Buffalo Bills vs. Atlanta Falcons: Week 17 pregame thoughts
The Falcons are a capable football team, Bills must be at their best from this point forward
Matt Ryan won the NFL MVP in 2016 and led the Falcons to the Super Bowl, which they lost in inconceivable fashion. Since that Super Bowl, the Falcons have been on the decline, failing to reach the postseason in all but one season. This year, Atlanta has beaten up on the bad teams. And even with one of the worse point differentials in the league, Atlanta is 7-2 in one-score games.
The Falcons also have formidable weapons on offense. Rookie Kyle Pitts is on the brink of breaking a number of Falcons receiving records. Cordarrelle Patterson operates as a swiss army knife; capable of rushing for 100 yards or going over 100 yards receiving in a given game. And of course, quarterback Matt Ryan might be one of the best quarterbacks Buffalo has played this year. Additionally, Atlanta is middle of the pack in passing yards and they can move the ball. The perfect storm for the Falcons could lead to a dog fight in Buffalo.
Buffalo has had its struggles. Failing to start fast, being unsuccessful converting on important down and distances, or just not winning the games it should, has caused the Bills to fall in power rankings and become almost alienated by the national media. Atlanta is better than the Jaguars and they have some pieces in place to win ball games. If the Bills do not get out to a good start, there could be trouble brewing in Orchard Park.
light. Must Read. Week 17 bold predictions for the Buffalo Bills
The Bills have an opportunity to take care of business. They control their own destiny. And if they don’t win out, their chances at making the playoffs are in limbo. Sunday provides Buffalo with another chance to prove they deserve a playoff berth. And adding a win to their record moves them one step closer to hosting their second consecutive Wild Card game.