Here’s a look at the NFL team preview for the Buffalo Bills:
Coaching Staff:
- Head Coach– Sean McDermott
- Offensive Coordinator– Brian Daboll
- Defensive Coordinator- Leslie Frazier
- Special Teams– Danny Crossman
ODDS TO WIN:
- AFC Championship- 40/1
- Super Bowl- 100/1
- Over/Under Win Totals- 6
Last 4 Season Win Totals:
- 2014- 9
- 2015- 8
- 2016- 7
- 2017- 9
The Offense
Quarterbacks:
AJ McCarron from Alabama begins his 6th season and was a backup to Andy Dalton the previous four years and Nathan Peterman will battle him for the start. That is, until their top draft pick Josh Allen, a quarterback out of Wyoming is deemed the starter. Allen is a big QB at 6’5: and 237 lbs. with a very strong arm.
Running Backs:
LeSean McCoy is the primary running back by default as he turns 30 yrs old. But then again, he deserves it after finishing 4th in rushing with 1,138 yards. Without a quarterback leader, the game falls into the hands of the running backs.
Receivers:
The same issue comes up with the receivers as they have no real leader among them. Kelvin Benjamin was expected to be the leader but health issues change that plan. Look for Nick O’Leary and Charles Clay get the bulk of the time.
Offensive Linemen:
Two retirements left this unit in shock. Ryan Groy will take over for the departed Eric Wood or Richie Incognito. Russell Bodine will play the center position and Dion Dawkins slides to left tackle.
The Defense
Defensive Linemen:
A big contract move was completed to help this area as the Bill sign Star Lotulelei to a 5-year deal worth $50 million. Kyle Williams returns for his 13th season. Harrison Phillips was taken in the third round of the NFL draft to get playing time.
Linebackers:
With the 16th pick overall, the Bills selected Tremaine Edmunds from Virginia Tech in the draft to play middle linebacker. Matt Milano and Ramon Humber battle it out for a starting spot on this unit.
Secondary:
Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer were signed as free agents in 2017 and they played very well to lead this unit. Tre’Davious White goes to his 2nd season after a good performance last year as a cornerback.
Special Teams
Stephen Hauschka is the kicker after connecting on 29 of 33 field goals with seven from 50 yards or deeper. Colton Schmidt will be the punter again this year and the long snapper duties will fall to Reid Ferguson. Kick returners are still undecided.
The Schedule
Preseason Schedule:
August 9- Panthers HOME 7 PM
August 16- Browns AWAY 7:30 PM
August 26- Bengals HOME 4 PM
August 30- Bears AWAY 8 PM
Regular Season Schedule:
(all games Eastern time)
September 9- Ravens AWAY 1 PM
September 16- Chargers HOME 1 PM
September 23- Vikings AWAY 1 PM
September 30- Packers AWAY 1 PM
October 7- Titans HOME 1 PM
October 14- Texans AWAY 1 PM
October 21- Colts AWAY 1 PM
October 29 Patriots HOME 8:15 PM
November 4 Bears HOME 1 PM
November 11 NY Jets AWAY 1 PM
November 18- BYE WEEK
November 25- Jaguars HOME 1 PM
December 2- Dolphins 1 PM
December 9 NY Jets 1 PM
December 16 Lions 1 PM
December 23- Patriots AWAY 1 PM
December 30- Dolphins HOME 1 PM
Other Information
Owners- Terry and Kim Pegula
General Manager- Brandon Beane
Phone- 716-648-1800
Website- www.buffalobills.com
Stadium- New Era Field
Capacity- 71,870
Surface- A-Turf Titan
