This second edition of way-too-soon schedule predictions features what might happen in the second quarter (Weeks 5 through 8) of the 2019 season for the Buffalo Bills.
Week 5: Loss vs. Baltimore Ravens
The Bills traveled to Baltimore two of their last three seasons (missing 2017), so it seems about time that the Ravens make the trek to Buffalo. Lamar Jackson is another example of a young athletic quarterback leading their team into the future, and he will lead the Ravens past the Bills on a beautiful fall day in the Queen City. In true Bills fashion, the team will find a way to lose this game and miss out on going 4-1 for the first time since 2011.
Ironically, this is probably for the best. The last two times the team began a season 4-1 (2008 and 2011), they finished the season under .500, with a record of 7-9 in 2008 and a brutal 6-10 outcome in 2011. This game, which will be a matchup between two of the best defenses in the NFL, seems like it has the potential to be a turnover festival, with two sophomore quarterbacks trying to take chances against stellar defenses. Only time will tell, but the Ravens seem to have the advantage for this contest.
Record So Far: 3-2
Week 6: Tie @ Cleveland Browns
There are rumors that the Browns could be hosting the Bills for a Thursday Night Football matchup, which would be a great opportunity to promote the duel between two 2018 first-round selections in first overall pick Baker Baker Mayfield and eighth overall pick Josh Allen. The odds are stacked against this outcome, as ties are not commonplace in the NFL. Since overtime rules were implemented in 1974, the Bills have never tied a game and there has never been a tie game on Thursday Night Football. The Browns only have two.
However, the teams are so evenly matched it is hard to tell which team will have even a slight advantage, which still may not be clear until the inactive report is released on gameday. Both teams are on the rise, and a full offseason is ahead for the general managers to surround their young studs with other talented players. Cleveland may have the advantage, with it being a primetime game at home, but they are so close to Buffalo geographically, that this will probably play a minor role. Regardless if the game ends up being primetime or not, this matchup is one to watch.
Record So Far: 3-2-1
Week 7: Win @ Miami Dolphins
The Bills typically have traveled to Miami before Miami comes to Buffalo, and it seems like the same will be the case here. The past two years, the two games against the division-rival Dolphins have both taken place within the last five weeks of the season; before that, the first game in Miami was before Week 7. Last season, the teams split their series, with each team winning at home. However, the Bills outscored the Dolphins 59-38. The Dolphins have just hired a new coach and are uncertain what the future holds at the quarterback position, which makes them extremely vulnerable going into the 2019 season.
Record So Far: 4-2-1
Week 8: Win vs. Denver Broncos
The Bills have gone into the bye week with a game against a non-divisional opponent in three of the last four seasons. With the prediction that the Bills will have their season split directly in half by a Week 9 bye, it is likely the Bills finish off the first half of the 2019 season with one of their six remaining non-divisional games. The Broncos finished last season at 6-10, and are in search of a franchise quarterback. They recently traded for Joe Flacco, and if he is the signal-caller who takes the helm of this team and controls the offense, they will be a tough team to beat. However, without a significant turn around on offense, Von Miller, Bradley Chubb and the defense will not be able to do enough, giving the Bills their second win in a row heading into the bye.
Record So Far: 5-2-1
If you missed the predictions for Weeks 1 through 4, check them out here. If you missed the predictions for Weeks 10 through 13, check them out here. If you missed the predictions for Weeks 14 through 17, check them out here.
