The Buffalo Bills were in the driver's seat.
At 8-6 and following a crucial home win against the playoff-bound Packers, the team held its fate in its hands going into Oakland to face the two-win Raiders.
The game quickly turned into your typical "trap" scenario, and the Bills were unable to erase an early deficit en route to their 15th consecutive year without a playoff berth.
"Your dreams get crushed. It’s a nightmare," C.J. Spiller said via buffalobills.com. "No words to describe it. The playoff hopes are over."
Spiller and his fellow running backs had a particularly terrible day, gaining only 13 yards on the ground on 13 attempts, the fewest rushing yards in 17 years. Fred Jackson, who had been averaging 3.6 yards per carry since his return from injury, averaged only 1.7 in his six attempts.
Changes are expected in the coming weeks, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. The Bills started with a small move Monday, officially releasing veteran wideout Mike Williams following his IR designation. The 27-year-old took 194 snaps with Buffalo this season, tallying eight receptions for 142 yards and a touchdown.
