When the schedule for the Buffalo Bills was released earlier this month, fans knew that it was going to be a tough 2026 season for the team. Even though the Bills finished in second place last season, their opponents are still tough. While the New England Patriots took the AFC East away from the Bills, they don’t pose a big threat to the Bills heading into this season.
Outside of the AFC East, the Bills are going to be taking on teams like the Ravens, Chiefs, Chargers, Broncos, Bears, Lions, and Packers. All of these teams are consistent playoff contenders who could make a case to make a run at the Super Bowl. However, three of Buffalo’s opponents this season could be heading towards a bit of a downfall from where they were last season.
Bills face 3 opponents who could take step backwards in 2026
Bradley Locker from Pro Football Focus (PFF) listed three teams that could very well be on their way to taking a step back in the 2026 season, and all three are set to face the Bills this upcoming season. Those teams were the Bears, Patriots, and Broncos.
When it came to the Bears, Locker’s main focus was on Chicago’s defense especially with the pass rush. "Defense is where more anguish surrounds the Bears. The team’s unit ranked 21stin EPA per play last year, with the big culprit the 26th-ranked pressure rate." said Locker.
Chicago's offense surely is not an issue, and the Bills got a player from their offense in wide receiver DJ Moore. However, their defense is a bit of a liability and Josh Allen could have a fun time going up and down the field against them in what should be a high-scoring matchup.
As for the Patriots, Locker focused on the offensive weapons as well as their ability rush the quarterback. "The bigger alarm bells ring at receiver and running back. New England’s wideouts earned the fifth-best PFF receiving grade a year ago, but much of that was fueled by Stefon Diggs (82.6). The Patriots may still trade for A.J. Brown— and they have solid options in Romeo Doubs, Kayshon Boutte and Demario Douglas — but losing a bona-fide No. 1 like Diggs will hurt." said Locker.
"On defense, Mike Vrabel’s team returns a strong core in Christian Gonzalez, Milton Williams and Robert Spillane. But Patriots edge rushers struggled attacking the passer with the 29th-ranked PFF pass-rush grade, and that room still has legitimate question marks about reliability." Locker added.
New England's offense hasn't added a true dynamic playmaker...and no, Romeo Doubs is not one. He's a solid No. 3 who can be a decent No. 2 receiver. He's not a No. 1 option though and fans know that. When the Patriots released Diggs, they lost their go-to guy for Drake Maye and haven't replaced him...yet.
As for the defense, their pass rush improved a little bit with the acquisition of Dre'Mont Jones in free agency, but the reliability is definitely a huge question still.
Finally, with the Broncos, Locker's take was about Denver's "play style" meaning how they were winning games. "Indeed, Denver went a league-best 12-4 in games decided by eight points or less, which isn’t sustainable year over year. Many of those close contests were against bad teams like the Giants, Jets, Raiders and Commanders, too. What’s also alarming is that the Broncos’ offense sputtered through the first three quarters before turning it on late, which is far from ideal in the long term." said Locker.
The Broncos were the ones that ended Buffalo’s playoff journey last season so there may not be room to talk, but it was once again a one-score win that took them into overtime to do it.Â
Denver did make a splash this season by trading for wideout Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins, and their passing attack should be more dynamic. However, until he and Bo Nix are creating big plays, it’s tough to say that Denver will be a true contender despite making it to the AFC championship game last season.
Seeing these three teams should have Bills fans excited for what could come in 2026. Their schedule looks tough for sure, but all that matters is what happens on the field. Buffalo can compete with any team in the league but there are clearly some challenges that are against them, and these three specific teams are.
If they take the step back and regress a bit, it should give the Bills a great advantage when they are preparing for these opponents.
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