NFL

Bills 31, Broncos 7

I predicted the Bills to win this game, 27-10, so it’s no surprise Buffalo rolled to victory. The Broncos struck first with a quick Troy Franklin touchdown — maybe an indicator of a small breakout next season — but it was all Bills after that. All Bills is no exaggeration, either, as the winners outgained Denver, 471-224, and controlled the ball for twice as long as the Broncos. A status as contenders could come for the Broncos under Sean Payton, but now is not that time.

The Bills cleaned up their roster and cap situation last offseason, letting numerous key veterans go, and that plan has worked wonders. Buffalo is younger and still one of the best teams in the NFL, thanks greatly to Josh Allen. Allen is probably going to fall short of his first career MVP award, but he’s played at an MVP-level all season. Yesterday was no different, as Allen went 20-of-26 for 272 yards and two touchdowns. It’s hard to beat Buffalo with how Allen’s playing right now, but unfortunately the Bills’ opponent next week has a quarterback playing just as well in Lamar Jackson. I can’t wait for that one.

I mentioned the attrition Buffalo’s roster has undergone, and that’s more apparent on defense than anywhere else. It’s been good attrition, though, as multiple unheralded pieces have risen to the occasion this year. I’ll highlight Christian Benford, who’s excelled as Sean McDermott’s left cornerback all season. The 24-year-old recorded four tackles in this win.

Outside of the aforementioned opening-drive score, Denver couldn’t get anything going in this defeat. Rookie Bo Nix exceeded expectations — well, at least mine — this season, and he played reasonably well yesterday. Just not as well as Josh Allen, and that’s fine for now. The 10-7 Broncos had a good season. There’s a chance they’re back next year, but it’s far from a guarantee. Nix finished 13-of-22 for 144 yards and a touchdown.

Now, for Ravens at Bills. That should be an epic battle between two ridiculously good offenses, led by, of course, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. I’m curious as to which attack has its weapons step up more. Perhaps Derrick Henry will be the great equalizer next weekend. Regardless, we should be in for a treat. The winner will probably face the two-time defending champion Chiefs.

Patriots hire Mike Vrabel as head coach

The Patriots got it wrong when they fired Bill Belichick. I thought the Patriots atoned for their mistake when they hired Jerod Mayo. But they got that wrong, too. This hire, however, makes up for everything.

Not only is Vrabel one of the best head coaches in the NFL, he’s a former Patriot. A three-time Super Bowl champion and one-time first-team All-Pro with New England, Vrabel knows the ins and outs of the organization, which should help his working relationship with owner Robert Kraft.

The Patriots are arguably the least talented team in the NFL, but this isn’t a bad situation to walk into as a head coach. Vrabel should — and will — be afforded ample time to get the Patriots back to their winning ways, and that starts with Drake Maye. The 2024 No. 3 overall selection flashed his potential in a big way this season, and will surely have more to work with on offense next year, thanks to New England’s draft capital and projected cap space.

A clean slate is one the best factors a new executive or head coach could ask for, and the Patriots have that — plus a franchise quarterback. New England will probably be bad again in 2025, but the future is bright again in Foxborough.

Grade: A+