Despite a frustrating loss last week, the Bills are still in a prime position to make the playoffs this year. They currently are in the 1st Wild Card spot, holding a 5 game lead over the 6th spot and a 1.5 game lead over the 7th spot. With their next four games against teams that have a combined record of 5-25 the Bills have a chance to essentially lock down a playoff spot before Thanksgiving. But, before getting too far ahead of ourselves, let’s take a look at the slate of games this week:
- New England 7-0
- Indianapolis 5-2
- Baltimore 5-2
- Kansas City 5-3
- Buffalo 5-2
- Houston 5-3
——- - Jacksonville 4-4
- Tennessee 4-4
Washington @ Buffalo
The Bills cannot afford another sleeper against a bottom feeder team, like they did against Miami. The time has come to dominate a game from start to finish, let’s hope it happens this week.
Houston @ Jacksonville
I have gone back and forth on this one and I really don’t think there is a clear-cut right or wrong choice. If the Texans win, the Bills could remain .5 games up on 6th place and 2.5 games clear of 7th place. Essentially, a 2.5 game lead on the playoffs with 8 to play.
If the Jags win, it would be a 1.5 game lead on both the 5th spot and 1.5 games clear of 7th place. So, if you want a larger lead for the 5 seed, root for the Jaguars. If you want the larger lead for the playoffs in general (regardless of seed), root for the Texans.
Indianapolis @ Pittsburgh
The Steelers have crept back to 3-4 after a 0-3 start. A lot of fans are counting the Steelers game later this year as a win due to the Big Ben injury, but I wouldn’t be too sure. If the Steelers make their way back into the Wild Card discussion, that game could be more interesting than it needs to be. I’d root for Indy in this one.
Tennessee @ Carolina
The Bills are 1.5 games clear of the Titans, but really 2.5 if you consider the head-to-head tiebreak. Root for the Panthers here to send the Titans back to below .500
Detroit @ Oakland
Oakland continues to impress me, even in their losses. Despite being 3-4, I wouldn’t be surprised if we are talking about the Raiders later in the year. Root for the Lions in this one.
New England @ Baltimore
Baltimore is cruising to the division title, as is New England. Root for the Ravens to keep the Bills’ slim AFC East chances alive!!
There they are. Hopefully we can enjoy a stress free Bills win and see the rest of the AFC fall our way as we prepare for a second half run to the postseason.
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