By Jack Landreth & Hank Bartholomew
The Buffalo Bills playoffs hopes are almost officially dashed. There are not many positives in this disappointing season, but it can be salvaged. From season-ending injuries to the most turnovers in the league, the Buffalo Bills have not lived up to the expectations.
Prior to the season, the Bills had high hopes. Their Super Bowl odds were the fourth highest in the league, a very high +850. For those of you that don’t understand what that means, it means for every $100 you bet on the Bills to win the Super Bowl, you would win $850. The lower the number after the “+”, the bigger the chance the Bills have to win the Superbowl. At week 12 in the season, the Bills are at +5000 to win, which is a 2%.
The coaching has been the main problem this season. During the halfway point in the season, the Buffalo Bills fired their offensive coordinator, Ken Dorsey. His lackluster offense left many Bills fans and players frustrated with the team. Many people believe that he has reversed Josh Allen’s career progression. Allen’s stats have regressed and are comparable to his rookie season.
Injuries have also plagued Buffalo. Before training camp even started, punt and kick returner Nyheim Heines suffered a season-ending injury in a freak jet ski accident. Prior to his injury, in the 2022-2023 season, Heines had three total touchdowns, two of which were kickoff return touchdowns in the game that followed Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Then, in the fourth game of the season, all-pro cornerback Tre’davious White was ruled out for the season with an ACL injury, after only returning from such an injury a season prior. One game later, linebacker Matt Milano fractured a leg and suffered what is most likely a year-ending knee injury. In the absence of these players, backups like Tyrell Bernard and Tye Johnson have stepped up, but it’s difficult to replace players who were so instrumental to the team and helped to make them a Super Bowl contender.
A lack of a true No. 2 wide receiver has also led to struggles for the Bills. With Stefon Diggs often the target of double teams, the Bills have been forced to throw elsewhere. And while Khalil Shakir, who is in his sophomore season, has made some important plays, Gabe Davis has had a lackluster performance so far this season. He has struggled with drops, and Allen has struggled to get completions this year. And with tight end Dawson Knox out for an indefinite time with wrist surgery, Allen has been lacking targets.
Fans are quick to blame the referees for the excessive amount of Buffalo penalties. The Bills have amassed 80 penalties for 636 Yards. That’s the league high. It’s almost impossible to win a game when a team gets that many penalty yards.
Do the Bills have a chance to make the playoffs? There is always a chance.
