Whether or not fans subscribe to the theory that a NFL team can create momentum for themselves nine months from now by closing its current season on a winning streak, that's exactly what the Buffalo Bills will try to do in their 2013 season finale this afternoon against the New England Patriots.
Buffalo has won two straight games to get to 6-9, and three straight AFC East games to get to 3-2 in the division. A win over the Patriots - who, at 11-4, still have a shot at the No. 1 seed in the playoffs with a win and a Denver loss - would give the Bills three straight wins and four straight division wins to close their season, not to mention their first win ever at Gillette Stadium.
Draft position, schmaft schmosition. There's a lot on the line for these young Bills today. Ending the season with a win like that is far preferable to another humdrum finale with a "better" draft pick as a silver lining.
It's pouring rain in Foxborough today, so be glad that you're watching this game from the comfort of your own living room. This is your final first-half open thread of the 2013 season, Bills fans; enjoy it as much as you can. Go Bills!