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How hot is Sean McDermott's seat: 1. Cold seat

This could be a cool seat, instead, because of the expectations going into the season for the Bills, but McDermott isn't going anywhere. If the team manages to beat the Patriots and win the AFC East, it will be a solid coaching performance for McDermott. There certainly have been some tough and questionable moments this season, but McDermott will have multiple chances to take this team on playoff runs. -- Alaina Getzenberg

The Bills took care of business on Sunday in Orchard Park, beating up on a depleted Panthers team in a 31-14 win that snapped a two-game losing streak. Josh Allen showed no ill effects from the sprained foot suffered in Week 14's loss to the Bucs, and Gabriel Davis continued his upward climb with two touchdowns and 85 yards receiving. The victory, combined with a Patriots loss in Indy, puts destiny in Buffalo's hands. Beat the Pats on Sunday in Foxborough and take care of business against the Falcons and Jets, and this frustrating regular season will end with the desired result: a division title and home playoff contest next month. Will these Bills rise to the occasion?

They beat up the Panthers, but their division-winning hopes will be decided by this week's game at New England. Lose, and it's a wild-card road.

Win in New England on Sunday, and Buffalo reclaims control of AFC East race. Bills also working on a Super Bowl era (since 1966) record, each of their past 15 victories coming by at least double-digit margins.

Our gift to you: Healing foot massages for Josh Allen. Obviously, the injury the Bills quarterback suffered in a Week 14 loss to Tampa Bay didn't prove significant enough to sideline him. The fourth-year quarterback threw three touchdown passes and scrambled his way to a 26-yard gain on a third-down play during Buffalo's thumping of the Panthers. But even more will be asked of Allen as the playoff chase intensifies, and the Buffalo offense will be limited if it can't incorporate designed Allen runs into the game plan.