The Buffalo Bills get the chance to prove they’re not just a product of an unimpressive schedule. The undefeated Bills will play the New England Patriots in Buffalo on Sunday.
An upset would prove they are playoff contenders.
The defense remains one of the best in the NFL. They’re fifth in yards allowed (299.7) and points allowed (15.7) after returning 10 starters and adding defensive tackle Ed Oliver, the ninth overall pick, to the mix. It’s clear these players are settling into coach Sean McDermott’s system.
But that’s not what makes this team interesting, even if it’s what is making the Bills successful. The revamped offense is the most intriguing element. Buffalo has seen 10 new starers take over from the start of 2018 to the beginning of 2019. That turnover is what has helped them climb from 30th in points per game and yards per game in 2018 to eight in yards and 17th in points. Josh Allen, apparently, has learned to throw with a 64.1 completion percentage, in part due to the additions of receivers Josh Brown and Cole Beasley and tight end Dawson Knox.
Are the Bills likely to upset the Patriots? Vegas oddsmakers think the New England is a one-touchdown favorite. I think something similar. But if the Bills can run with the Patriots, they could quickly become the NFL’s biggest surprise this season.
