The Buffalo Bills are once again entering this season with high expectations. Their roster is one of the best in the league and it wouldn't be surprising for the Bills to be the team representing the AFC in the Super Bowl.
When teams are near the top of the league, every opponent is going to be looking to bring their best game and try to pull the upset. This sets up the potential for what is called trap games, which are games that the Bills should win but potentially overlook their opponent with big games looming in the coming weeks.
The Buffalo Bills had a tough slate of opponents this season but the schedule sets up nicely for them to manage their schedule. However, the Bills can't overlook these three games as they have the potential to be trap games this coming season.
3 trap games the Buffalo Bills have to avoid on 2023 schedule
Week 3: Buffalo Bills at Washington Commanders
The Buffalo Bills open the 2023 season on the road against the New York Jets followed by their home opener against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Bills certainly will be focused on a divisional opponent to open the season and then their first game in front of the home crowd.
In Week 4, the Bills have another AFC East matchup, this time against the Miami Dolphins and if they are able to win their games against the Jets and Dolphins, it will put them in great position early for their fourth straight AFC East title.
However, prior to the game against the Dolphins, the Bills go on the road to play the Washington Commanders in the first trap game on their schedule.
The Commanders appear to be heading towards a Top 10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft with uncertainty at quarterback with Sam Howell expected to be the starter. However, they have Ron Rivera as their head coach and have a good defense that allowed the third fewest yards per game in the NFL last season.
If the Bills take this game lightly, it wouldn't be surprising to see this game be closer than it should be on the road against this tough defense.