Analysis: What went right, what went wrong during Bills win at Browns

The Buffalo Bills added to their win streak with another in Week 16 against the Cleveland Browns.

The Bills (11-4) took a 23-20 win over the Cleveland Browns (3-11) during a Sunday contest at Huntington Bank Field.

Buffalo had a heck of an up-and-down effort in Cleveland. The Bills made plays to keep things close and in the end just squeaked out the victory.

Here is Bills Wire's analysis from the Bills' win against the Browns:

What went right?

The Bills jumped on the back of running back James Cook and let him lead the way. Buffalo's top rusher had 117 yards on 16 carries, averaging 7.3 yard per carry, with two touchdowns.

Defensively, the Bills held the Browns very well except for two drives. One in the first half and one in the second. On both, Cleveland earned touchdowns on long drives but otherwise, Buffalo did not allow much more than an inch from the Browns and rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

What went wrong?

Surprisingly, it was quarterback Josh Allen that was mostly in the wrong. After sustaining an ankle injury, Allen did not have his best game. The Bills never managed to put a nail in the Browns' coffin, allowing them to stick around.

What's the bottom line?

It was not the best win of the 2025 season for the Bills. But at this time of the year, an ugly win is much more important than a pretty loss. That's what Buffalo found in Cleveland.

What's next?

The 2025 NFC East champion Philadelphia Eagles (10-5) have wrapped up their division but still have seeding to play for as they'll travel to face the Buffalo Bills (11-4) in Week 7 at Highmark Stadium. It's a 4:25 p.m. kickoff.

This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: Analysis: What went right, what went wrong during Bills win at Browns