PlayAction

An AFC Divisional Round loss that exposed a number of flaws concluded an emotionally draining season for the Buffalo Bills. It sets up an offseason that will likely include a significant amount of changes for the team. Katherine Fitzgerald and Mark Gaughan examine the Bills' loss to the Bengals and break down some of the major decisions facing Brandon Beane and Sean McDermott.

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Survive and advance. That's what the playoffs are about, and that's exactly what Buffalo and Cincinnati were able to do in the AFC Wild Card round last week. Katherine Fitzgerald and Mark Gaughan discuss the lessons learned from those close wins, plus how much of the game plan the Bills and Bengals can carry over from their canceled Week 17 showdown. With a berth in the AFC Championship game on the line, Katherine and Mark also analyze the positional matchups that will have the most impact on this game.

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With emotions still high following the injury to Damar Hamlin, the Bills put together an impressive performance in a season-ending victory over the Patriots. Katherine Fitzgerald and Mark Gaughan discuss how the team supported each other during a difficult time. In addition, they look at two reasons the Bills should be confident as they begin the playoffs and two reasons they should be concerned. Finally, Katherine and Mark analyze the Wild Card matchup with the Dolphins and how it looks dramatically different depending on who starts at quarterback for Miami.

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Western New York and the entire sports world is still stunned by Monday night's scene, as Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Buffalo News reporters Mark Gaughan and Katherine Fitzgerald share insight into what Hamlin is like in the locker room and off the field. In addition, Katherine offers her first-hand account of what it was like inside the stadium Monday, and Mark puts the Bills’ season into perspective as Hamlin remains hospitalized in critical condition.

This episode of the PlayAction podcast was recorded Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023. At the time, Hamlin was in critical condition at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

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Elite QBs. Disciplined defenses. Championship expectations. The Bills and Bengals are mirror images of each other. Just how big is Monday night's matchup in Cincinnati? Katherine Fitzgerald and Mark Gaughan discuss the playoff implications and how much a win would mean for banged-up Buffalo when it comes to postseason matchups. Can Josh Allen remain patient enough to outduel Joe Burrow? And which Bills receivers need to step up to take advantage of a Bengals weakness?

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One of these weeks, the weather won't play a prominent role in a game ... but Week 16 against the Chicago Bears is not that week. What did the Buffalo Bills and its run defense learn against Miami, and what should it expect against a Justin Fields-led offense that's last in the league in passing attempts? Katherine Fitzgerald and Mark Gaughan preview the Christmas Eve contest in Chicago and also handicap the race for the top seed in the AFC playoffs. Which teams should the Bills or any top contender look to avoid? The answer may not be that easy. 

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The Bills aren’t always going to win by double digits. The News’ Katherine Fitzgerald and Mark Gaughan discuss how the Bills offense can improve as they prepare for a big matchup against the Dolphins and how bringing back Cole Beasley is like giving Josh Allen another easy button. Katherine and Mark also look at the Bills secondary, which continues to be a work in progress. Plus, will the wintry weather help the Bills squish the fish?  

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The New York Jets grounded Buffalo's offense back in Week 9. What lessons have the Bills learned in the four games since? Katherine Fitzgerald and Mark Gaughan discuss which underappreciated players have made the biggest difference in Buffalo's rise back to the top seed in the AFC. What should fans make of the backfield split between Devin Singletary and James Cook? And will Josh Allen be able to avoid playing hero ball in what should be a grind-it-out game against the Jets?

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With Von Miller now out of the lineup, the Buffalo Bills begin a stretch of three critical division games without their defensive star. Katherine Fitzgerald and Mark Gaughan discuss what Miller’s absence means for the rest of the Bills' defensive linemen. Plus, Katherine and Mark take a closer look at the Patriots, Jets and Dolphins and single out the team that will challenge the Bills for the AFC East title. What should Bills fans expect from the Patriots on Thursday night?

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It can't all be Josh Allen! The Buffalo Bills' run game improved against Cleveland and will be called on even more down the stretch. Katherine Fitzgerald and Mark Gaughan discuss the evolving rushing attack, as well as what a banged-up defense means going forward. What should we expect when the Bills return to Detroit to take on the Lions on Thanksgiving?

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