The Buffalo Bills are sitting in second place in the AFC East, with a 5 - 5 record. If the playoffs were today, the Bills would be out. Fortunately, for the team and the fans, there are still seven games remaining and only a game and a half behind the Dolphins in the division. Everything the Bills hoped to accomplish this season is still theirs for the taking.
The Dolphins' next five games are all against teams with losing records, but they close out the final three games against the Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens, and the Bills. The division title may come down to that final game against the Dolphins, which means the Bills' most likely playoff scenarios range from not getting in, to being the third or fourth seed. The top seed isn't out of the question but that would almost require the Bills to run the table from here on and help from many other teams. I don't see that happening.
For a lot of fans, the season is over but there are those more optimistic fans that still believe. I'm one of those more optimistic fans, as there is still time to turn this season around. A lot will depend on injuries, getting some guys back healthy, and getting the offense back on track. Ken Dorsey is out and now the question is will the new offensive coordinator Joe Brady get things rolling again? That's the million-dollar question and everything hinges on the answer.
Let's get into my week-by-week predictive breakdown
Week 11: Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets (Home)
If Buffalo is going to turn this season around, it starts here. The Bills have to find a way to put up at least 20 points against the championship-caliber defense of the Jets. The key is turnovers. I know, shocker right? The first matchup between these two teams didn't go well, ending in a loss for the Bills. However, in that game, the Bills were able to move the ball but simply couldn't hold onto the ball, turning it over four times.
Even with the Bills depleted defense, I think it will only take 20+ points to win this game. Zach Wilson has had moments this season but simply isn't that good and the Jets offense doesn't put up many points. They've scored over 20 points only twice, one of which was against the Bilis; however, it took a punt return for six in overtime to get to 22 for the game. Buffalo wins, 23 - 17
Week 12: Buffalo Bills vs Philadelphia Eagles (Road)
This one will be tough and would be even if the Bills were healthy and playing well. The Eagles are as good as anyone in the league and might play themselves into representing the NFC in the Super Bowl again. Philadelphia is ranked fifth in the league in total offense; however, their defense hasn't been as good as it was last season, ranking 14th.
If the Bills can get their offense scoring points again, this game could be a lot closer than people probably think. As big of a matchup as this is, I don't think the season is dependent on winning this game, but it would be huge in terms of standings and confidence, but I think Buffalo will lose this one. Eagles win, 24 - 20
Week 14: Buffalo Bills vs Kansas City Chiefs (Road)
Buffalo has played the Chiefs well in the regular season, winning the last two, both of them in Kansas City. The Chiefs offense isn't as good as it's been in years past, but the defense is probably the best it's been in the Patrick Mahomes era. Even though the Chiefs haven't dominated their opponents like they normally do, we have to give them credit for simply winning.
My expectations for this game could change significantly depending on how well the offense performs the two weeks prior. This will be a continuing theme throughout but if the Bills' offense is more of the same that we've seen, Buffalo probably loses this game. They can't turn the ball over against the Chiefs and expect to win. That said, I got the Bills in this one. Bills win, 27 - 20
Week 15: Buffalo Bills vs Dallas Cowboys (Home)
The Cowboys are currently allowing only 275.1 yards per game, third-best in the NFL. Their 18.3 points per game is fourth and just ahead of where the Bills are in the rankings. Buffalo is allowing 18.4 per game and they will need to show up against the Cowboys' offense.
Dallas is fourth in the league in total offense and Dak Prescott is having a fantastic season, as is CeeDee Lamb. Lamb has 68 receptions and 975 yards receiving this season and is having a career year. The fact that this game is at home could be a difference maker, but Dallas is playing some excellent football and Buffalo drops this one. Cowboys win, 28 - 20
Week 16: Buffalo Bills vs Los Angeles Chargers (Road)
If you're keeping track, I've got Buffalo sitting at 7 - 7 after Week 15 and would still be in the playoff hunt at this point. The Chargers are a talented team but for whatever reason, they have never been able to turn that talent into consistent wins. I also think head coach Brandon Staley could be out in Los Angeles by this point too. The Chargers have some very winnable games leading up to this matchup but if they continue to drop games, it could be the end for Staley.
I have never been against the Chargers, and they are one of those teams that I'll root for more often than not but no matter who the quarterback is or the coach, they still find ways to lose. And this game will be no different, as the Bills get a much-needed road win against the Chargers. Bills win, 31 - 24
Week 17: Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots (Home)
I know losing to the Broncos was embarrassing and some call it the worst loss in years. I think the loss against the Patriots is right up there. I still can't figure out how New England beat the Bills with Mac Jones and that roster. At least the Broncos have some talented players and have been playing better the last few weeks.
I don't see Buffalo losing again to the Patriots and getting swept, just not a chance. At this point, I think the Bills offense starts to click and get rolling. They will have a handful of games under their belt with new offensive coordinator Joe Brady and the chemistry and confidence will start to show itself. Buffalo gets some revenge and blows the Patriots out. Bills win, 34 - 10
Week 18: Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins (Road)
It's the final week of the season and at this point, Buffalo is sitting at 9 - 7. I mentioned earlier the Dolphins' next five games are against teams with losing records, which include the Las Vegas Raiders, Jets twice, Washington Commanders, and Tennessee Titans. Then they close it out with games against the Cowboys, Ravens, and Bills.
If the AFC East title is to come down to this game, the Dolphins will need to lose three of the next seven games. They could easily lose against the Ravens and Cowboys and a third will have to come from one of the next five. Anything can happen though along the way. The Bills typically play the Dolphins very well and have won five of the last six against the Tua-led Dolphins. Nothing changes, as the Bills win again. Bills win, 37 - 21