Gronkowski fuels rivalry against Bills

Running back LeSean McCoy isn’t sure if the bad blood between the Bills and Patriots — increased by tight end Rob Gronkowski’s hit on Buffalo cornerback Tre’Davious White — will carry over in three weeks when the AFC East Division rivals meet again in New England.

Gronkowski’s hit on White overshadowed the Bills’ 23-3 loss to New England. “Yeah, it was a nasty and dirty play. I’ve never seen him do that before,” McCoy said of how Gronkowski led with his shoulder in pile-driving a defenseless White in the back of the head in the fourth quarter.

White sustained a potential concussion in being hit after he intercepted Tom Brady’s pass with 4:50 remaining. Gronkowski was flagged for unnecessary roughness.

Giants

For the first time in more than 13 years, Eli Manning spent an NFL Sunday as a spectator rather than a participant. His 210-game streak of consecutive regular-season starts ended with a benching this week, putting Manning in an unfamiliar role as backup for the first time since making his first career start as a rookie in November 2004. “I want to be out there,” Manning said after New York’s 24-17 loss to the Oakland. “I want to be playing. This is the situation we’re in. I’m not mad at anybody. When you’re in this situation, whatever happens there’s a reason and you have to accept it.”

Rams

For the first time in 14 years, the Rams will have a winning season. Jared Goff passed for two touchdowns and the Rams solidified their grip on first place in the NFC West Division with a 32-16 victory against Arizona. The Rams (9-3) won for the sixth time in seven games to clinch their first winning season since 2003, when they were in St. Louis. “Long time and very cool,” Goff said, “but by no means are we finished.”

Chargers

Casey Hayward spent the week away from the team after his brother was killed Monday night in a car accident. The star cornerback thought about staying with in Georgia and skipping the Chargers game against Cleveland. Instead, he returned in time to join the team for another victory in the Chargers’ remarkable resurgence. “I’m better when I’m out here,” Hayward said. “I’m better when I’m on the field.”

Vikings

Case Keenum kept up his hot play by throwing for two touchdowns in a 149 victory against the Atlanta Falcons, extending Minnesota’s winning streak to eight. “He is making the plays he needs to make and not trying to overdo things,” coach Mike Zimmer said.