Running back Nyheim Hines produced two spectacular touchdown off-kick returns, first 96 yards and second 101 yards, to set up a playoff against the Miami Dolphins.
Hamlin has made promising progress since his heart stopped nine minutes into the game against the Cincinnati Bengals last Monday, but he remains in critical condition.
“It was all for him. I’m glad what happened to me, but his spirit was with us,” Hines said.
“As soon as I crossed the finish line, I thought to myself, ‘For the first time since Cincinnati, I was at a loss for words.'”
“As a community, I feel we needed that win. We needed great energy and great atmosphere. We needed to win this.”
Hamlin reacted to Hines’ first touchdown scored from kickoff, tweeting “OMFG!!!!!!!!!!!!!” before adding of the win: ..”
The Bills win eliminated the Patriots from Super Bowl contention, and the Green Bay Packers are another big name to miss the playoffs after losing 20-16 to the Detroit Lions.
The Philadelphia Eagles advanced as the top seed in the NFC, and the Kansas City Chiefs occupy the same spot in the AFC.
