher for the Bills

Now that the Bills have a record of 6-6, they are one game behind the Baltimore Ravens for the second AFC wild-card spot.

They also find themselves in a three-way tie with the Los Angeles Chargers and Oakland Raiders as the outside playoff contenders.

The Cincinnati Bengals could be added to the mix, depending on the outcome of their Monday night game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Updated AFC Playoff Picture (via @CBSSports). #Steelers still to play tomorrow night vs #Bengals. With a win, PIT would move back into the #1 seed. pic.twitter.com/2NfLKQkk1n
— Steelers Wire (@TheSteelersWire) December 4, 2017

At this point in the season, the strongest chance for the Buffalo Bills to make the playoffs is to win the remaining four games and finish at 10-6. But with games remaining against the Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins (twice) and New England Patriots again, that will be incredibly challenging.

The way this season is going, it could be possible for a 9-7 or 8-8 Bills team to make the playoffs, but a lot of things would have to go right for them.

A win against the lowly 3-9 Colts at home next week will be a good place to start.

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