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The staff from Buffalo Rumblings took the time to weigh in with their predictions on the win-loss record for the Buffalo Bills this season. There are plenty of thoughts on the new quarterbacks, offensive coordinator and additions to the defense.
Dan Lavoie, Bills season prediction: 7-9
Last year I was very pessimistic about the Bills team. Instead, the veterans provided stability, the strong defense kept games close for the disappointing offense to keep up, and Sean McDermott demonstrated that team cohesion can be used to bring an underappreciated roster to a winning season. With Nathan Peterman and rookie Josh Allen likely to split starts this year, I’m tempted to predict another disappointing season for the Bills, but optimism from McDermott’s first season has me giving the Bills a bump to near .500 status.
Sean Murphy, Bills season prediction: 6-10
I wish I could be more optimistic, but with a brutal September schedule, a below-average offensive line, and a quarterback situation that is at least one year away from being league-average, I can’t be. I also thought Buffalo would be 5-11 last year, and I’ve never been happier to have been wrong about something. I hope to be wrong again this year!
Matt Warren, Bills season prediction: 6-10
I don’t see how the offense doesn’t take a huge step back in 2018 and I expect the defense to regress to the mean in the turnover department. Plus they got really lucky last year.
Danyel Geist, Bills season prediction: 6-10
Unfortunately I have too man worries about the offensive line and pass rush. I also don’t think the Bills are in the business of pulling off close wins this year because of those issues.
Jeff Kantrowski, Bills season prediction: 8-8
Of course I would love to say 19-0! The defensive efforts will keep many games close - but the new look offense isn’t always pretty. Staying around .500 seems to be a safe bet.
John Boccacino, Bills season prediction: 9-7
As important as the play of quarterback Nathan Peterman (and eventually rookie Josh Allen) will be towards the success of the Bills in 2018, the offensive and defensive lines hold the real keys. If the o-line situation stabilizes, LeSean McCoy (and hopefully preseason surprise Marcus Murphy) will generate enough offense to overcome any inconsistent QB play. The pass rush should be better with the additions of Trent Murphy, Star Lotulelei, and Harrison Phillips. Tre’Davious White, Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer and the Bill Collectors will continue last year’s trend of forcing turnovers, as the defense keeps this team in the playoff hunt.
Dylan Zadonwicz, Bills season prediction: 5-11
This Bills are on the hot seat for taking a step back this season. Losing two starting offensive linemen will hurt any team’s offense, especially if you don’t replace them. The defense got better up front but weaker in the secondary and they will have to do more than they did last year to keep the Bills in games. I also think there is a chance that Allen sits the entire year if the offensive line’s poor play continues throughout the season. McDermott and Beane are smart enough to not put Allen in situations he can’t win.
Anthony Marino, Bills season prediction: 9-7
While it may be easy for some to be pessimistic about the upcoming season, I remain optimistic about the Bills. The defense should be improved following the offseason additions, and Brian Daboll will create enough mismatches on offense for the young quarterbacks to exploit. The Bills make the playoffs again in 2018.
What are your thoughts on the 2018 season? Be sure to share your predictions for the upcoming season in the comments section below.