A few generations of NFL fans have never seen the Buffalo Bills compete in a playoff game. It’s been 17 seasons since their last postseason trip, the longest drought in the league, and oddsmakers aren’t high on their chances of ending the streak in 2017 with a win total projected at 6.5. Buffalo’s offense took a hit with the trade of Sammy Watkins and the retirement of Anquan Boldin, so it’s a good thing they have the best rushing attack returning. But will it be enough?
Buffalo Bills Futures Odds at BookMaker.eu
Buffalo Bills Over 6.5 Wins -101
Buffalo Bills Under 6.5 Wins -119
2017 Buffalo Bills Offense Preview
The Bills led the NFL in rushing last season with an average of 164.4 yards per game, nearly 15 yards per game more than second place Dallas, and their 29 rushing touchdowns were also tops in the league. They’re going to need similar production this year because the passing game lost two top receivers. Watkins was traded to the Rams and Boldin retired shortly after joining the club. Maybe he knew something others didn’t at the time.
LeSean McCoy will be the featured player in the offense after rushing for 1,267 yards and 13 scores last season. He was also a threat in the passing game with 50 receptions. But just how effective the unit is will depend on Tyrod Taylor.
Taylor is a dynamic player, but he’s limited in the passing game. He should benefit from new coordinator Rick Dennison, who coached Taylor while with the Ravens. Taylor is a threat with his feet after running for nearly 600 yards last year, and he rarely turns the ball over. That has to make up for a passing game that lacks pop if the Bills are to string wins together.
2017 Buffalo Bills Defense Preview
Former coach Rex Ryan was known for putting together stingy defenses, however it never happened for him in Buffalo. So the Bills turned to another defensive guy in former Carolina coordinator Sean McDermott, who put together some strong units during his days in Carolina. The Panthers had the sixth-best defense in terms of total yards and points in 2015 when they nearly ran the table and reached the Super Bowl.
The big concern is does he have the personnel to replicate those numbers. There are some pieces in place, including a front line that has potential to be strong. McDermott and coordinator Leslie Frazier plan on simplifying the scheme to allow his athletes to react rather than think, like they had to do in Ryan’s defense and it didn’t work.
The secondary is a huge worry after it was completely overhauled. Corners Stephon Gilmore and Ronald Darby, as well as safeties Aaron Williams and Corey Graham are all gone. The defense could be had through the air if the front can’t pressure the quarterback.
2017 Buffalo Bills Schedule Analysis
The schedule is a big hurdle for the Bills to reach their projected win total. Not only do they have two meetings with the defending champs, they also have to play against two of the best divisions in football. The AFC West is loaded with contenders Oakland and Kansas City. The Broncos will be strong again this season and the Chargers have some talent.
They also have the NFC South, which will give the reconstructed secondary a workout. The Falcons were the highest scoring team in the league last year while the Saints amassed the most yards per game. We don’t expect the Bills to score a lot of points and those are the teams they don’t want to play. The good news is they get the Jets twice, including the opener, which will get the season off to a good start.
The Final Verdict
The Bills have won at least seven games in each of the past three seasons, but it feels like they’ve taken a step back with all the roster maneuvering. Taylor doesn’t instill a lot of confidence in me as the starter and there is no backup. Nathan Peterman might be the guy if Taylor fails, but he’s a rookie and he doesn’t have the weapons to turn the passing game around.
The ground game will have to be strong again and McCoy is one of the best. However, they lost Mike Gillislee, who was the team’s third leading rusher and will need someone to take his place. The offensive line is strong and if the team stays healthy and gets decent production from Taylor, they will get to the 7-win mark. The schedule isn’t any help with several of the best teams from both conferences and the Bills aren’t ready to challenge them.
NFL Odds: Buffalo Bills Under 6.5 Wins
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