NFL 2010 Preview: Buffalo Bills

Buffalo is the wrong team, in the wrong division, at the wrong time according to Al Dannity.

Off-season changes
Buffalo strengthened its diverse running game with the addition of C.J. Spiller through the draft. Spiller offers the kind of explosive big play potential that should complement Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch. All three of Buffalo’s running backs offer options in the passing game, which will be crucial now that Terrell Owens brief tenure with the Bills is over. The T.O. show may not have amounted to much in 2009 but the wide receiver was the only option in the passing game that could relieve the pressure on Lee Evans. With T.O. gone, Buffalo will need to lean heavily on its running backs to catch passes out of the backfield.

The biggest loss of all is the departure of Aaron Schobel. The defensive end was expected to play a vital role in Buffalo’s shift to a 3-4 scheme in 2010. With Schobel opting to retire, the Bills are sorely lacking in pass-rush options.

Mark your calendar
NFL betting fans are going to have a tough time finding games where Buffalo will have a legitimate chance of victory. The week 5 game at home to Jacksonville stands out largely because of the unpredictable nature of the Jaguars. A road trip to Kansas City in week 8 should also see the Bills in contention, although Buffalo doesn’t possess the kind of front seven necessary to exploit the Chiefs’ fragile offensive line. This is followed by Buffalo’s annual trek to Toronto, where the Bills will be the home team against Chicago.

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Detroit visits Buffalo in week 10. If the Bills can’t beat the Lions at home then they deserve to match Detroit’s ‘perfect’ 0-16 record of 2008. Cleveland’s visit to Ralph Wilson Stadium in week 14 is the last game on the calendar where it’s possible to like the Bills for a win this season.

The verdict
The last memory anyone has of the Bills in the playoffs is the Music City Miracle. That was 10 seasons ago and it’s going to be at least one more year before Buffalo has a chance to return to the post-season. This team simply has too many deficiencies to survive in the AFC East, where all three of its divisional rivals look capable of making a push for the playoffs this season.

The offensive line is beat-up and lacking talent. The receiving game has only one downfield threat, Lee Evans, and he is surrounded by mediocrity. The defense features a solid secondary, albeit one made up of injury-prone starters, but a front seven that won’t scare anybody in the NFL. The Bills are excellent on special teams, with great options in kicking, punting, and the return game. This won’t be enough to compensate for the glaring holes on offense and defense. Expect a year to forget in Buffalo. Take the under of 5.5 wins at -182 with Sports Interaction.