Buffalo Bills

The most exciting thing about this team is their new kit. It’s beautiful. But seriously, this Bills team play together like a bunch of top college players with no NFL experience. The flair is there; the talent is undeniable. The attributes are all present; the awareness of how best to use those blessings is not.

Bad coaching. It’s really the only explanation. That, and the inability to find a QB who has been able to pin down one of the most forgiving starting roles in the National Football League. This year, though, with Ryan Fitzpatrick under centre, they may win a few games. He is nothing new, but he is at least the best of a mediocre bunch. Their ground game is pretty damn good when firing on all cylinders and although lacking a true marquee name at receiver, keeping things simple might be all this team needs to focus on.

The Bills play in an awfully tough division. It is, without doubt, one of the top four Divisions of Death along with AFC North (Steelers/Ravens/Browns/Bengals), the NFC South (Saints/Panthers/Buccaneers/Falcons) and the NFC North (Bears/Packers/Vikings/Lions). For the first time I can remember, the NFC East doesn’t feature in my Division of Death list, because really, the Eagles are the only team with any real chance of lifting the Lombardi come February.

Having to contend with The Patriots (my pick for the title, this year), the Jets (2 consecutive AFC championship games and getting better) and the Dolphins (a team loaded with talent and in possession of a solid-minded coach), is no mean feat. Year on year the Bills show flashes of frustrating potential before capitulating and basically handed their own arses to the other team.

They have had winning stretches in the past that belied belief, but it’s been a decade since they managed to put a full season together, and nearly twice as long a since they made it to the big game.

Verdict: At best, they might sneak third in AFC East IF Miami fail to gel this year. I don’t hate this team and wouldn’t be surprised if they made it to .500, but given their tough division schedule I reckon a 7-9 finish is more likely. No playoffs this year, but progress.


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