The Buffalo Bills knew that Week 15 against the New England Patriots was a huge game in the context of the AFC East. A win would edge the Bills closer to their rivals for the lead, but a loss would hand the Pats the title.
But the Bills spoiled the party at Gillette Stadium, winning 35-31, moving to 10-4, and stopping the Patriots' hat-and-t-shirt game for their rivals for at least another week.
Given what was at stake, you could be forgiven for thinking that the division implications were on the minds of Bills players in the lead-up to the game.
But for running back James Cook, that couldn't be further from the truth.
"That wasn't our focus, my focus was to play football and try to get a victory," Cook said.
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Bills' quest for AFC East title alive
For another week at least, yes, and as far as Cook's comments, players are human, so surely that the division implications would have entered their minds, even if it was briefly, right?
Either way, the Bills strolled into Gillette Stadium and handled their business, and now the Patriots only have a one-game lead with Buffalo now breathing down their necks in the final three games.
Granted, New England might still claim the division, but in beating the Patriots, the Bills have delayed it for another week.
And given how fickle the NFL can be, all you need is hope, and right now, the Bills have that in spades as they approach Week 16.
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