The Buffalo Bills are on the cusp of a playoff berth in 2021.

But they’re not quite there just yet.

The Bills (9-6) host the Atlanta Falcons (7-8) on Sunday in Week 17. Most know this game is still a must win in terms of  taking the AFC East title for a second-straight season.

In terms of locking up a playoff spot this season, it falls under the same category… but Buffalo needs some help as well.

Along with a win, the Bills need one of two things to also happen. Those are:

• Baltimore Ravens loss (vs. Los Angeles Rams)
• or losses from BOTH the Los Angeles Chargers (vs. Denver Broncos) and Las Vegas Raiders (at Indianapolis Colts)

This scenario here is only for the Bills to grab a place in the postseason. This is not a situation for Buffalo to take the division.

That scenario can not unfold until the season finale in Week 18 against the New York Jets.

Translation: The Bills will have something to play for in both of their remaining games.

For the AFC, the Bills are battling the New England Patriots. With two wins down the stretch, Buffalo takes the division.

With a loss and two wins by the Pats, they would take it from the Bills. For what it’s worth, the Patriots end their season versus the Jacksonville Jaguars at home and then travel for a final meeting at the Miami Dolphins.