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The Buffalo Bills made a statement in Week 15, beating the New England Patriots after being down 21-0 early in the second quarter to keep the AFC East race alive.
Given what was at stake, the Bills took care of business and reminded the NFL that they are still a dangerous team when they get their game going.
After such a big emotional high, the Bills have to come back down to earth against the Cleveland Browns in Week 16. It won't have the same feel or impact as last week's game. How important is it for the Bills to avoid an emotional letdown on Sunday?
For receiver Khalil Shakir, it's top of the priority list.
"I think it's pretty important because you can't think about what you did a few days ago," Shakir said. "There's a game that needs to be played Sunday, and regardless of what we do, you got to flip the script fast and move on to the next. Every week you got to play a football game so, there's no holding on to the past.
"We have 24-hour rule. Obviously, you celebrated after the game, but after that, it’s onto the next."
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Bills can't afford loss vs. Browns
I know that is stating the obvious, given the state of the AFC East, but there is more to it than just that.
The Patriots are on the road against the Baltimore Ravens, who found their mojo against the Cincinnati Bengals in a 24-0 curb-stomping.
So that looms as a tough game for the Pats, so the Bills, who play in the early window on Sunday, if they win, will move level for the lead in the AFC East, with New England then having all the pressure on them to beat Baltimore on Sunday night.
There is a chance to really put the squeeze on Drake Maye and Co., and this is one opportunity Buffalo can't squander.
A huge chance has presented itself, and no, it won't be easy, but if Buffalo can take care of business in Cleveland, all the pressure will then be on the Patriots, on the road, in Baltimore, to respond.
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