The NFL regular season is finally upon us. The Buffalo Bills regular season is finally upon us, Bills Mafia, rejoice! On Sunday, September 8 at 1pm, our Buffalo Bills kickoff against the Arizona Cardinals for meaningful football. Excitement is building, expectations are building, and of course, the hype is building. There is much to look for from this team and even more we hope to see but Sunday will be the first taste we get of a team that has a much different feel to it than a season ago.
The Bills offensively have a revamped wide receiver core, offensive line, and a new face in the running backs room with rookie RB Ray Davis. On defense, Matt Milano got hurt before the season which is an absolute gut-punch. However, to soften the blow, hometown hero Joe Andreesson, more affectionately known as “Buffalo Joe” made the 53-man roster and will look to make an impact on gameday.
So, what is there to expect from the 2024 Buffalo Bills when Kyler Murray, Marvin Harrison Jr. and company come to Orchard Park on Sunday?
Here are 3 bold predictions for the Bills in Week 1 vs the Cardinals
James Cook will get his opportunities early
James Cook is a player that needs volume to produce. With all of the new receivers outside Kahlil Shakir, I believe Cook will be heavily relied upon early in the game to provide balance for the Buffalo offense but keep the Arizona defense off balance. With two offensive coordinators last season James Cook managed almost mirror stats. Under Ken Dorsey, Cook had 120 carries 615 yards and a touchdown with 24 receptions 222 yards and a touchdown. When Joe Brady took over, Cook had 117 carries 507 yards and a touchdown with 20 receptions 223 yards 3 touchdowns. Cook remained a constant and he’ll continue it on Sunday.
Buffalo defense will get what it needs from its pass rush
Matt Milano is the most important piece in Sean McDermott’s defense. The team looks different with him there, the team plays different with him there. His absence is noticeable. Against Arizona, Bills fans are going to see a linebacker spy on Kyler Murray no question. However, we are going to see a Bills pass rush getting to Murray as well. Greg Rousseau, Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones, and AJ Epenesa are going to control the line of scrimmage and get to Murray. Von Miller will work his way back into a steadier rotation which means look for Miller on third and long to be that disruptor he needs to be.
Josh Allen will have a rather pedestrian day by his standards
I would love to say Josh Allen with Stefon Diggs won’t miss a beat and he’ll throw it for 350+ yards against Arizona. But, I can’t. Khalil Shakir is the only wide receiver on the roster who has caught a pass from Josh Allen a year ago. That means there is going to be a feeling out process to the new weapons he has. Keon Coleman, while fun and light-hearted, is unproven and we don’t know what to expect. I believe Allen finishes his day with just over 200 yards passing. Shakir, Dalton Kincaid, and James Cook will be the majority shareholders of those yards. It is a good thing Allen can use his legs too.