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For what many expected to be a complete blowout, the Buffalo Bills held their own for the majority of the game against the New England Patriots. The first touchdown scored by either team came almost halfway through the fourth quarter with a James White rush after an 85-yard drive. It all went downhill from there. Some of the national media noticed how close the game was up until that point and actually moved them up a spot. Continue reading below to see where NFL rankings outlets placed the Bills at the midway point of the 2018 season.
ESPN moves the Bills up one spot from 29th last week to 28th this week, and dropped the Patriots from 3rd last week to fourth this week.
“There are plenty of spooky stats surrounding the Bills’ inert offense, but the problems start at quarterback, where Josh Allen, Nathan Peterman and Derek Anderson have combined for a 52.8 passer rating this season. Over an entire season, that would be the 10th lowest the NFL has seen since 1980.”
NFL.com brings the Bills back one spot from 29th to 30th. They credit what we all think—the offense can’t hang with anyone and the defense can only keep them in close games for so long. The Patriots remain in their comfortable number two spot.
CBS Sports keeps the Bills stagnant at the 28th spot and gives the same narrative as almost everyone else.
“They are just too limited on offense right now, no matter who plays quarterback. It’s too bad it’s that way since the defense has been solid.”
The Patriots hold steady as the third-best team in the NFL.
Sports Illustrated’s Monday Morning Quarterback had ten of their writers vote on the placement of all 32 teams. Last week the Bills were 30th and this week they were voted down to 31st after their loss at home. The Patriots once again stay in the same spot, fourth.
Our very own SB Nation moves the Bills up one spot from 30th to 29th this week after an inspiring performance from the defense. Additionally, the Patriots don’t move from the second overall spot.