By Tim Graham
Quick highlights from the Buffalo Bills' last-minute loss to the St. Louis Rams this afternoon in Ralph Wilson Stadium ...
What it means: The Bills' playoff hopes are in their death throes at 5-8. They'll have to run the table to avoid another losing season.
Star of the game: Rams quarterback Sam Bradford wasn't masterful on the winning drive, but he was good enough. His receivers made some great catches, including a spinning reach by Austin Pettis on a fourth-and-1 play. Bradford completed five of his 11 passes for 68 yards and the touchdown toss to Brandon Gibson. Bradford also connected with Chris Givens for the two-point conversion.
Bills star of the game: In the rain, Ryan Fitzpatrick had one of his most efficient games of the season. Before the desperate, final drive, he completed 23 of 27 passes for 225 yards and a 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Lee Smith.
Fred Jackson hurt again: Jackson suffered a leg injury with 5:26 left in the game and was helped off the field to chants of "Fred-dy! Fred-dy!" He left the sideline on a cart. Jackson has missed time this season with a knee injury and a concussion.
Bills play of the day: Jackson did a brilliant job of converting third-and-6 in the third quarter. He caught a pass from Fitzpatrick and jumped over safety Quintin Mikkel. While airborne, Jackson spun to land on his back and outstretched his arm to conclude the 7-yard gain. The play extended Buffalo's lone touchdown drive.
Decision of the day: Yet again, Bills coach Chan Gailey eschewed a 52-yard field-goal attempt and punted instead. This time, he did it while up five points in the fourth quarter. A penalty aided Shawn Powell's punt.
Preliminary injury report: Bills safety Jairus Byrd suffered a leg contusion on the Rams' opening series. He returned before the end of the first quarter. ... Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus was sidelined early in the third quarter, when Rams center Scott Wells crashed into his right knee. He returned on the next series.
Coming up: The Bills will head up the QEW to play the Seattle Seahawks in the Rogers Centre.
