folz

Very perceptive post...Thanks! A lot of great takes and discussion in this thread. 👍

Yeah, I caught that too. I had to reread it a couple of times...nope, no mention of Matt Ryan (who on the chart was "below average" like Josh). Not even a sidenote of, "well, Ryan is an outlier." The writer just pretends like he isn't even on the list. (Or maybe he doesn't consider Ryan a successful NFL QB, which is also crazy.) Just goes to show the lengths some people will go to promote a certain opinion or agenda. They feel so strongly about it that they demand everyone else agree. The writer of the article threw in a lot of "but who knows how it will play out" sentiment to try and come across as unbiased---like he's just presenting the facts. But boy did he dig to find every crappy statistic, or like-minded "analyst" to paint the picture that Josh will not succeed. (Basically, it would take a miracle according to the article title.) I don't know, I will never understand what happened with Josh pre- and post-draft. The negative opinions seemed so personal. A lot of these people didn't just think he wouldn't succeed. They were rooting for him to fail. Like they were angry at him. And Josh is like the nicest guy---I don't know if I have ever seen a rookie win over a veteran locker room as quickly as he did---even with the so-called "Twitter scandal." And maybe for some, those leaked tweets at draft time did it, but that's not the whole story, because (1) it started long before the Tweets were released, and (2) if anyone took the time to look into that story they would quickly see that Josh wasn't some racist, it was just a young kid repeating a joke he heard on a sitcom, and some rap lyrics. It's just hard to fathom the animosity that has been directed at him. Thank goodness Josh has a tough skin and just let's it all all fuel his play (as if he wasn't already competitive enough).

Yeah, with how tight a ship our front office is these days, my gut says this is a smokescreen and makes me think Etienne is probably not the player they're interested in.

This was my favorite part: "A more advanced system by SB Nation’s Bill Connelly found that a QB’s ceiling in the pros is lower than his college stats, with dozens of previous examples. Well, based on that, Allen’s ceiling is the tall, strong Ryan Mallett. Not Allen’s projection. Allen’s ceiling." "More advanced system" 😂

I think trading up is definitely a possibility (if there's someone they want). It makes a lot of sense. If you keep all of your picks, some of those guys probably won't even make the roster this year. And you're good enough now and deep enough now that you aren't looking to fill out your roster, but instead for a few select high-end players that can help you take the next step. And there are plenty of low-cost free agents still available if you just need depth. The question is how high up could they go and is there a player there that they would be willing to give up the capital for. I think this year's picks are somewhat expendable, but I doubt that Beane wants to give up any high future picks to move up. So, that would limit how high we could get. I also don't think that Beane will part with his number two pick this year (just my opinion---I think they want to come away with at least a couple of guys that can help this year/right away). So, if you packaged your third round and 2 fifth round picks, that would only get you up to maybe 21. (For perspective, if the Bills gave up their entire draft this year---all 9 picks---that would only get them to about pick 14, according to the draft value chart.) So, moving up is definitely a possibility if there is someone they like on the board, but I don't see us moving up more than say 10 picks (to the low 20s) at most. Any players in that range worth moving up for draftniks? [But, again, who knows...Beane is an unpredictable wizard.]

I think he trained Tre White as a goalie though, so maybe that counts. Seriously, Congrats Marv! Well deserved. I think Marv is under-appreciated, even amongst some Bills fans. I have heard people say that with a better coach that 90s Bills team probably wins at least two Super Bowls. But I bet with a different coach, that team of egos and personalities never even comes together into a championship-caliber team, even with all of that talent. Just ask the players if they think they could have done better with a different coach. That team isn't what it was without Marv's leadership.

I think we get two more good years from Cole (but then he'll probably be gone). And, yes, Sanders may be just a one-year rental. So, I wouldn't be upset if they drafted a WR. Probably should have had it at least as a 2nd Tier need.

This is a very good point... Unrestricted Free Agents for 2022 (I only listed players who I expect to have significant playing time and/or are an important backup): Jerry Hughes, Mario Addison, Vernon Butler, Emmanuel Snaders, Mitch Trubisky, Levi Wallace, Taron Johnson, Isiah McKenzie, Siran Neal, Justin Zimmer, Harrison Phillips, Reid Ferguson, Matt Breida, Ike Boettger, Taiwan Jones, Davis Webb. Most of these guys are on one-year deals and could probably be resigned or replaced with a similar player without too much trouble. Obviously the age and contracts for Hughes and Addison makes drafting a DE even more important. I think they'll lock down Taron. Levi, they've been trying to replace since he came...but he keeps holding on. Hopefully, with the draft and development of Dane Jackson, they can move on from him if they want to next year (or resign him to another one-year deal if not). They'll probably give Reid another contract. Sanders and Breida are wildcards---may just be one-year rentals, but if they play really well, maybe you give them another contract. But, not too much to worry about overall, except for DE. Unrestricted Free Agents for 2023 (this year could be a doozy if they don't wrap some of these guys up earlier or in the worst case scenario are ready to let players walk because they aren't playing well enough for a second contract): Josh Allen, Tremaine Edmunds, Mitch Morse, Cole Beasley, Jordan Poyer, A.J. Klein, Ed Oliver, Dawson Know, Devin Singletary, Cody Ford, Darryl Johnson, Mike Love, Dane Jackson, Jaquan Johnson, Tommy Sweeney, Tyler Matekevich Josh will obviously get locked down. I expect them to lock down Edmunds too. I think you look to upgrade Morse (don't offer him a second contract). It may be the end at that point for Cole (because of age/contract). Poyer most likely gets an extension. And the rest hinges on the 2019 draft class really. As far as this year's draft goes, with the thought of looking to the future not just this season, a lot is riding on what the franchise thinks about the 2019 draft class (Oliver, Ford, Singletary, Knox, Bam, J. Johnson, Sweeney). This will be their third season. Which of these guys are they expecting to take the next step and which maybe not. Most of them have flashed, but almost to a man, they need to take that next step this year. They need to become more consistent contributors to hold their spots. So, maybe drafting a center this year (if a good one is available to them) to sit a year or two behind Morse and then be ready to take over makes sense. I don't think they worry about replacing Cole this year. Then it just comes down to the 2019 draft class---are you looking to upgrade/replace any of those guys? So, with all of that, I see our positions of most need as: First Tier DE: makes the most sense as far as immediate need and future need (even though we have some decent, young, developing talent there---but a difference maker is what we are looking for here, not just more competition) TE: it's no secret the team wants a stud TE---again, needs to be a difference maker Center: I really think center would be a good spot to get this year---hopefully the kid is ready to take over for Morse next year (2022), but you basically have two years to develop him if need be CB: we could go into this season just fine, but obviously they would like to upgrade the #2 spot if they can Second Tier Safety: don't need a stud here, just solid depth DT: Depth is always good, but if they are sold on Star and Oliver this spot becomes less important (if not, then this could be a tier 1 need) Guard: This depends on how they feel about Ford (on if this need is more urgent or not) LB: Depth I am not worried about our running backs (I think we are fine there---I think it is more opportunity and scheme rather than talent that held back the running game this year. I do not want the team to draft a RB high, unless he is just standing out like a sore thumb on their draft board). So, first round, you have to be shooting for a top-end DE, CB, or TE I would think (in that order) After that I think you can basically go BPA, with tie-breakers being decided by your needs And I wouldn't mind seeing a center selected in rounds 2 or 3 maybe (especially if the value for your other three top positions isn't there when drafting)

I've always said this about punters, but it goes for all special teams as well. You don't care about them (or don't think about their worth) until you don't have a good one. And then it becomes painfully obvious how important they are. Field position is a huge component of the game and when your special teams stink, you will probably be on the losing end of the field position battle in any given game. Does the OP not remember 2018 when our roster was depleted (to fix the cap situation)? Special teams directly cost us three wins that season, imo.

Thanks Matt...you're a class act and we were proud to have you on the Bills! Thanks for everything you did for Josh and the team! Two-and-a-half seasons is not a long time, but you'll forever be a Bill to us. The best of luck to you and your family going forward.

Trying to assess if J.J. still has enough left in the tank (via stats): AGAINST - At the start of next season, J.J. will be 32-1/2 years old. - He has missed 32 of his last 80 games (over the last 5 years) due to injury - Over the last 5 years, he has only had more than 5 sacks in 1 season (2018), which will be 3 years ago at the start of next season. - He has only had one monster season (2018) since he was the best DE in the league (between 2012-2015) FOR - He did play all 16 games last year and played 91% of Houston's defensive snaps - In the two seasons that he was healthy over the last 5 years (2018 and 2020), his stats were still good...with that monster season in 2018 (16 sacks, 61 tackles) - In 2020, despite his sack total being down (only 5 sacks), his other stats were still pretty good: 52 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, he created 3 turnovers (2 strip sacks and a pick six), at least 6 batted balls at the line, 7 passes defended, 5 sacks, 17 QB knockdowns So, my assessment would be, with the Bills defensive line rotation, he could still be very productive in Buffalo next year. If his snap count goes down from his normal 90% in Houston to say where Jerry's snap count was this year (58%), that should mitigate age and injury risk a bit. I think he could be very valuable to the Bills, I just wouldn't want to break the bank for him at this stage in his career (and because you would be asking him to do/play less than he has to this point in his career).

Look, KC was the better team and they won. No one is debating that. But I don't see how anyone could watch that game and not see it as anything but the definition of unsportsmanlike behavior. Late hits, punches, unnecessary roughness, taunting, rubbing the opponents faces in it, sheer arrogance. There is a huge difference between playing aggressive, through the whistle, hitting hard, and celebrating a win and then how KC acted. I don't know, maybe respect and sportsmanship isn't important to some fans anymore. Maybe that's the Patriots factor. They have been cheating, arrogant champions for so many years that maybe that is just acceptable behavior now. I'm not saying the Chiefs were cheating---just a bit aggressive beyond the rules, which of course is really the NFL and referees faults for not keeping them in the lines---inconsistent refereeing to me is a huge problem with the league. They should call every game, every team the same all year (playoffs or not), no matter what. It just evens the playing field if you truly want integrity in the game. The rules should be the rules---but obviously, the NFL doesn't want their most watched games to be slowed down by a bunch of flags. KC knows that, they've been there before. So, I think they pulled a Seattle Legion of Boom play, by daring the refs to have to throw a flag on every play. The refs just aren't going to do that in a Championship game. The refs did go over to the sideline at one point to tell the Chiefs to reign in the over aggressive play (how many teams get that courtesy), but they never really enforced it, so KC kept it up to the last whistle. It's not whining to point this out, it just is what it is. And it is a perfectly good reason for someone not wanting to root for that team---not that the alternative (for the Super Bowl at least) is any better. It's like playing a casual game of football in the neighborhood when you were younger. Everyone is just having fun, but there is the one kid who thinks he's playing in an NFL game, hitting everyone as hard as he can, talking smack, spiking the ball in someone's face when he scores, rubbing the win your face, etc. I'm sorry, but it is perfectly ok after the game to turn to one of your friends and say, "that kid is a dick." Well, KC were *****. Plain and simple. Not whining about it, just pointing it out. And as for the people that are saying that the Bills should have just played the same way---matched KC's level of intensity/roughness. Well (tinfoil hat firmly on), I'm not so sure that the Bills get away with as much as KC did. If Tre suplexed Tyreek Hill, would Hill have had to beg for a penalty, or would the flag have been out instantaneously. If Jerry punched Osemele to the ground, do you think he would have gotten away with it, with no flag, ejection, or at least a fine? I find it interesting that the only fines issued in that game were to Josh, Jon, and Dion. None for Okafor or Jones' punch---none for KC at all. Yes, refs tend to hold onto their flags more during the playoffs, but I am dubious that the Bills could have gotten away with as much as KC did in that game. I absolutely do not blame the loss on the refs or KC playing a little dirty...but it does make me not want to root for them. Sorry if that bothers you.

The part I highlighted red made me think about the Diggs trade...some have said that since the Vikes got Justin Jefferson with our 1st round pick, they actually came out ahead in the trade (i.e., we could have stayed put and just picked Jefferson). But not only does Diggs come with more experience and leadership than Jefferson (as good as the kid looks), but we also came away with Gabe, who is being compared to Jefferson (despite not having the massive yardage output that Jefferson had this season). Now I'm not saying Gabe is as good as Jefferson, right now, but he's at least comparable in potential. Jefferson: 88 rec/125 tar 1,400 yards 15.9 y/rec 7 TDs 70.4 catch % Davis: 35 rec/62 tar 599 yards 17.1 y/rec 7 TDs 56.6 catch % (If you prorated Gabe's stats out to the same # of targets as Jefferson, he would have had 1,208 yards---just needs to improve that catch % and have more opportunities. He did have the same number of TDs with more than 50% fewer targets.) Stefon & Gabe > Jefferson Now, I know Gabe really doesn't weigh in when you are just talking about the trade with the Vikings (because we didn't get that pick from the Vikes, it was ours). And trades are always so difficult to ever truly assess because there are so many moving parts (and teams wouldn't pick the same player, etc.), but here is kind of where it currently stands (as best as I can figure) as far as compensation for each team: THE BILLLS received: WR Stefon Diggs CB Dane Jackson (7th rounder from the Vikings) THE VIKINGS received (this is not exactly what the Bills gave up, but what the Vikings made out of it): WR Justin Jefferson (1st round pick from the Bills) 2021 4th round pick (acquired from Bears for Bills 2020 5th round pick - Bears selected DE Trevis Gipson from Tulsa with the original 5th round pick) 2021 4th round pick from the Bills in Diggs trade 2021 5th round pick (acquired from the Ravens for swapping 2020 6th round picks and the Vikes giving up the 2020 6th rounder from the Bills)

I think the Bills' RBs have taken way too much heat from fans for the lack of production in the run game this year, especially Devin. I think the issue with the run game was more about scheme/identity, game plan, and the offensive line. I'm not saying the O-line can't run block, there were some games this year where they did it well. But, when the focus is on the pass, you don't take as many reps in practice or in games in the run game to get in a rhythm and get really good at it. And the same for the running backs. How many times have we heard a RB say that it takes them so many carries before they can get in a rhythm. I mean, there were games this year where the backs didn't get a touch until halfway through the 2nd quarter. The Bills became a pass first team this year...the run game was complimentary, not their bread and butter. The Bills passed almost 60% of the time this season. And that means a lot fewer opportunities for the RBs. So, let's look at those opportunities: Devin averaged 9 carries/game. That's fewer carries/game than 21 other RBs and fewer than even Lamar Jackson. Hell, even Frank Gore got more totes/game than Devin. For reference, Derrick Henry (at the top of the list) averaged 24 carries/game. But, to be fair, let's take the average of the top 17 RBs (in attempts for the year). The top 17 backs average 16 carries/game. Or 7 more carries/game than Devin (across 16 games). But, let's drop that even more. If I take the average attempts for the 13th to 19th place RBs in attempts, they come out at 13-14 attempts/game. Devin averaged a very respectable 4.4 yards/carry this year. If you gave him 5 more carries per game at his 4.4 yard avg, he would have had a 1,000 yard season. Plus, let's not forget that he's sharing the backfield with Moss and that Moss and Josh get most of the goal line carries (which reduces his opportunities for TDs). And Devin did also have 38 recs. for 269 yards, 7.1 yards/rec, and a 76% catch rate. But, let's now add Moss into the equation. Moss averaged just under 9 carries/game (almost even with Singletary) for again, a respectable 4.3 yards/carry. It's hard to compare a RB in a two-back system with a RB on a team where he is the man. So, you kind of have to look at Devin and Moss as one entity. And in that, the closest comparison is Josh Jacobs (who was 8th in the league this year in rushing yards): Jacobs: 273 attempts (18.7 attempts/game) 1,065 yards 3.9 yards/carry Devin/Moss: 268 attempts (16.75 attempts/game) 1,168 yards 4.36 yards/carry No question, the run game wasn't great this year and needs improvement, but, again, I think that the lack of focus on the run game had more to do with the perception and production in the run game than the backs "not being good" or anything like that. I'm all for adding more to the mix in the RB room, but no way am I letting Singletary or Moss walk. A rookie and 2nd year player, both third rounders, who have both shown some promise? No. And I'm not spending a first or second day draft pick on a RB. There are many other areas of the team that need upgrading before we worry about RB. Lest we forget what Singletary looked like before we became such a pass happy team this year (when there was more focus on the run game). A player doesn't just lose his ability (barring injury, age, or attitude---none of which applies to Devin) from one year to the next:

While it could be fun for the fans...the reason other leagues can do it and football can't is simply because football is too brutal. The risk of injury is way too high. No one (players, teams, the League) wants to risk an injury for what, in essence, is a meaningless game. And like others said, I don't know how fun that game would be. Coaches would sit a ton of starters, the players wouldn't be motivated. It might turn into a glorified pre-season game. In World Cup, the 3rd place game still has meaning. To go home to your country and say we are the third best team in the world (a bronze medal basically) as opposed to 4th, has some pride in it (especially depending on the team/nation that you are playing in that game---if they are a great team, or there has been a rivalry, or the nations aren't friendly...or whatever). In American football, who cares. If a Packer's fan said, "we were the 3rd best team in the league this year"...would it matter to most Bills fans in any way? Probably not.

Just out of curiosity, I looked back at the 30th overall pick over the last 20 years, just to see what players came at that slot. I don't know if there is anything to make out of it, it's a pretty mixed bag. There are definitely some solid players and some busts, but only a few really top-notch players. The breakdown by position group (of the last twenty-one 30th overall picks) is: 6 DBs selected, 4 WR, 3 RB, 3 LB, 2 TE, 1 DE, 1DT, 1 OG. Busts (not counting Igbinoghone yet, even though his rookie season wasn't great) = 9 players or approx. 43% Red = Stud; Orange = starter/at least one Pro Bowl or 1st Team All-Pro; Purple = starter/solid contributor, not Pro Bowl level 2020 DB Noah Igbinoghone to Miami 2019 DB DeAndre Baker to NY Giants 2018 DB Mike Hughes to Minnesota 2017 LB T.J. Watt to Pittsburgh 2016 DT Vernon Butler to Carolina 2015 DB DaMarious Randall to Green Bay 2014 DB Jimmie Ward to San Fran 2013 LB Alec Ogletree to Rams 2012 WR A.J. Jenkins to San Fran 2011 DE Muhammad Wilkerson to NY Jets 2010 RB Jahvid Best to Detroit 2009 WR Kenny Britt to Tennessee 2008 TE Dustin Keller to NY Jets 2007 WR Craig Davis to San Diego 2006 RB Joseph Addai to Indy 2005 TE Heath Miller to Pitt 2004 RB Kevin Jones to Detroit 2003 DB Sammy Davis to San Diego 2002 OG Kendall Simmons to Pitt 2001 WR Reggie Wayne to Indy 2000 LB Keith Bullock to Tennessee

They obviously didn't want to have to eject a star player that early in the game. No way they missed it, it was so out in the open. Also, in the spirit of the game, why isn't that reviewable? I understand that you do not want to start awarding all penalties due to review, because that could open up a huge can of worms. But if an action is deemed bad enough for immediate ejection according to the rules (to keep the game safe and in control---and for PR reasons), then shouldn't the league want that player out of the game and therefore allow say throwing a punch or similar to be reviewable for ejection (even if they don't award the penalty as well). I'm pretty sure that they review that stuff in the NBA (was it an incidental elbow or hand or did he purposely tag the guy). Just asking. There are a lot of issues with the NFL's replay system. Al Riveron being the #1 problem. But a close second is what should and shouldn't be reviewable. When an egregious error has been made, it should be correctable. Not bound by a whistle, or a rule. Otherwise, why have replay. Either go back to the call on the field always stands or try to actually fix the bad calls/non-calls. There has to be a way to make horrible calls right without opening the game up to tons of reviews and game stoppage.

And we thought Robert Woods was F@#$ing crazy! Well, he still is, but so is Cole Beasley! The Dallas game and his reception by his teammates in the locker room last year is still one of my favorite moments of last season. And how can you not love his game, his belief in himself, and his toughness. Another player that was unsure about coming here, but now bleeds the red, white, and blue. A true warrior!

I don't think that I imagined this, but didn't the announcers say at one point that the refs went over to the KC sideline to tell them, in essence, to relax a bit or they would have to start throwing flags on them? Does every team get this courtesy from the refs? I mean, why not make your point by actually calling the penalties you see? Why not call the facemask on Josh's first big sack, or the Jones punch (I think they didn't want to have to eject a star player early in the game---no way none of them saw it, it was so out in the open), or the PI on the pass to Knox near the goal line, etc.. And the Bills even had to plead for a couple of others that were soooo obvious, but where it looked like the refs were going to swallow their flags. Did you notice that the head ref actually looked pretty pissed off when he called the one roughing the passer call for Josh. Like he was pissed at the Chiefs for not backing off after being told to (maybe I'm reading into that too much---but watch it back, he looks mad). It's a good point by the OP. The refs let a ton of things go in the playoffs, especially conference Championships. Remember the "Legion of Boom?" They were allowed to hold and hit receivers all game long. No doubt, KC is the better team right now and deserved the win. But last night I was saying to myself that the Bills just didn't match the Chiefs intensity. But that didn't feel quite right. I don't think that the Bills came out flat or unmotivated. I think it is like the OP said, the Chiefs knew the intensity level of this type of game and what you can get away with, as far as the refs go, and they pushed it to that level, and it looked like the Bills didn't even know that they could get that down and dirty without being called for it. I assume if the Bills did play the same, they still would have been called for it more than the Chiefs, but like it has been...you can kind of make the refs swallow their whistles by doing it all game long and daring them to call tons of penalties in a game watched by millions of people. The NFL doesn't want a flag fest, so you can get away with a lot more in a playoff game if you do it consistently throughout the game. Force the refs to make you pull back. Chalk it up to good experience for the Bills for next year. I doubt they let another team bully them in a playoff game going forward.

Gotta say, I lost a little bit of respect for KC today. I thought they played a little dirty and acted arrogantly. It almost makes we want to do the unthinkable and root for Tom Brady in a Super Bowl, just to humble them a bit. So, I'm glad our boys took offense to it and fought back. A little too little, a little too late for this game, but I can't wait to see round three next year. Another off season and I think we can catch these guys and start a beautifully-bitter rivalry.

I agree with you guys that this feels like '88. The good thing is, this team already has a Super Bowl caliber culture in the locker room. They won't need a year to learn how to become a team. The bad thing is, we don't have Bruce...and maybe a few other pieces that team had. Get 'er done Beane! What could put this team over the top imo (if Beane can get it done in one year and if we have the cap room) is to try and get the following in either the Draft and/or Free Agency: Stud pass rusher Top-tier CB opposite Tre A monster 1-technique DT A mobile, but mauling RG (if Cody can't take that next step) depth at LB I think we could get by with our running backs. To me the lack of run game was more due to schemes, game plans, and the O-line rather than RB talent (of course neither of these guys is a Thurman Thomas---which would be nice to have, but I like them both as players---more than a lot of other posters). I mean, it's hard to get in a rhythm as a RB when you get 2-3 carries in a half, or don't touch the ball until the 2nd quarter, and when you do you're met at or near the line of scrimmage on the majority of your carries. Having said that though, I am definitely not opposed to adding to the RB room---I just don't think that it's as big a priority as other spots (especially in today's NFL). A stud would be nice, but maybe just more versatility will do the job. The run game is up to the coaches to improve, imo.

Yes...thanks for a great season! I'm damn proud of our boys and the entire organization from the Pegulas on down. It was a great ride! Even though we were a bit outmatched today (we are obviously another year's worth of experience and tinkering away from taking down the Chiefs), I think the Bills showed a lot of grit down the stretch. Recovering an onside kick, protecting their QB (even if he may have started it 😊), etc. No doubt this team will come back punching next year! "Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful rivalry"

We'll change this one from "Round Up" to "MOUNT UP" Today! CLASSIC BATTLE!

I think Zimmer has flashed in a number of games this year as more than "just a guy" (the KC game, both NE games, the Miami game, last week he played solidly). I assume, as with most players, that he just needs more consistency in playing at that level, and more experience to take another step in his career. What his true ceiling is (solid rotational guy, starter, stud), who knows. But I do like the player and expect him to stick around the league for quite a while. On the year, Justin has played 26% of the overall team's defensive snaps. (He generally averages 34% of snaps in games he plays---but he did not play in 4 games this year---I can't remember if that was due to injury or if he was a healthy scratch). But here are his stats on 26% of the team's defensive snaps: 22 tackles, 1 sack, 8 QB hits, 1 forced fumble (almost two), and 3 tackles for loss And I'm sure he is asked to do some of the dirty work that DTs do as well, so those stats are pretty decent/impactful for his limited opportunities (to be considered an unsung hero as the OP suggests). Hell, just the fumble he got from Cam to seal the first NE game alone puts him in the convo for unsung hero.

Who cares what the pundits say, and all it means is that Buffalo is probably more battle-tested than anyone left. Not only were those two tough playoff games, but here are the four remaining teams Strength of Schedule (SOS)---from both the start of the year and the end of the year): Projected SOS at start of the 2020 campaign (so based on teams' 2019 records), in order of toughest to weakest: Buffalo 5th at .525 GreenBay 15th at .504 Tampa 16th at .502 KC 18th at .500 And here are the Final 2020 SOS (based on actual 2020 win/loss records), in order of toughest to weakest: Buffalo 6th at .533 (so we were one spot lower than projected, but it was actually a tougher schedule than predicted at the start of the year) Tampa 16th at .500 KC 20th at .488 GreenBay 32nd at .444 So the other three teams all had easier schedules than projected at the start of the year (especially Green Bay) and all were in the bottom half of difficulty on the year, as far as the schedule goes, while Buffalo was in the top 10. Again, it means nothing other than that Buffalo is more battle-tested this year. Hopefully that proves to be in our favor (as it often is).