This third edition of way-too-soon schedule predictions features what might happen in the third quarter (Weeks 10 through 13) of the 2019 season for the Buffalo Bills.
Week 10: Win vs. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bills have played Cincinnati within two weeks of the bye week three of the last four years, making the Bengals a good case for the Week 10 matchup. Cincinnati also finished the 2018 season 6-10, and, much like the Bills, are in serious need of an offseason makeover. New Era Field should be bumping, especially if the Bills are 5-2-1 going into this game; the city has been without football for a week. Cincinnati has not won a Week 10 matchup since 2012, and not one on the road since 2009. The Bengals also have their first new coach since 2003 in Zac Taylor; he will have to look for a Week 10 win elsewhere because he’s not getting it in Buffalo.
Record So Far: 6-2-1
Week 11: Loss @ New England Patriots
The Bills, who were on a roll, are hit with reality again as they take on a Patriots team making yet another run toward a Super Bowl. Bill Belichick is still a great coach, and he will certainly carry an improved gameplan into Week 11. Regardless of how well Brandon Beane builds Buffalo in the offseason, the Patriots will be building too, and the Bills are not quite good enough yet to upturn the Patriots as the AFC powerhouse.
Record So Far: 6-3-1
Week 12: Win vs. Miami Dolphins
The Bills are able to snag their seventh win of the year against a struggling Miami team, sweeping the season series. There is so much uncertainty surrounding the Dolphins’ future at the moment, it seems that they will need to take a couple more years to rebuild.
Although they were able to pull off the “Miami Miracle” against the Patriots, only another situation like that will really help them to top the Bills this season. The game will likely be close, and Kenyan Drake will probably run all over the Bills defense without Kyle Williams. However, the shootout of a game will be too much for Miami to handle. With still so much uncertainty at quarterback for the Dolphins, expect a turnover-heavy game with at least three interceptions that clinches a better record than the previous season for the Bills.
Record So Far: 7-3-1
Week 13: Loss @ New York Jets
It’s uncharacteristic that the Bills could string together this many division wins at this point in the season. Traditionally, Buffalo manages to find a way to lose an important game all by themselves, either by way of penalties or poor decision making. The Bills and Jets are in two similar situations, and during this season they are both going to continue to develop around their young core of players. Buffalo took the first game at home, but in this matchup the Jets seem like they will have the upper hand, taking advantage of Buffalo’s mistakes. The two division rivals split the season series, inciting serious playoff implications.
Record So Far: 7-4-1
If you missed the predictions for Weeks 1 through 4, check them out here. If you missed the predictions for Weeks 5 through 8, check them out here. If you missed the predictions for Weeks 14 through 17, check them out here.
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