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The Buffalo Bills’ 17-14 win in Miami on Sunday wasn’t a spectacular effort by any means, but it was another win for the improving Bills, who are now 4-10 for the year. When you figure this team had wins practically in the bank against Baltimore, Kansas City and Pittsburgh this year, there’s no doubting how much progress they’ve made. They have gone 4-2 in their last 6 games after starting 0-8, and are beginning to establish an identity. That identity is a roster full of over-achieving players, the NFL’s “Little Engine That Could”. Look at the roll call of impact players on both sides of the ball – on offense, there’s QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, a 7th round draft pick of the Rams who has found a home, RB Fred Jackson, an undrafted free agent from Coe College (Marv Levy’s alma mater), WR Stevie Johnson, also a 7th round pick, undrafted free agents David Nelson, Donald Jones and now Naaman Roosevelt. On defense, some of the biggest playmakers are tackle Kyle Williams, a 5th round draft pick, undrafted free agent safety George Wilson and recently LB Arthur Moats, a 6th round pick. The Bills’ front office has spent this season shaking the free agent bushes for useful players, and guys like offensive linemen Kraig Urbik, Mansfield Wrotto and Chad Rinehart, tight end Scott Chandler and defensive lineman Kellen Heard have to love one thing about being brought into this organization – they will surely get every opportunity to earn roster spots and make positive  contributions to the team. For “fringe” players like them, Buffalo is the best place to be, since the club has developed a track record of finding diamonds in the rough and allowing those players to earn key roles for the future. As for Sunday’s game, as I said earlier, it wasn’t a magnificant display of football, but it was a hard-earned “team” win by an undermanned Bills’ squad that looks to finally be “learning” how to win.

After picking 12 winners out of 14 games in week 14, the Rayonsports.com tally for the season now stands at 128 right and 79 wrong. Here are the picks for week 15:

San Francisco at San Diego – a West Coast matchup for this week’s Thursday night game. The Chargers took a big step toward the playoffs by pounding Kansas City last week, and they will win this game at home and all but eliminate the 49ers from their division race.

Buffalo at Miami – the Bills have run into a rash of injuries recently, and will miss Lee Evans’ veteran leadership the rest of the way, while the Dolphins still have hopes for the postseason. I see Miami winning this game against an improving but undermanned Bills’ team.

New Orleans at Baltimore – this is a matchup of two of the NFL’s current elite teams. I’m going to pick the Saints to pull out a close win on the road.

Arizona at Carolina – will there be any fans attending this game? I’ll go with Cards’ rookie QB John Skelton to engineer a win on the road.

Cleveland at Cincinnati – hoping that Colt McCoy returns at QB, I’m going to pick the Browns to win the battle of Ohio.

Washington at Dallas – these were once 2 of the proudest franchises in the NFL, but both are struggling this year. Dallas has looked a lot better since firing Wade Phillips and talent-wise is head and shoulders above the Redskins and will win this game big at home.

Jacksonville at Indianapolis – it’s a credit to Jaguars’ coach Jack Del Rio that this game is basically going to decide who wins the AFC South division. Neither the Titans or Texans have been able to overcome the Colts in this division, so can the Jags get it done? I just can’t see David Garrard outdueling Peyton Manning at this point, so I’ll pick the Colts to win.

Philadelphia at New York Giants – Eagles’ QB Mike Vick is the story of the year in the NFL this season, but on a hunch I’m going to pick Eli Manning and the Giants to win at home, and put themselves in great shape to win the NFC East.

Kansas City at St. Louis – the winner of this game, in my opinion, will make the playoffs this year. I’m going to pick the Rams to pull a mild upset at home.

Detroit at Tampa Bay – I’ll go with the Bucs at home against a game Lions squad that is still a year away.

Houston at Tennessee – on paper the Texans should win this game, but they have been a major disappointment this year. I’ll pick the Titans to win at home.

Atlanta at Seattle – the Falcons are for real and will dominate this game and win big.

Denver at Oakland – the Raiders’ playoff hopes took a big hit with their loss at Jacksonville last week, but I see them beating the Broncos easily.

New York Jets at Pittsburgh – the cocky Jets are reeling right now, and there’s no way they win over the Steelers on the road. Pittsburgh wins with a ball-control game plan behind Rashard Mendenhall.

Green Bay at New England – it looks like Aaron Rodgers may not be able to play in this game due to a concussion, but regardless, the Patriots will win at home.

Chicago at Minnesota – stick a fork in the Vikings – they are now officially done. The Bears will win this game easily no matter it is finally played.