Three Biggest Games: Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills were the consummate ‘everything-but-a-quarterback’ team in 2014. Kyle Orton actually played deceptively well, throwing for over 3000 yards with 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. But with his retirement comes a host of question marks for the Bills, with the biggest being the man under center. It’s too early to give up entirely on EJ Manuel, and his play this season will be a huge determinant in the future of this downtrodden franchise.

Week 1 vs. Indianapolis Colts

What better way to test your mettle than a clash with an AFC heavyweight at home in the season’s opening week. Week 1 has traditionally been a great time to set single-game records in the NFL, and if the Bills aren’t on point, they could be on the wrong side of an Andrew Luck masterclass. Of course, wins and losses are important in every week, but they aren’t quite the same indicator of quality in week 1 as they are three months later. The Bills need a strong showing here with the Patriots looming. The tone must be set for the rest of the season otherwise it could be another long winter in the north.

Week 2 vs. New England Patriots

Two words: Rex Ryan. The charismatic coach eats, sleeps and breaths the very art of beating New England. And all good intentions aside, the Patriots have been the Moby Dick to Ryan’s Ahab for far too long. Despite their failings in recent seasons, the Bills always play their AFC East big brothers with gusto, but have never had an answer for Tom Brady and the ease with which he slings the ball against their patchy defense. Ryan might know the most about Brady among all coaches who’ve never donned the Flying Elvis though, making this a mouth-watering early-season matchup.

Week 14 at Philadelphia Eagles

In the same way that Rex Ryan will be looking to make an immediate impact against his arch nemesis, so will one of the newest Bills, LeSean McCoy, be out for blood against the team that so nonchalantly traded him over this past offseason. McCoy and the electrifying Sammy Watkins must shoulder the burden of the Bills offense this season if the team has any hope of being competitive. Both offensive stalwarts may need to rack up triple figures on the ground and through the air respectively to have any hope of keeping up with Philly’s rapid-fire attack. Provided, of course, that the Bills aren’t in ‘tank mode’ by week 14.