We made it. It is week eleven of the NFL season, and as much as I would like to say it has been a really successful last few weeks, I would only be kidding myself. The season started out electric, looking like this is the year that Buffalo might make it all the way. Like every diehard fan knows a little too well, the Bills get hit with a healthy dose of reality.
The Bills started on fire with a 4-0 record heading into what would seem like an easy next few weeks. Little did we know that these next few games would set the pace for some of the biggest upsets of the season.
In Week 5, the 4-0 Buffalo Bills matched up against the 2-2 New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium. This was no ordinary game for some players, especially Stefon Diggs, who was returning to Buffalo for the first time since his 2023 AFC championship run. Diggs told NBC’s Melissa Stark afterward that his performance was “100 percent” personal. This determination and motivation led Diggs to have one of the most meaningful performances of his career, with 10 catches for a total of 146 yards. The Patriots took advantage of Diggs’ momentum the entire game, which led them to a 23-20 victory. Just like that, the undefeated season dreams went right down the drain. This was the first, but certainly not the last, major disappointing upset.
Bills fans around the country assured themselves that the Patriots’ loss was just a fluke. After all, Josh Allen and the Buffalo team are mortal men.
In Week 6, the Bills faced the 2-2 Atlanta Falcons, who were fresh off their bye week. This game was heavily favored for the Bills to win, but yet again, their efforts went “wide right.” The Buffalo defense could not handle the Falcons’ passing game or their running game. Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. had an incredible passing game, racking up 250 passing yards, 1 rushing touchdown, and throwing no interceptions. This was impressive compared to reigning MVP Josh Allen’s 180 yards, 2 rushing TDs, and pick. Worse yet, the Bills let Falcons running back Bijan Robinson rush for a total of 170 yards, including an 81-yard rushing touchdown.
After the second consecutive upset, it was clear the Bills needed to really work on their defense. While Sean McDermott said nothing publicly, it was rumored he would collaborate with defensive coordinator Bobby Babich and focus on the defense during their bye in Week 7. Looking at the Bills’ performances in Week 8 against the Carolina Panthers, blowing them out 40-9, it seems clear that Bobby got the help he really needed. This was the first week in a while that the Bills actually played as they were projected to do.
They carried this momentum into Week 9, going up against their rival Kansas City Chiefs. This was yet again a big game, considering the fact that the Chiefs have knocked out the Bills in the playoffs the past four consecutive years. The two best quarterbacks and the two best teams are going head-to-head on Sunday night. What’s better than this? After a long and hard fight, the Bills came out on top 28-21, with a respectable 273 passing yards for Josh Allen to Mahomes’ 250. For a Bills fan, there are not many better feelings than beating the Chiefs; fans could only imagine the feeling of victory against them in the playoffs. Surely after defeating one of the best teams in the NFL, the Bills must go undefeated the rest of the season, right?
Week 10, the 6-2 Buffalo Bills match up against the 2-7 Miami Dolphins in Miami, Florida. The Miami Dolphins are undoubtedly one of the worst teams in the league: all-around bad, led by a quarterback who has three times more concussions than he has playoff appearances. Tua “Turntheballova” Tagovailoa is generally considered one of the most inconsistent active quarterbacks and an incompetent playmaker. A win for Buffalo was certain on paper; unfortunately, it is not that easy. Yet again, Buffalo’s defense could not stop the run game, allowing Dolphins running back De’Von Achane to run for 174 yards and 2 touchdowns. It was also a struggle for Josh Allen and the Bills’ offense to put points on the board. Dolphins blew out Buffalo 30-13 in Miami. Guess buffalo can’t survive in the heat.
On the other hand, Week 11 was pretty smooth: the 6-3 Buffalo Bills matched up against the 6-3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Overall, both teams played an exceptional game. Tampa quarterback Baker Mayfield put up a very impressive fight, considering his history and value in previous years. One notable highlight was Josh Allen putting up a total of 3 passing and 3 rushing touchdowns in one game, showing his athleticism as a playmaker. It ended in a Buffalo victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 44-32.
Looking back on the season, especially this time of the year, despite all the games lost, we are very grateful for the team we have. So far, only defensive end Michael Hoecht and defensive tackle DeWayne Carter are out for the season, both with torn Achilles. [Ed. Note—Achilli? Achilleses? We should probably know this.] We have no crucial players sitting out for the season. A team like the Cincinnati Bengals looked really good in the preseason, and was projected to have a lot of success this season, but due their star quarterback Joe Burrow getting injured, their season has already gone downhill, and they will be lucky to make the playoffs. Or look at the New York Giants, a team with rookie Jaxson Dart under center and rookie running back Cam Skattebo, looking like they are a top-five team . . . until both of their star players get injured, at which point they become Bengals East. The Bills’ season would look really short if someone like Josh Allen or James Cook III got a season-ending injury, so despite all of the setbacks so far, at least we have our health!