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The scene at the AFC coaches' breakfast in Palm Beach, Fla., was fitting.

To my far left was New York Jets coach Rex Ryan. He was surrounded by a large group of media who wanted to know how the Jets would handle Tim Tebow-mania and whether they could bounce back from a disappointing 2011.

To my immediate left was new Miami Dolphins coach Joe Philbin. A throng of reporters wondered what the rookie head coach had in store for his first season.

On my right was future Hall of Fame coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots. He continually gave non-answers about his team as reporters tried to dig up something -- anything -- about the reigning AFC champions.

In the middle of this madness was Buffalo Bills coach Chan Gailey. His table was relatively empty for most of the hourlong breakfast, with the exception of a few passers-by and this AFC East blogger. Few in the national media cared to know what Gailey and the Bills were up to. They're a small-market team that finished 6-10 last season and hasn't been to the playoffs in 13 years.

But by this time next year, people will be talking about Buffalo. The Bills are my sleeper pick in 2012. Here are five reasons why Buffalo will get over the hump and finish with a winning record:

Reason No. 1: Bills made right moves in free agency

Analysis: I will give myself a pat on the back. I was one of the first to note Buffalo's interest in two-time Pro Bowl defensive end Mario Williams. Despite my prediction, I did not think Buffalo would be able to land the top defensive free agent on the market. But the Bills put on the full-court press and gave Williams 100 million reasons to join them. Buffalo gained an elite pass-rusher and its first game-changer on defense.

The Bills didn't stop there. They continued to improve their anemic pass-rush by signing former Patriots defensive end Mark Anderson, who recorded 10 sacks last season. Williams, Anderson and defensive tackles Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus make up one of the top defensive lines in the NFL. It's a group who can stop the run and get push up the middle while attacking the edges and pressuring the quarterback. Buffalo's talented front four will be a problem for a lot of teams next season.

The Bills also retained their own key free agents. Buffalo re-signed No. 1 receiver Steve Johnson at an affordable rate and starting tight end Scott Chandler.

There are still a few more holes Buffalo would like to fill, but the team is one of the biggest winners in free agency.

Reason No. 2: Double trouble at running back

Analysis: When they are healthy, there may not be a more dynamic running back duo in the NFL than Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller. These two will be headaches for opposing defenses once Buffalo figures out how to blend both into the offense simultaneously. Jackson and Spiller could complement each other well.

Buffalo's coaching staff admittedly did a poor job of balancing the two tailbacks last season. Jackson received a bulk of the carries when healthy, and Spiller finally showed what he could do at the end of the season once Jackson was injured. Now, both are hungry and want the football. Gailey called it "a great problem to have."

Jackson is 31 and coming off a season-ending leg injury. That should open the door for Spiller to get more carries. Will it be a 50-50 split? Probably not. But the Buffalo offense will be dangerous if it can use Spiller and Jackson enough to keep each fresh and productive the entire season.

Reason No. 3: AFC East is weakening

Analysis: A case can be made that the AFC East became a weaker division this offseason. The division wasn't strong to begin with; only the Patriots finished with a winning record in 2011. But the 6-10 Dolphins gutted their roster, getting rid of top players such as Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall and leading tackler and starting safety Yeremiah Bell. Miami also failed to land a franchise quarterback and settled on 34-year-old David Garrard as the potential starter next season. It's early, but it's hard to imagine Miami's finishing with a better record than last season.

Meanwhile, the Jets are an aging team with chemistry issues. New York gave embattled quarterback Mark Sanchez a three-year contract extension and then traded for popular backup Tebow, setting up a potentially explosive situation. The Jets will be on a year-long implosion watch, and their arrow could be trending downward after last season's mediocre 8-8 finish.

The Jets, Dolphins and Bills are all chasing the Patriots, who are clearly the favorites in the division. But the Bills, who split with New England last season, did a solid job to make up some ground.

Reason No. 4: Players are getting healthy

Analysis: I usually try to avoid the injury excuse, because every team has them, but it legitimately applies to the Bills. Buffalo suffered key injures last season at running back (Jackson), defensive tackle (Kyle Williams), linebacker (Shawne Merriman), offensive line (Eric Wood), receiver (Donald Jones) and kicker (Rian Lindell), just to name a few. Bills starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick played much of the season with a painful rib injury. By the second half of the season, the Bills didn't have anywhere near the same depth they had during their 4-1 start.

Most of these players are expected to be back and healthy in 2012. Merriman is perhaps the biggest question mark after his second season-ending Achilles injury. But chances are slim that Buffalo will be hit this hard with injuries again. Health will be key for Buffalo to maintain a successful run over 16 games.

Reason No. 5: Bills have a top-10 pick

Analysis: The Bills have had a productive offseason, but they aren't done yet. They still have a top-10 pick in this month's NFL draft. This is a great opportunity for Buffalo to plug more holes on the roster. The Bills could use a starting-caliber left tackle, another threat at receiver, a cover corner and depth at linebacker.

The Bills also have more than $9 million in cap room to spend. Don't rule out late signings in free agency. After years of not spending to the cap, Buffalo tabbed 2012 as the year to make a push.

All of these reasons make the Bills my ideal sleeper pick for next season. Don't forget that you heard it here first.

Here are the most interesting stories Thursday morning in the AFC East:

• The New York Jets reportedly are one of several teams interested in free-agent quarterback Chad Henne.

Morning take: The AFC East blog called this one weeks ago. New Jets offensive coordinator Tony Sparano was a big supporter of Henne while in Miami. It didn't work out for either party. But it makes a lot of sense to have Henne reunited with Sparano and push Jets starting quarterback Mark Sanchez next season.

• Will the New England Patriots make a play for free agent defensive end/linebacker Mario Williams?

Morning take: In a perfect world, Williams is just what New England's defense needs. He's a game-changer who can get to the quarterback. But financially this would be tough. New England has the cap room, but Williams and receiver Wes Welker would take up a majority of it.

• Should the Miami Dolphins pay the price to move up for Robert Griffin III?

Morning take: I think Miami should go the route of free agency. Peyton Manning or Matt Flynn are better options at this point, considering it only takes money to get these quarterbacks. The price for Griffin III is going to be a lot, and Miami needs its draft picks to help other areas.

• The Buffalo Bills' special teams were ranked 11th according to the Dallas Morning News.

Morning take: Buffalo's third unit was solid, especially when Rian Lindell was healthy early in the season. The kicking and punting from Lindell and Brian Moorman, respectivley, combined with big returns from Leodis McKelvin helped Buffalo's numbers.

Free agency begins in less than two months. Teams around the league are planning their strategies and figuring out which big names to pursue.

But where teams stand with the $120-million salary cap next season will be an indicator of which will be aggressive and which won't.

Let's take an early look at the projected 2012 cap numbers in the AFC East:

Buffalo Bills (6-10)

Projected cap: $105.5 million

Key free agents: WR Steve Johnson, TE Scott Chandler, K Rian Lindell

Analysis: The Bills are looking pretty good entering free agency. General manager Buddy Nix says the team will spend to the cap this year. The first order of business is deciding on Johnson's future. The two sides are still a ways apart and I think it's a 50-50 proposition. With or without Johnson, Buffalo has the space to acquire impact players. We mentioned Houston Texans defensive end/linebacker and unrestricted free agent Mario Williams as a possibility to help the Bills' pass rush. But getting Williams -- or any top free agent -- to come to Buffalo will be a tough sell.

Miami Dolphins (6-10)

Projected cap: $114.3 million

Key free agents: DT Paul Soliai, G Vernon Carey, QB Chad Henne

Analysis: The Dolphins are in decent (but not great) shape with the cap. There will be an interesting dynamic in Miami to keep an eye on this offseason. Usually when a new coach comes in, there is huge turnover in the coach's first season. But that probably won't happen with general manager Jeff Ireland still in charge of the 53-man roster. Ireland is not going to cut many of the players he helped bring to Miami. But the Dolphins would have to do something if they want to make enough room to make a splash for a big free agent. Green Bay Packers quarterback Matt Flynn is a good example.

New England Patriots (13-3)

Projected cap: $99.9 million

Key free agents: WR Wes Welker, DE Andre Carter, WR Deion Branch

Analysis: It's amazing that the best team in the AFC East also is in the best shape with the cap. The Patriots have done a masterful job and have plenty of money to spend in free agency if they choose. A big chunk of it will go to Welker, who is due for a nice payday. New England won't let Welker slip away. The Patriots also have the tools to acquire defensive help in free agency, as well as sign their two first-round picks and two second-round picks in the draft. The Patriots are in position to be a major force again next season.

New York Jets (8-8)

Projected cap: $125 million

Key free agents: WR Plaxico Burress, DT Sione Pouha, S Jim Leonhard

Analysis: The Jets are the only AFC East team projected to be over the cap. This was a team built to win now and it didn't work out; now New York has to make some trimmings on the roster if it wants to do anything in free agency. There's a good chance Burress and Leonhard won't return. Pouha is a good player and could come back at the right price. Running back LaDainian Tomlinson also is a free agent. But his role was drastically reduced this past season and it's unlikely he will return. Tomlinson is contemplating retirement.

Here are the most interesting stories Monday morning in the AFC East:

• The New England Patriots get ready for the Baltimore Ravens with a ticket to the Super Bowl at stake.

Morning take: Baltimore and New England were the two best teams in the conference from start to finish. I expect a great game that could go either way.

• The Miami Dolphins reportedly will interview Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy.

Morning take: McCoy did a great job designing an offense for Tim Tebow. Don't expect that kind of offense to work in Miami. But McCoy is versatile and developing a buzz around the league for the job he's done this season.

• Here is a look at the Buffalo Bills' 2012 free agents.

Morning take: Everyone is aware that No. 1 receiver Steve Johnson is on this list. But there are some underrated players like tight end Scott Chandler and kicker Rian Lindell who are solid. Buffalo says it will spend up to the cap in free agency this year.

• New York Jets tailback LaDainian Tomlinson says it's possible the wide receivers were doing the anonymous bashing of quarterback Mark Sanchez.

Morning take: It's unfair to speculate who said what when there's no name attached. So I'm not going to go there. But I will say if New York's receivers feel that way about the quarterback, the Jets have some major issues.

Here are the most interesting stories Friday morning in the AFC East:

• Are the New England Patriots one of only four teams capable of winning the Super Bowl?

Morning take: The Patriots have a shot in a flawed AFC. But home-field advantage will be important. In addition to the four teams listed (Patriots, Packers, Ravens, Steelers), I would add the Saints to that list.

• Can New York Jets assistant coach Brian Schottenhiemer and Tom Moore co-exist?

Morning take: They have to for the betterment of New York's inconsistent offense. Both coaches probably have their own ideas on how to run things. But the Jets would be best if they took the best from each coach.

• Miami Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor says Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy reminds him of Barry Sanders.

Morning take: McCoy is good but he's no Sanders. Still, the Dolphins have a big challenge trying to stop McCoy this week.

• The Buffalo Bills put place kicker Rian Lindell (shoulder) on injured reserve.

Morning take: Buffalo was holding out hope for Lindell. But with virtually no chance of making the playoffs, there was no reason to risk it. Lindell had another solid season before the injury. He had Buffalo's most memorable kick to beat the Patriots in Week 3.

Here are the latest happenings Tuesday evening in the AFC East:

• The Buffalo Bills signed kicker Dave Rayner to fill in for the injured Rian Lindell (shoulder).
• The December 4 game between the New England Patriots (5-3) and Indianapolis Colts (0-9) has been taken off prime time due to flex scheduling.
  
• The New York Jets reportedly have no interest in acquiring former Patriots defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth.
• Former Miami Dolphins head coach Jimmy Johnson says Miami should forget about Jon Gruden and Bill Cowher.
• Here is a recap of this week's AFC East chat.

Here are the most interesting stories Tuesday morning in the AFC East:

• Jay Skurski of the Buffalo News reports Bills defensive lineman Kyle Williams (foot) is expected to miss the rest of the season and kicker Rian Lindell (shoulder) will miss 4-6 weeks.

Morning take: The Bills have been able to overcome injuries all season. But these two leaders will be hard to replace as Buffalo goes through a key stretch in its season.

• Gary Myers of the New York Daily News believes the Giants (6-2) are better than the Jets (5-3).

Morning take: The Giants have a better record and beat the Patriots, which is something the Jets haven’t done. But it’s a long season and plenty of football left to play.

• ESPN's Adam Schefter reports New England Patriots linebacker Brandon Spikes has a strained MCL.

Morning take: It’s strange that MCLs have been the injury of choice for New England. Tight end Aaron Hernandez and linebacker Jerod Mayo also missed time this season with the same injury.

• Miami Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne tells Ben Volin of the Palm Beach Post that he's "gung-ho" about being a Dolphin.

Morning take: That sounds nice. But Henne is going to be a free agent coming off season-ending shoulder surgery. Add in the fact a new head coach will take over, and it's virtually a certainty Miami will be looking for a new quarterback.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The NFL's highest-scoring offense might be found in Buffalo, but it was hatched in Pittsburgh.

In the mid-1990s, Buffalo Bills head coach Chan Gailey was a wide receivers coach for the Steelers. Gailey realized he had a deep and talented group, and convinced Pittsburgh -- primarily a running team -- to use more four-receiver sets.

"We kind of evolved to it, to be honest with you," Gailey said. "Ron Erhardt was the offensive coordinator, and we had four really good players. We had Ernie Mills, Andre Hastings, and Charles Johnson and Yancey Thigpen. So we said, 'How can we get them on the field at the same time?'"

The concept helped lead the Steelers to the Super Bowl after the 1995 season. Sixteen years later, Gailey's spread offense is tearing up the NFL once again. The Bills lead the league in scoring with 113 points in three games. Buffalo (3-0) averages 37.7 points per game, is third in total offense and is the only undefeated team in the AFC.

Now, instead of Neil O'Donnell, the Bills have fast-rising quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Thigpen's role as the No. 1 receiver in Gailey's offense is filled by Buffalo's Steve Johnson. Charles Johnson and Hastings are replaced by Donald Jones and David Nelson. Receiver Naaman Roosevelt, tight end Scott Chandler and tailback C.J. Spiller share time as Buffalo's fourth receiver.

Even Kordell "Slash" Stewart, who was used on trick plays by Gailey and Pittsburgh's staff, is comparable to Bills receiver/quarterback/returner Brad Smith. But so far, Buffalo hasn't used many trick plays.

Gailey's system thrives on several core principles. First, by lining up with four receivers, Buffalo is able to "expand the defense." Buffalo's alignment forces defenses to spread out. It creates bigger seams, and makes it easier for the quarterback to read defenses and recognize blitzes.

Fitzpatrick, a Harvard graduate, is one of the smartest quarterbacks in the league. He’s done a great job of reading defenses pre-snap, and changing routes and protection. It's led to Fitzpatrick’s fast start and his earning AFC player of the month honors. He's thrown for 871 yards and nine touchdowns in three games.

"When he's confident, on top of his game and hot, he's really hard to deal with," Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. said of Fitzpatrick. "I don't know if that's going to keep up for 16 games. But he's on fire right now. He's at the pinnacle of his game."

Buffalo's spread also takes defenses out of their comfort zones. Every base defense in the NFL has three or four linebackers. The Bills, with three and four receivers, create tough choices. If opponents stay in their base defense, they have to cover wide receivers with linebackers. If opponents go away from their base defense, some of the better, front-seven players are taken off the field. That makes it easier to run the football. Bills tailback Fred Jackson is fourth in the NFL in rushing yards (303).

It's a catch-22 opponents have yet to figure out.

"Oakland stayed in a lot of base, and we exploited that," Jones said. "David in the middle, if they're going to keep a linebacker on him, that's a mismatch all day. Kansas City did the same thing.

"That's why we do it: to see what the defense is going to do. Are they going to bring in extra corners, or are they going to stay base? We're going to exploit it, whatever it is."

Buffalo's offense works because it defies stereotypes. With spreads, typically you think of big plays in the passing game but also a lot of sacks and struggles running the ball. Fitzpatrick has been sacked just once this season, and Buffalo is fourth in the league in rushing. The Bills average 5.6 yards per carry.

One of the secrets of Buffalo's success has been its receivers' blocking downfield. Buffalo is second in the NFL with six runs of 20 yards or more.

"This is what we tell our receivers: 'Do you want the running back to block the protection when you're running a route so you can catch a pass?'" Gailey said. "If you do, then when he's running the ball, you block for him because we're in this thing together."

Gailey's selfless team concept is working for the Bills. Buffalo usually sends four receivers out on passing plays, and it's Jackson's responsibility to block the extra rusher.

"I don't know if there's a better pass-protecting back in the league with what he does," Fitzpatrick said. "The fans and everybody watching the game, they see his runs, they see what he does after the catch, but that’s the thing that nobody really talks about and that’s what makes him one of the most complete backs in the game.

"He's taken on defensive linemen, he's taken on defensive ends and he's storming linebackers. Whatever it is, he's the best I've played with in terms of picking up blitzes. There are no stats for that."

The success of Buffalo’s offense has permeated the entire team.

Veteran Bills kicker Rian Lindell has seen a lot of bad offenses in his eight seasons in Buffalo. He provided some insight into how this year's offense has changed things.

"I have a kicking shoe that's tighter, so I don't wear it all game," Lindell said. "It used to be, I would wait until we get to midfield or in field goal range until I put it on. Now, if we get the ball on our own 20, 25 or 30, I say, 'I better put the shoe on. It might be a couple plays, and I have to get warmed up.'"

These Bills believe they can score with anyone. They proved it in a 34-31 shootout victory against New England. The Bills fell behind 21-0 in the first half and became the first NFL team to overcome deficits of 18 or more points in back-to-back weeks. Buffalo trailed by 21-3 at halftime of a 38-35 victory over Oakland in Week 2.

The offense is clicking because players better understand the system, Gailey said. In 2010, Gailey's first year in Buffalo, the Bills were ranked No. 25 offensively. They got off to a horrendous 0-8 start but finished the second half of the season 4-4. The Bills are 7-4 in their past 11 games.

Surprisingly, Buffalo's offensive playbook is not huge, players say. Gailey puts an emphasis on keeping things manageable. He believes that if everyone knows exactly what he's doing, the plays will work and it's easier to hold players accountable.

Many question whether the Bills, a four-win team in 2010, have the staying power to remain in contention. Much of it rests on this offense's ability to perform at a high level over 16 games.

Through three weeks, Buffalo is on pace to score 602 points this season. That would break the NFL record set by the Patriots (589) in 2007.

"I don't know if we'll set records this year," Gailey said. "But it'd be nice if we did."

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The first-place Buffalo Bills (3-0) began preparation for Sunday's road game against the Cincinnati Bengals (1-2).

Here are some notes Wednesday from the Bills' locker room:

• [+] Enlarge
  Rick Stewart/Getty ImagesBuffalo's offensive has given Ryan Fitzpatrick plenty of time in the pocket.
  Buffalo starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick knows how maligned his offense line was during the preseason. It was expected to be one of the weakest areas of the team. But the group has played well through three games. Buffalo's offensive line has only allowed just one sack and is opening a lot of holes for running back Fred Jackson. Fitzpatrick said it's time to give his linemen some credit. "These guys are playing really well up front," Fitzpatrick said. "It's not like I'm taking one step and throwing the ball. I've been able to sit back there, throw the ball and not take a lot of hits. ... They do deserve more credit than they're getting."
• Bills head coach Chan Gailey said he isn't surprised Bengals rookie quarterback Andy Dalton has taken over as a first-year starter. Buffalo and Cincinnati were the two coaching staffs in this year's Senior Bowl, and Dalton impressed both staffs. The Bengals later took Dalton in the second round this past April. Dalton has thrown for 570 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. It also looks like Dalton will have some help. Embattled running back Cedric Benson will play Sunday, according to Bengals coach Marvin Lewis.
• The Bills also said they have a lot of respect for the Bengals' defense. "They're not third in the league for nothing," Gailey said. "They're good." Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer has his group playing well. It will be a matchup of strengths. Buffalo is leading the league in scoring with 113 points.
• Buffalo kicker Rian Lindell was awarded the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his game-winning kick against the New England Patriots. Lindell was 2-for-2 on field goals and made all four extra points. The Bills also promoted cornerback Terrence Wheatley to the 53-man roster and released backup tight end David Martin.
• Bills veteran linebacker Shawne Merriman is impressed with how this young Buffalo team is handling success. Merriman has been on four playoff teams as a member of the San Diego Chargers. "I've been in a situation like that for a long time, and like I've said, these guys in this locker room handle it as well as anybody I've ever been around," Merriman said. "They're very mature and we got a bunch of guys who's focused right now."

Rian Lindell hit a 40-yard field goal with 3:04 left in overtime to give the Buffalo Bills a 35-32 preseason victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in a game only scrubs and NFL diehards could love Saturday night.Lindell's kick came after Jacksonville's Josh Scobee missed a 53-yard attempt.

It was a back-and-forth game in which Buffalo squandered a 17-point first half lead and had to overcome a 15-point second-half deficit.

For the complete game story, click here.

Sports labor squabbles often are described as billionaires arguing with millionaires over money.

While that's a catchy rhyme that sums up fan frustration, the phrase is not entirely true.

Inspired by a blog entry from the minister of all things AFC South, Paul Kuharsky, I looked at NFL Players Association files to count up the number of AFC East players scheduled for $1 million base salaries in 2011.

Granted, up-front bonuses and incentives can make base salaries misleading. But base salaries are the only figures that create a common ground, player for player.

You'll see a vast majority of NFL players make much less than $1 million a year. Although many will make seven figures before they walk away from the game, careers are short and treacherous. They'll never see that kind of cash again for the rest of their lives.

That's why they're fighting for every dollar now.

Of the 226 players under contract in the AFC East, only 62 of them (27.4 percent) will make base salaries of $1 million or more.

The NFLPA hasn't acknowledged any franchise tags that have been signed. Those players are marked with an asterisk and not factored into the totals.

Buffalo Bills

• Receiver Lee Evans, $3.275 million
• Cornerback Terrence McGee, $3.2 million
• Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, $3.195 million
• Defensive end Spencer Johnson, $3 million
• Outside linebacker Shawne Merriman, $2.75 million
• Defensive end Dwan Edwards, $2.6 million
• Center Geoff Hangartner, $2.55 million
• Outside linebacker Chris Kelsay, $2 million
• Running back Fred Jackson, $1.75 million
• Defensive lineman Kyle Williams, $1.75 million
• Kicker Rian Lindell, $1.45 million
• Punter Brian Moorman, $1.425 million
• Cornerback Reggie Corner, $1.2 million
• Receiver Steve Johnson, $1.2 million
• Safety Bryan Scott, $1.15 million
• Linebacker Andra Davis, $1.1 million
• Receiver Roscoe Parrish, $1.025 million
• Safety George Wilson, $1.025 million
• Cornerback Leodis McKelvin, $1 million

Base salaries of $1 million or more: 19

Players under contract: 54

Percentage of roster making $1 million or more: 35.2

Miami Dolphins

• Nose tackle Paul Soliai, $12.47 million*
• Tackle Jake Long, $11.2 million
• Receiver Brandon Marshall, $6.5 million
• Tackle Vernon Carey, $4.15 million
• Safety Yeremiah Bell, $3.7 million
• Defensive end Randy Starks, $3.625 million
• Inside linebacker Karlos Dansby, $2.7 million
• Inside linebacker Channing Crowder, $2.5 million
• Tight end Anthony Fasano, $1.9 million
• Cornerback Benny Sapp, $1.9 million
• Inside linebacker Tim Dobbins, $1.7 million
• Cornerback Will Allen, $1.5 million
• Safety Tyrone Culver, $1.25 million
• Fullback Lousaka Polite, $1.25 million
• Receiver Davone Bess, $1.013 million
• Kicker Dan Carpenter, $1.005 million

Base salaries of $1 million or more: 15

Players under contract: 55

Percentage of roster making $1 million or more: 27.3

New England Patriots

• Quarterback Tom Brady, $5.75 million
• Cornerback Leigh Bodden, $3.9 million
• Tackle Nick Kaczur, $3.4 million
• Defensive end Ty Warren, $3.1 million
• Center Dan Koppen, $2.9 million
• Safety James Sanders, $2.8 million
• Tight end Alge Crumpler, $2.4 million
• Outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain, $2.3 million
• Receiver Deion Branch, $2.2 million
• Receiver Wes Welker, $2.15 million
• Kicker Stephen Gostkowski, $1.7 million
• Cornerback Jonathan Wilhite, $1.2 million
• Offensive lineman Dan Connolly, $1.025 million
• Inside linebacker Gary Guyton, $1 million

Base salaries of $1 million or more: 14

Players under contract: 60

Percentage of roster making $1 million or more: 23.3

New York Jets

• Quarterback Mark Sanchez, $14.75 million
• Inside linebacker David Harris, $10.1 million*
• Cornerback Darrelle Revis, $6 million
• Tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson, $5.615 million
• Inside linebacker Bart Scott, $4.9 million
• Outside linebacker Calvin Pace, $3.855 million
• Outside linebacker Bryan Thomas, $3.2 million
• Guard Brandon Moore, $2.75 million
• Running back LaDainian Tomlinson, $2.425 million
• Center Nick Mangold, $2.26 million
• Defensive end Mike DeVito, $2.125 million
• Safety Jim Leonhard, $1.95 million
• Receiver Jerricho Cotchery, $1.8 million
• Defensive tackle Sione Pouha, $1.28 million
• Quarterback Mark Brunell, $1.25 million

Base salaries of $1 million or more: 14

Players under contract: 57

Percentage of roster making $1 million or more: 24.6

Wrapping up the Buffalo Bills' victory against the Cleveland Browns.

What it means: The Bills rebounded from a ghastly loss at the Metrodome to win their third game in five tries. The Bills continue to piece together an admirable second half of the season, creating momentum that will help their rebuilding process.

Play of the game: Tough-luck cornerback Leodis McKelvin intercepted Browns quarterback Jake Delhomme at the Bills' 32-yard line with about four minutes to play.

Streak continues: Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick connected with David Nelson for an 11-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Fitzpatrick has thrown a TD pass in 14 straight games, the team's longest streak since Jim Kelly had 18 in row in 1986-87.

Bills defense steps up: Browns running back Peyton Hillis plowed forth for 49 yards on their first possession, but the Bills stuffed him for 1 and zero yards at their 1-yard line to force a field goal. Hillis rushed for 57 yards the rest of the game and fumbled three times, losing one. Delhomme threw for just 86 yards.

Tight ends make an appearance: Bills tight ends have been invisible this year, but Jonathan Stupar had three catches for a game-high 45 yards. David Martin added a reception for 13 yards.

Don't cross Moats: A week after perhaps ending Brett Favre's Iron Man streak, Bills rookie outside linebacker Arthur Moats had a strip sack of Delhomme to set up a Rian Lindell field goal early in the fourth quarter.

What's next: The Bills will resume their AFC East schedule after two and half months of non-divisional games. The Bills will visit the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Tears still were welled in Steve Johnson's bloodshot eyes when he stepped down from the podium, walked out of the postgame interview room and exited Ralph Wilson Stadium up the tunnel ramp.

Based on how he was dressed, he should have headed back to the locker room. But Johnson clearly was in another world as he dejectedly trudged toward the parking lot in a sleeveless shirt, basketball shorts, his red Buffalo Bills leggings and untied sneakers.

The wind made it feel like 31 degrees and there was snow on the ground. On this day, though, Johnson couldn't catch a cold.

Johnson has been Buffalo's breakout star, a 2008 seventh-round draft pick on pace to break the club's season record for touchdown receptions.

He should have caught his 10th touchdown Sunday. He should have beaten the Pittsburgh Steelers in overtime Sunday. He was wide open for an arcing 40-yard bomb. He dropped it in the end zone.

The Steelers kicked a field goal on the next possession to win 19-16.

A third straight Bills victory caromed off Johnson's fingers. They lost for the third time in sudden death, becoming the fifth team to do so since overtime was instituted in 1974 and just the second over the past 20 seasons.

Johnson was so despondent after the game, he took to Twitter where he questioned a higher power for allowing him to drop the would-be touchdown.

"I PRAISE YOU 24/7!!!!!! AND THIS HOW YOU DO ME!!!!! YOU EXPECT ME TO LEARN FROM THIS??? HOW???!!! ILL NEVER FORGET THIS!! EVER!!! THX THO..."

In his postgame news conference before he left the stadium, Johnson's emotions were raw.

"It comes down to one play and you drop the ball," Johnson said. "We'll bounce back, of course. The season's not over yet. We're going to have to bounce back, and we will.

"I'll never get over it. Ever. The Buffalo Bills will get over it, but I won't. You're a receiver. You don't drop the ball. I won't get over it."

The Bills (2-9) are playing terrifically lately and have grown significantly since the season began. They have lost three games by an overtime field goal to teams that are at least tied for first place in their divisions. They are clearly not the NFL's worst team, a distinction that was in question a few weeks ago.

The loss should not be blamed solely on Johnson. His end zone flub came on first down, giving the Bills two more chances to move the chains or get into field goal range for Rian Lindell, who had kicked a 49-yarder with two seconds left in regulation time.

After Johnson's end zone drop, the Bills' defense could have made a stop on the next possession. Instead, the Steelers ended the game with a 13-play drive, converting a third-and-8 along the way.

Leodis McKelvin would have returned the overtime kickoff for a touchdown had he not tripped over teammate Arthur Moats in the open field.

But Johnson's failure to latch on will take the spotlight because it could have ended the game right then and there.

"We're playing the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Buffalo Bills come to play football, and it just so happened today that I had 75 drops in the game," said Johnson, who has become a bit of a media sensation the past couple weeks.

Johnson made a statement a week earlier with three touchdowns in the Bills' amazing comeback victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. He had more catches, yards and points than Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco combined. Johnson wore an undershirt that read "Why So Serious" in reference to The Joker, a message to the receiving tandem who call themselves Batman and Robin.

Johnson could not laugh Sunday. His magical season was interrupted.

"You talk about a guy who has been extremely hot, making a ton of plays for them," Steelers safety Ryan Clark said.

Drops are not an official NFL statistic and are open to interpretation, but CBS Sports had Johnson down for five. Another drop resulted in a Troy Polamalu interception near the goal line in the fourth quarter.

Clark explained there was not a blown coverage on the play in overtime. Johnson was wide open because he ran a fabulous route.

Johnson scorched Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor so badly up the left sideline that even after Johnson dropped Ryan Fitzpatrick's perfect pass, the Bills' sideline celebrated what they thought was their third straight victory.

"Game over," Steelers linebacker James Farrior said. "That's what everybody else was thinking. The Buffalo fans, the Buffalo sideline, our sideline. I think everybody thought it was a catch."

Johnson sat stunned in the end zone for several seconds until receiver David Nelson pulled him up. Johnson took the end zone gaffe hard in the locker room, too.

"If you're not emotional and hard on yourself, then I would question his passion for the game," Bills safety George Wilson said. "But, man, that guy is over there crying his eyes out. He knows how precious those moments are.

"If we want to be one of the elite teams in this league, we have to make the big plays in the big moments. Steve has been making big plays for us all year. That play doesn't make me believe any less in him. He's been beasting out on the field all year."

Johnson did have seven receptions for 68 yards. He leads the Bills with 59 catches for 796 yards and nine touchdowns. Bill Brooks holds Buffalo's record with 11 touchdown receptions.

"No matter what, I want him on my team for the rest of my career," said Bills running back Fred Jackson, who gained 163 yards from scrimmage and scored the lone Bills touchdown.

"It's uncharacteristic of him, and I know that. I know he's going to make plays for us. I'm not going to define his whole season off of that one play."

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The Buffalo Bills nearly came back to win Sunday, but lost 19-16 in overtime to the Pittsburgh Steelers at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

What it means: The Bills hung tough again and showed more growth despite defeat. The game felt like a blowout at halftime, with the Steelers holding the ball for nearly 24 minutes. But the Bills trailed just 13-0, first tied the score with 11:25 to play and forced overtime on a 49-yard Rian Lindell field goal with two seconds left.

Play of the game: Breakout receiver Steve Johnson had an awful afternoon. He dropped five passes, including one while wiiiiiide open in the end zone for what should have been a 40-yard touchdown 4:30 into sudden death.

Great call wasted: Down 16-13 with about 4:30 left, Chan Gailey chose to go for it on fourth-and-2 from the Steelers' 36-yard line. Ryan Fitzpatrick found Johnson for a 10-yard gain to put the Bills in field goal range. One play later, the Bills had a first down at the 15 and a chance to win. Two plays later, Steelers safety Troy Polamalu made a great play to intercept a ricocheted pass.

Fitzpatrick struggled: Fitzpatrick was off on his throws most of the day. He had a 49.4 passer rating at halftime. He finished 23 of 45 for 265 yards and threw a touchdown pass for a 12th straight game, but running back Fred Jackson was responsible for that 65-yard catch and run. Fitzpatrick did throw a gorgeous ball on Johnson's end zone flub.

Kyle Williams on Pro Bowl trail: He plays more like a defensive end than a nose tackle, but Williams is having a great season for Buffalo. Williams picked up two sacks in the second quarter, giving him a career-high five for the season.

What's next: The Bills will visit Minnesota Vikings next Sunday at the Metrodome.

What a crazy Sunday for kicking in the AFC East.

A 300-pounder tried an extra point in one game. A receiver tried an extra point in another game.

Players who have been automatic couldn't convert.

Buffalo Bills kicker Rian Lindell went into Sunday with 321 consecutive extra points, the NFL record to start a career. The Chicago Bears blocked one. The evaporated point made two-point conversions appropriate. The Bears converted one, but the Bills didn't in a 22-19 loss.

The NFL named Miami Dolphins kicker Dan Carpenter special teams player of the month a few days ago. Carpenter missed a 46-yard field goal attempt that would have pulled the Dolphins within a touchdown of the Baltimore Ravens early in the fourth quarter. Carpenter had made 13 in a row.

Nick Folk made a 36-yarder as the fourth quarter expired and a 30-yarder in sudden death to beat the Detroit Lions 23-20. Regular kicker Jason Hanson was hurt, and Lions rookie defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh was the emergency replacement. Suh hit the right upright on an extra point in the third quarter.

New England Patriots receiver Wes Welker made his extra point in a 34-14 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski had a thigh injury. Welker, who has played a lot of soccer, said he never has practiced that kind of situation and hasn't kicked a football in years.

"You don't really expect that to happen," Welker said, and then added sarcastically, "As you can see, it's an easy job."

The Elias Sports Bureau noted the last day two non-kickers (players whose listed position were not kicker or punter) attempted extra points was Sept. 9, 1979. San Diego Chargers quarterback Cliff Olander and New Orleans Saints running back Tony Galbreath took their cuts.

ESPNBoston.com reporter Mike Reiss mentioned the Patriots might look to Shane Graham or Shaun Suisham as a free-agent possibility if Gostkowski's injury is serious enough to warrant another leg.