I’ve done these in the past ( 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014) so, you guy should know the deal. I do 25 predictions for this season and then revisit them afterwards to see how stupid I am. So, let’s get to it!
1) What will be the Bills record? 9-7
Its been my battle cry since 2010, great defense+ great running game + average QB=Playoffs. The first two, the Bills got. The last one? I don’t think they have. Sorry, but I’m not going to say Tyrod Taylor is average since I’ve only seen him play in the preseason. For the record: 3300 yards passing and 20TDs were the numbers for the 16th best QBs for those categories. So, that’s really want is considered average in today’s NFL. The yards belonged to Andy Dalton and the TDs belonged to Russel Wilson. Keep in mind the Bills had 3,600 yards and 23 TDs from their QBs last year. I just don’t think the Bills can get there this year as I think Orton is a better passer than Tyrod.
2) Who will the Bills beat? Jets (once), Miami (Once), Giants, Bengals, Titans, Jags, Texans, Washington, and Dallas.
I think the Jets have way more talent than last year and should be better than 4-12 and the Bills always seem to split with Miami somehow. The Titans, Jags, and Skins do nothing for me. Same goes for Houston. I also think home field advantage against Dallas and Cinncy will help. The Giants defense gave up the 3rd most rushing yards last year and I think the Bills can run on them.
3) Who will beat the Bills? (Pats twice), Miami, Jets, Eagles, Colts, Kansas City.
Yes, Im picking the Bills to get swept by NE because as long as Tom Brady is alive and playing, we are their bitch. I laugh at those who say “FUCK asterisks! we want Brady!!” Um, no you don’t. If Grapalololo or whatever his name is started against the Bills, we win that game and we finish 10-6 based on my predictions. That may mean playoffs. Again, take wins as you get them. I don’t like playing in KC as they are 11-5 over the last two seasons at their place. Colts have Luck and I’m scared for Ronald Darby’s life. I think Chip Kelly is the best offensive coach in the game and he’ll beat Rex’s defense.
4) Will LeSean McCoy have over 1,300 yards rushing? No.
I fear for LeSean. Love him as a player, but I’m not sure he’ll fit in this system like he did in Philly. He ran a ton out of 3WR or 2TE sets, but not so much in an I-Formation set. Also, I’m worried about how in Philly, you had to respect their passing game under Reid/Chip. I like Roman, but Tyrod Taylor isn’t Mike Vick under Reid or Nick Foles under Chip. Lastly, I am worried about the groin and the workload McCoy has had over the years. I think McCoy will get about 1,200 yards.
5) Who will have the 2nd most sacks on the Bills? Mario Williams
I love Mario, but I think Jerry Hughes is going to overtake him as the sack master on this team. This isn’t saying Mario is going to have 6 sacks or anything like that. I think age is going to start creeping up a bit with him. Plus, Hughes was nasty under Pettine’s defense in 2013 when he didn’t even play every snap (621 snaps to Mario’s 1,027), but still had 10 sacks. I can only assume he’ll play more this year and I think when he’s in a traditional OLB setting, he’s more dangerous than as a classic 4-3 DE. I think Mario gets 10 and Hughes gets 12.
6) Who will be the defensive player of the year for the Bills? Marcell Dareus
This is captain obvious here. He’s the best player on the team and is playing for a new contract which should motivate anyone. He’s a beast. He was tied for sacks for the league lead for DTs and had 11 tackles for losses. He’s awesome against the run and the pass. He’s legit. Pay #99.
7) Who will be offensive player of the year for the Bills? LeSean McCoy
Everyone knows what the Bills want to do on offense this year. Its run LeSean into the ground. I dont particularly think the Bills passing game is going to do the trick, so the skilled guys are going to suffer. Only twice did a WR have over 1,000 yards receiving under Roman in SF.
8) How many games will other QBs not named Tyrod start? 3
EJ made the cut after it was only 3 weeks ago when a few in the lamestream thought he was finished here. If anything, EJ could get in due to injuries and if the offense struggles. He may still have a fan in Doug Whaley which means maybe the GM will go “Rogue” and recommend he starts at times if Tyrod struggles. Of course, the Bills just re-signed Cassel (No idea why) and as of now he’s 2nd string. I don’t even know at this point.
9) How many total yards and TDs will the Bills QBs get this year? 3,400 yards and 18TDs.
Obviously I have some of those total yards coming via the QB running. Look, the 49ers were 29th, 23rd, 30th and 30th in passing yards under Roman. I think its safe to say the Bills won’t get those numbers if you are basing it on what talent SF had at QB vs. ours. I think the Bills QBs will average around 180 yards and probably 30 yards rushing a game. I just think its going to be all about rushing the football from McCoy and company.
10) Who will lead the team in INTs? Ronald Darby
I know what you are thinking..How could someone like him lead the team in picks? Its simple: Teams will throw towards him a lot and he’ll get picks. Why do you think McKelvin was leading the league in INTs after 6 weeks last year when he gave up big chunks of yardage? Because the ball was being thrown towards him constantly. Darby will get burned a lot, but he’s going to get picks.
11) What will Sammy Watkins reception and yards be this year? 940 yards and 65 catches
I wrote about this earlier in the summer, but I don’t expect Sammy’s numbers to climb that much with this offense and QB. The top WR in SF got around 70 catches and 950 yards during Roman’s four seasons there. Hopefully, I won’t be the only person who knows this and if anyone tries having comparisons to Odell again, they are fucking idiots.
12) Who will be the most disappointing player on the Bills? Percy Harvin
I keep forgetting Percy Harvin is on this squad. Can you blame me since he hasn’t played or practiced that much. I like Harvin as a player but the Bills did pay him decent money this year and I just don’t see him getting the ball much since he’s kind of a WR, but not. I just feel money and name recognition will be something fans/lamestreamers will tee off on when his numbers aren’t on the rise
13) What will be the best game this year? Bills/Cowboys
The Cowboys are probably my least favorite franchise in the NFL because the represent greed and corporate America. Also, fuck Jerry Jones and Chris Christie. I think the game in December will be a lot of fun as both teams will be fighting for their playoff lives.
14) Who will be 2nd on the Bills in receiving? Charles Clay
This was a tough one. I thought about going with McCoy or Woods, but all we’ve heard this offseason is about the power of Roman’s love for the TE position. Vernon Davis was kind of hit or miss in SF as he had years of 26, 52, 41, 67 receptions under Roman. McCoy would have been a pick for me, except running backs in the passing game weren’t used much in SF. I think Clay is gonna get about 50-55 catches.
15) Who will lead the team in tackles? Nigel Bradham
I think Bradham is going to be dynamite in this defense. He’s gonna blitz a shit ton and be all over the field. Nigel was ranked as the 9th best OLB in a 4-3 defense by PFF last year and had the 3rd most QB hits in that category. He’s gonna be a monster.
16) Who will make the pro bowl for the Bills? Marcell Dareus, Cordy Glenn and Stephon Gilmore
Throwing you two guys from left field here. I don’t think I have to get into what 99 brings to the table. I feel Glenn is going to have a nice bounce back season with the new coaching staff. He’s got a ton of talent and I think his girth is going to fit nicely with what Roman wants to do. Everyone has been selling Gilmore a ton this year and he’s got probably the best coach for his talents at his disposal.
17) Who will be the most improved player on offense? Cordy Glenn
See what I said above. With Glenn going into his 4th season, there are no excuses for him. He has the most talent on the offensive line in my opinion and Roman has experience with coaching high draft picks on the OL (Had 4 last year picked within first 2 rounds).
18) What will be the most heartbreaking game? One of the New England games
This happens every year it seems like. The Pats always beat us, but there’s one game where you think we have them on the ropes and we are finally going to beat them and then…BOOM…Tom Brady makes us our bitch and we cry. It will happen.
19) Which teams will Rex Ryan piss off or stir the pot on? Jets/Patriots
You know the press corp. is going to ask Rex’s feelings about the Jets screwing him over and how the Bills have been kissing Belichick’s rings for years. Rex can’t help himself and he’s going to say something that will cause a commotion.
20) Excluding LeSean McCoy, how many TDs will other running backs get? 6
I don’t see McCoy being involved in a lot of goal line situations. He had only 5 TDs last year even though he had a ton of yards rushing. I think Karlos Williams/Boobie will get a lot of the short yardage opportunities.
21) Will the Bills have fewer than 54 sacks? No
54 sacks was the number the Bills had last year and that seems like a shitload. Yet, I think it can climb because of the way the Bills are going to blitz a ton. Rex has never had a front 4 like this. The Jets really didn’t have edge rushers like the Bills have and I think they are going to get more. Plus, the have 8 games against team who were in the top 10 in sacks allowed last year.
22) What game will I be the drunkest at? Bills/Colts
I’ll be going to the opener this year and that can only mean one thing: Booze at 7am…followed by booze at 8am…followed by shots at 9am..and repeat.
23) How many catches will Robert Woods have? 45
The Bills have soooooooo many skilled guys. Its hard to really gauge what they are going to do this year. I like Woods. Hell, I like all their weapons. However, Bob’s gonna have to wait until the Bills have a legit QB to get his numbers up.
24) Who will be rookie of the year? John Miller
I thought long and hard about this, but I think Miller is in a nice position because he’s playing next to Wood and guard is an easier position to get used to than say CB. Plus, the Bills are going to run a lot. I was thinking Darby because of my INT prediction, but I think he’s going to get picked on a lot.
25) Will the Bills make the playoffs? No
Yes, I am a bit jaded when it comes to being really optimistic about the Bills because of past failures. However, I can’t get past the QB issue. While the Bills are only playing 3 teams who made the playoffs last year, most of the teams they are playing have better QBs. I just think things need to be perfect for them to make the playoffs and the QB is far from that.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
