2018 Record - 6-10-0
Head Coach - Sean McDermott
Newcomers for 2019 - Frank Gore (RB), T.J. Yeldon (RB), Cole Beasley (WR), Andre Roberts (WR), John Brown (WR), Kevin Johnson (DB), Ty Nsekhe (OL), Mitch Morse (OL)
Keys on Offense - Quarterback Josh Allen enters his second season and showed abilities as a dual threat, passing for 2,074 yards with ten touchdowns and twelve interceptions. He also rushed for 631 yards to lead the team (7.1 ypc average) and scored eight touchdowns.
Veterans LeSean McCoy (514 rushing yards, 3.2 ypc average and three TD) and Frank Gore (722, 4.6 ypc average with Miami) are the running backs along with T.J. Yeldon, who rushed for 414 yards (4.0 ypc) and one score and also caught 55 passes for 487 yards and four touchdowns last season in Jacksonville.
Wide receivers include John Brown (42, 715, five TD with Baltimore), Zay Jones (56, 652, seven TD), Cole Beasley (65, 672, three TD with Dallas) and tight end Jason Croom, who had 22 receptions.
Keys on Defense - Defensive End Jerry Hughes (seven QB sacks) and linebacker Lorenzo Alexander (6 1/2 sacks and two interceptions) lead the front seven of the Buffalo defense, which finished second in the NFL in yards allowed (294 per game), including a league best in pass defense, giving up only 179 yards per game last year. Linebacker Matt Milano had three interceptions and LB Tremaine Edmunds had two picks while DE Shaq Lawson totaled four sacks.
In the secondary, safety Jordan Poyer intercepted four passes and Micah Hyde and Tre'Davious White each had two picks. Levi Wallace and free agent Kevin Johnson will provide depth to an already strong defensive backfield. The Bills intercepted 16 passes in 2018 and had 36 QB sacks.
OUTLOOK - While the Bills defense shined last season, the offense was very lackluster with first year QB Josh Allen under center, averaging just 16.8 points per game, which was 31st in the NFL.
Head Coach Sean McDermott will have quite a bit of new talent surrounding his young quarterback in 2019 as no less than five veteran free agents come on board. The Bills were 30th overall on offense, gaining 299 yards per game (124 rushing, but only 175 passing) and that must improve if the team wants to contend for a playoff spot, which they accomplished in the 2017 season.
Allen did have some growing pains in his rookie year, but showed a lot of grit and a knack with his running abilities. Running back LeSean McCoy must also bounce back after what was his worst season as a pro. Veteran Frank Gore will team with McCoy in the backfield this season.
If things mesh on the offense and the defense plays like it did a year ago, there is no reason to think the Bills won't be in the mix for at least a wild card spot this season. The New England Patriots, until proven otherwise, are the top team in the AFC East and the Bills must contend with them and what looks to be an improved New York Jets team (on paper) as well. The call here is for a 7-9 finish in Buffalo this season.
TEAM SCHEDULE
Week 1 - at NY Jets
Week 2 - at NY Giants
Week 3 - vs. Cincinnati
Week 4 - vs. New England
Week 5 - at Tennessee
Week 6 - BYE
Week 7 - vs. Miami
Week 8 - vs. Philadelphia
Week 9 - vs. Washington
Week 10 - at Cleveland
Week 11 - at Miami
Week 12 - vs. Denver
Week 13 - at Dallas
Week 14 - vs. Baltimore
Week 15 - at Pittsburgh
Week 16 - at New England
Week 17 - vs. NY Jets
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