2011 Buffalo Bills Schedule: Will Game-By-Game Review Bring Any Different Results?

The 2010 season was another monumental disappointment for Buffalo Bills fans. For their twelfth consecutive season, the Bills failed to make the postseason. They posted a 0-8 record through the first half of the season and finished 4-12 overall. However, they did experience several overlooked bright spots throughout the 2010 season, including the emergence of Ryan Fitzpatrick, their young Harvard grad quarterback who seems to have the makings of a dependable starter. They have youth on defense, with safety Jarius Byrd and linebacker Paul Posluszny, and the talent at the skill positions is there. The Bills just need to find help for their line, and perhaps another dependable pass catcher. How will the Buffalo Bills fare in 2011?

I'm using my regular reference of FB Schedules.

The Buffalo Bills against the AFC East:

The Bills went 1-5 against the AFC East in 2010, and I don't see too much improvement on the horizon this season. This is, after all, one of the most competitive divisions in football, with the Bills being the undoubted black sheep of it for the past decade. I don't see that changing too quickly either. I predict splits against Miami and New York, with, no surprise here, a season sweep by New England. Chalk it up: a 2-4 record for the Bills in their own division.

The Buffalo Bills on the road against non-divisional opponents:

The Bills visit Kansas City, Cincinnati, San Diego, Dallas, and the New York Giants for the 2011 season. I predict victories in New York and Cincinnati, but I don't see them getting past Dallas, Kansas City, or San Diego. In the end, I'll take a 2-3 non-divisional road record for the Bills this upcoming season.

The Buffalo Bills at home against non-divisional opponents:

Buffalo hosting Washington is a confident 1-0 for me, no offense to the Redskins. And I think that a visit from Tennessee equals another victory. However, I expect visits from Denver, Oakland, and Philadelphia to be less fruitful. I predict a 2-3 record in non-divisional home games for the Bills.

That adds up to a 6-10 record for the season; an improvement, but certainly not postseason-worthy. Maybe in 2012 they will fare differently, but that's another article for another day.

Reference:

FB Schedules Website, "2011 Buffalo Bills Football Schedule"