ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — After they were blown out in three straight losses, the Bills had to have a response to keep their season from slipping away. They got it done with an upset win over the Chiefs sparked by solid defense and an offense that did just enough to keep them in the thick of the playoff race.

"They’ve faced adversity before," said Bills coach Sean McDermott. "This is a group of high character individuals that work hard, believe in one another, and so we’re developing a culture here. To push through the way [that] they pushed through the last couple of weeks, even though they didn’t get the results that they were looking for, and then to get them yesterday, I think is a testament to the culture and the guys in that locker room."

After the game quarterback Tyrod Taylor said the players flourish in the underdog role. He pointed to McDermott telling the team most of the national experts picked against them Sunday, and they used that as motivation.

McDermott says it's all about keeping the same attitude throughout the ups and downs of the season, and the Bills have had plenty of both.

"It's going to tear you, pull you in different directions and challenge you," McDermott said. "You have to keep the edge and with that edge, though, comes a strong foundation that you build every year and every week, that you continue to grow, continue to build, develop, and then work to sustain because that’s big, also."

In a season filled with challenges, the Bills face perhaps the toughest yet on Sunday with the Patriots. The defending Super Bowl champion Patriots are 26-2 against the Bills when quarterback Tom Brady plays the entire game. 

Asked about preparing to play against the Pats, head coach Sean McDermott said, "It's a headache. A lot of long hours."