Buffalo Bills 2016 preview: Welcome to the Ryan Brothers Variety Hour
For the first time in quite a while, the Bills will enter a season with a franchise quarterback under center. The team inked Tyrod Taylor to a long-term extension this offseason, shoring up the position for years to come. He’ll bring stability to relatively the same offense that led the NFL in rushing a year ago, headed by LeSean McCoy at running back. On defense, the personnel has remained consistent, with the exception of rookie draft picks who are unfortunately injured. Linebacker Reggie Ragland is out with a torn ACL and Shaq Lawson isn’t expected back until at least October. Adolphus Washington is expected to contribute in the middle of the defensive line, but replacing Mario Williams on the edge won’t be easy. The Bills have to hope the defense can be better under Rob Ryan than it was last season, which shouldn’t be a challenge seeing as they were 31st in sacks.
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The dual-threat quarterback is among the most exciting players to watch in all of football, and while he’s locked up long-term, he still has to prove he’s a trustworthy quarterback. He remains a bit of a mystery having just one season as a starter under his belt.
Gilmore has been the top cornerback for the Bills over the past few seasons and is looking for a lucrative extension before his deal expires in 2017. A strong upcoming season could net him a new deal and put him among the highest-paid cornerbacks.
McCoy had a disappointing first season with the Bills in 2015, failing to eclipse 1,000 yards rushing due to injuries. He has reportedly looked great in camp and could be in for a huge season, which the Bills need given their issues at running back this offseason. FANTASY SPIN
The plan was to make a case for Karlos Williams’ producing his redemption story on the field following his four-game suspension. Well, the Bills extinguished that smoldering fantasy take a few weeks ago. So, Tyrod Taylor moves up as the X-factor. The quarterback joined Mike Vick and Cam Newton as the only guys in NFL history to finish the season with 500 or more rushing yards and 3,000 or more passing yards in 14 or fewer games. He finished the season ranked 14th in fantasy points scored (19.3 FPPG) among quarterbacks. It’s worth noting, Taylor and Sammy Watkins connected on 35 passes for 679 yards and six touchdowns over the last six weeks of the 2015 season.
(All lines courtesy of Bovada.com, as of 8/31)
Season win total over/under: 8 (over +120, under -150)
Odds to win the Super Bowl: 66/1. The Bills are counting on an unproven QB, and their head coach might be overrated. Even at 100/1, wagering a single dollar on Buffalo to win the Super Bowl is an awful decision.
One thing we wish we could bet on: Rex Ryan ending up on the hot seat this season. The Bills gave their head coach everything he wanted. Brother Rob is in town to help fix the defense, even if he's not technically the defensive coordinator, and Taylor is Ryan's handpicked QB of the future. Should this team fail anyway, Ryan has to take a big chunk of the blame.
October 2, at New England
You know Rex Ryan has this game circled on his calendar already. This matchup with New England will be different than in year’s past though. Tom Brady will be suspended, giving the Bills a much better chance of coming away with a win. They need to take advantage of this opportunity.
November 7, at Seattle
The Seahawks are undoubtedly one of the best teams in the NFC and will be a real test for the Bills. With this game coming just before the Bills’ bye week, a win on the road could change the course of their season.
December 11, vs. Pittsburgh
At this point, the Bills will have four games remaining. A win over the Steelers, depending on their previous 12 games, could have a serious impact on their playoff odds and will be a big confidence booster.
We say: 6-10
WhatIfSports simulation says: 8-8
— Cam DaSilva, Andrew Lynch (betting), Ryan Fowler (fantasy)
