Football is almost here and we’re doing everything we can to get your set with team previews like our comprehensive looks at the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers. Below, we delve into the Buffalo Bills, as the AFC East bottom feeders fight to find their next level.
Another year, another series of dramatic changes to the Buffalo Bills lineup. Will this year’s draft picks and offseason adjustments help the Bills to a better finish in 2014? Read on for everything you need to know about the Buffalo Bills heading into the 2014 NFL season.
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Buffalo Bills Team Preview for the 2014/2015 NFL Season
Offseason Updates
Buffalo Bills’ star linebacker Kiko Alonso tore his ACL in his left knee, and can potentially miss the entire 2014 season. Alonso played every defensive snap for the Bills in 2013, getting a total of 1,145. The linebacker also had the third-most tackles in the NFL. It will be hard to find a replacement who can also run, cover and blitz with the injured Alonso’s size.
On the other hand, veteran running back Fred Jackson signed a one-year contract extension going through the 2015 NFL Season. Jackson had the most touchdowns among the Bills’ running backs last year with nine. Aside from rushing the ball, Jackson will also have off-field contributions to the team. He can lead his younger teammates using the wealth of experience he gained in his eight-year career.
Overview
2013-14 Regular Season: 6-10 SU/8-8 ATS
Last season was supposed to be a breath of fresh air for the Buffalo Bills. The Bills had a new coaching staff under the direction of head coach Doug Marrone, as well as their potential starting quarterback of the future, E.J. Manuel (1,972 yards, 58.8% completion, 11 TDs and 9 INTs in his rookie season).
[sc:NFL240banner ]However, the Bills only equaled their 2012 record of 6-10, and missed the playoffs for the 14th-straight time. Manuel, while providing moments of greatness, also demonstrated that there are still many things he needs to improve on such as resetting his feet in the pocket consistently, dependability in ball placement, ability to see the field well, and much more.
There were nonetheless some bright spots for the Bills. Buffalo won at least three division games for the first time since 2007, and they also made some major improvements on defense. Star linebacker Kiko Alonso led their excellent defense with 159 tackles, third-most in the NFL, and defensive end Mario Williams had the fourth-most sacks at 13.0. As a team, Buffalo also finished fourth in passing yards allowed and second in sacks in the NFL.
Being in the same division as the New England Patriots’ group hasn’t done the Bills any favors. They are 1-5 against the Patriots in the past three seasons. However, Buffalo has shown that they can be competitive against the other two teams in AFC East, the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets. With some of the improvements that the Bills have been working on, expect them to do better than they have last year.
The Buffalo Bills are +6,000 to win the Super Bowl this season.
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Offseason Highlights
The Buffalo Bills made some much needed offseason acquisitions to bolster the weaker areas of their game. Perhaps one of their most important additions is to the coaching staff, with Jim Schwartz taking over as defensive coordinator.In a prior stint as a defensive coordinator, Schwartz led the Tennessee Titans to three top 10 finishes in the NFL’s fewest yards allowed.
Buffalo also made some key acquisitions in free agency, adding linebackers Brandon Spikes and Keith Rivers to bolster their run defense. The linebackers will be a welcome addition to Bufffalo’s Alonso and Williams, who will now have even more room to attack.
Perhaps Buffalo’s biggest additions came at receiver. First, they drafted Sammy Watkins. The incoming rookie set 23 school records in only three years, including receptions and reception yards for a single game, season, and his career. He finished his college career with 240 receptions for 3,391 yards and 27 touchdowns, as well as 5,129 all-purpose yards. Balancing off the young Watkins, Buffalo acquired veteran wide receiver Mike Williams from Tampa Bay. In his five-year professional career, Williams has 2,947 receiving yards.
The two wide receivers are coming in to supplement quarterback Manuel. If Manuel can throw catchable balls more consistently, Watkins and Williams will handle the rest.
However, not all the changes in the Buffalo roster were positive. The Bills took a big hit when they lost safety Jairus Byrd to the New Orleans Saints. Byrd was instrumental for the Bills’ defense totaling 27 takeaways, forcing 11 fumbles and added three sacks in his time with Buffalo.
Key Betting Matchups of 2014 NFL Season
The Bills are the biggest longshots at +850 to win the AFC East, but if they can stand strong in a couple of their biggest games of the season it will go a long way towards building their confidence (and odds of making the playoffs).
October 12 vs. New England Patriots
Buffalo is 0-4 SU against New England in the past two seasons. The Bills came close to beating the Pats last year in a 23-21 loss in their first regular season match, but the Pats return a stronger cast this season and if anyone knows how to pull out tight wins its Tom Brady.
November 9 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
If the Bills can crack 20 points against one of the best defenses in the league, it will be because their new receivers can get it done.
Prediction
The Bills show some improvement and go 8-8 SU during the regular season, but extend their playoff drought to 15 years.
