The New England Patriots go into Week 13 with a nice two-game lead over the Buffalo Bills in the loss column. The Patriots have won nine straight games, while the Bills have dropped two of their last three outings.
As the season has progressed, these two teams have gone in opposite directions, especially on the offensive end. That led to the Bills making a last-ditch effort by signing former Patriots receiver Brandin Cooks after he cleared waivers.
Bills Make Last Ditch Effort by Signing Ex-Patriots WR Brandin Cooks
After signing with the New Orleans Saints in the offseason, Cooks requested his release, and New Orleans granted his wish. Now, he's found his way to Buffalo, which is in desperate need of getting more production from that unit.
The Bills have made Keon Coleman a healthy scratch for two straight games, which isn't ideal considering he was the 33rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. Despite being sidelined for two consecutive weeks, Coleman still ranks third on the team in receiving yards (330), further emphasizing their need for another pass catcher.
But it's not a guarantee that Cooks will give them that, especially at the age of 32. In 10 games with the Saints this season, Cooks had 19 catches for 165 receiving yards. He didn't go over 26 receiving yards in any game with New Orleans, which casts even more doubt on whether he could do much of anything for Buffalo.
They are certainly telling themselves that Cooks being in a better offense with Josh Allen at the helm will give them more juice at receiver. Yet, it's no lock that will happen. The Bills are grasping at straws right now, and New England's lead in the division only adds more pressure.
It doesn't help Buffalo that there are just six games left, and New England already beat them back in Week 5. They know they aren't good enough at receiver, but Cooks may not be the guy to solve those problems either.
It only adds more fuel to the Week 15 matchup as well, since Cooks played in New England during the 2017 season. In that campaign, he had 65 receptions for 1,082 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
That seems like a long time ago; meanwhile, Cooks hasn't gone over 700 receiving yards for the last three seasons. It appears that his best days are behind him, but that didn't stop the Bills from adding him. And it'll be interesting to see how things unfold for both sides. Regardless, the Pats are in the driver's seat inside the AFC East, and Buffalo knows it based on this move.