1billsfan Posted November 5, 2013 Share Posted November 5, 2013 I just went through the remaining schedules of all of the teams that are still in contention for that last wildcard spot and I think there's the possibility out there that the Bills can run the table and get in. With the full knowledge that the Bills record does not reflect how good of a team this is, and looking at our soft remaining schedule, this team could realistically win the next 6 games and have a shot to get in the playoffs this year if they of course finish the season by beating New England on the road (not out of the realm of possibilities coming off a 6 game winning streak, right?). Here's the landscape... The "10 win and your in" model... Jets have to go 5-2 to get to 10 wins - possible and they're the front runners Dolphins are imploding - no way Browns need 6 out of 7 - no way Ravens need 7 out of 8 - no way Titans need 6 out of 8 - they still have to play the Colts twice and the Broncos so no way Chargers need 6 out of 8 - they still have to play the Broncos twice so no way Looking at the schedules of those teams in contention, the Jets have the best shot to get to 10 wins. The rest are just as long of a shots as the Bills running the "soft schedule" table if not longer shots. Now I know that this team ripping off 6 straight wins for a wildcard playoff birth showdown at New England in the last game sounds like a fantasy, however I can certainly envision a long Bills winning streak looking at that schedule. If they can beat the Steelers and the Jets (a very tough game now) to start the roll, then anything is possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dascottbills28 Posted November 6, 2013 Share Posted November 6, 2013 I just went through the remaining schedules of all of the teams that are still in contention for that last wildcard spot and I think there's the possibility out there that the Bills can run the table and get in. With the full knowledge that the Bills record does not reflect how good of a team this is, and looking at our soft remaining schedule, this team could realistically win the next 6 games and have a shot to get in the playoffs this year if they of course finish the season by beating New England on the road (not out of the realm of possibilities coming off a 6 game winning streak, right?). Here's the landscape... The "10 win and your in" model... Jets have to go 5-2 to get to 10 wins - possible and they're the front runners Dolphins are imploding - no way Browns need 6 out of 7 - no way Ravens need 7 out of 8 - no way Titans need 6 out of 8 - they still have to play the Colts twice and the Broncos so no way Chargers need 6 out of 8 - they still have to play the Broncos twice so no way Looking at the schedules of those teams in contention, the Jets have the best shot to get to 10 wins. The rest are just as long of a shots as the Bills running the "soft schedule" table if not longer shots. Now I know that this team ripping off 6 straight wins for a wildcard playoff birth showdown at New England in the last game sounds like a fantasy, however I can certainly envision a long Bills winning streak looking at that schedule. If they can beat the Steelers and the Jets (a very tough game now) to start the roll, then anything is possible. Great post and I definitely think that you are on to something. I will start to feel much better about potential playoff chances when and if we win the next two AFC games vs the Steelers and Jets to get to 5-6. If we do get to 5-6, I feel like the next 4 after that (Falcons, Jags, Bucs, and Fins) are very very winnable games. The last game against the Pats looks like it could be against their second stringers as they should have the division and a playoff spot wrapped up by then. The best way to go is just to take it one game at a time. We Definitely have a chance though and its not some far off dream either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmokinES3 Posted November 6, 2013 Share Posted November 6, 2013 I just went through the remaining schedules of all of the teams that are still in contention for that last wildcard spot and I think there's the possibility out there that the Bills can run the table and get in. With the full knowledge that the Bills record does not reflect how good of a team this is, and looking at our soft remaining schedule, this team could realistically win the next 6 games and have a shot to get in the playoffs this year if they of course finish the season by beating New England on the road (not out of the realm of possibilities coming off a 6 game winning streak, right?). Here's the landscape... The "10 win and your in" model... Jets have to go 5-2 to get to 10 wins - possible and they're the front runners Dolphins are imploding - no way Browns need 6 out of 7 - no way Ravens need 7 out of 8 - no way Titans need 6 out of 8 - they still have to play the Colts twice and the Broncos so no way Chargers need 6 out of 8 - they still have to play the Broncos twice so no way Looking at the schedules of those teams in contention, the Jets have the best shot to get to 10 wins. The rest are just as long of a shots as the Bills running the "soft schedule" table if not longer shots. Now I know that this team ripping off 6 straight wins for a wildcard playoff birth showdown at New England in the last game sounds like a fantasy, however I can certainly envision a long Bills winning streak looking at that schedule. If they can beat the Steelers and the Jets (a very tough game now) to start the roll, then anything is possible. I love the positivity... Team makes far too many mistakes, especially in the second half, to make that kind of run at this point. Rusty, inexperienced quarterback coming off a knee injury? Still, I like the thought put into your analysis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boyst Posted November 6, 2013 Share Posted November 6, 2013 Is a playoff spot going to matter this year? I think we can gain enough steam if we start to win to succeed in the playoffs but to get the wins needed to advance in the playoffs...gosh. We aren't going to go in to Foxboro, Denver, KC or even the Meadowlands and get lucky. It will take all we got and right now I am not sure what all we have. I guess at the end of the year I would rather know that we continued to improve and are going to be in a better position for the offseason and schedule next year then I would make the playoffs and go 0fer or even just one win. As sweet...oh gosh, yes... as sweet as a playoff victory would be I just do not want to be like the Browns of a few years ago. Make the playoffs by weak schedule and chance then never go back. This is not me being negative nancy... I am just upping my post count. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Jack Posted November 6, 2013 Share Posted November 6, 2013 This is not me being negative nancy... I am just upping my post count. Me too.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocky Landing Posted November 6, 2013 Share Posted November 6, 2013 Pretty interesting thread. I think it's worthy to note that while Vegas bookmaker consensus has the Bills at around 3.5 point underdogs vs. the Steelers, quite a few casinos have yet to post odds. This is also true of the upcoming Bears/Lions game, and it is safe to assume that they are waiting on who will start at QB. Obviously, if Cutler doesn't start, as he said he wants to, the odds will certainly shift to the Lions. (Bears are currently 2.5 point underdogs, I assume with the expectation that Cutler will play.) I wonder how the point spread would change between the prospect of Manuel vs. Lewis starting? Personally, I think it would be a wash. As it stands NOW, I think the Bucs and the Jags are the only teams that we would be favored in. Maybe the Falcons, but I think they will have some injured key players back by then. I doubt we will be favored vs. the Dolphins- unless their implosion continues, which I wouldn't count on. The Jets have pulled themselves together, and will likely be competing for the same spot, and possibly the division title, which would make our game against the Pats that much harder. Either way, I have a hard time picturing the Pats relaxing against a division rival, especially in Foxboro- regardless of the circumstances. But, of course, a lot could change. Winning our last seven games is certainly possible. many people have said that with decent QB play, the Bills are a legit team- and not just Bills fans. We could easily be favored against the Falcons AND the Phins by the time we play them. And, while the Jets have looked good recently, they have been wildly inconsistent this season and are thin at some key positions as are the Pats. As a fan, I always try to stay rational. That being said, I am still optimistic, and haven't given up on this season. Go Bills! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TPS Posted November 6, 2013 Share Posted November 6, 2013 I looked at that last week, but not in the detail you have. I think it comes down to 9-7 and tie-breakers based on the schedules of the possible contenders. The Bills have to finish second in the division at 9-7 to have a shot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miyagi-Do Karate Posted November 6, 2013 Share Posted November 6, 2013 If we win out and still miss the playoffs, I will nonetheless be thrilled. A few years ago (maybe over 15 years now--yikes!) the Falcons did something similar-- went on a great win streak at the end of the season, and the next season were primed for and made a Super Bowl run. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big C Posted November 6, 2013 Share Posted November 6, 2013 We got this! I knew that we faced an easy schedule the rest of the way, but I didn't also consider our competition! The Chargers and Titans won't make it this year based on their schedules and the Ravens aren't nearly the same team they've been the last few years. The Jets will be our main competition the rest of the way, and I hate to say that things are looking good. Based on their up-down play week to week 8-8 seems like the end result, but they did just pull out wins against the Pats and Saints. They still have to face the Ravens and Brows who might all just beat up on each other, and they also have a Panthers team coming into form. So I guess we'll see how it plays out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1billsfan Posted November 6, 2013 Author Share Posted November 6, 2013 I love the positivity... Team makes far too many mistakes, especially in the second half, to make that kind of run at this point. Rusty, inexperienced quarterback coming off a knee injury? Still, I like the thought put into your analysis. Beating the Steelers is the first step of course which I expect them to do given how old the Steelers look this year and how young, energetic and talented the Bills look. I do see that EJ Manuel starting and playing well is the main factor to the whole "run the table" scenario. Unfortunately that factor is the great unknown one right now. It's a stretch to think he be up for that kind of a run, but this has been a very strange season in the NFL. If they do beat the Steelers, it would then become a real showdown game vs the Jets at home with the hopes of the Bills winning then picking off the low hanging fruit till that last game. It's nice to dream, but there is a path (yes, it's a long shot one) to the playoffs if this young team starts hitting it's stride and quickly learns how to win. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pitta Posted November 6, 2013 Share Posted November 6, 2013 I just love how Bills fans consistently underrate the Jets; a team that regularly punches us in the face by the way. EJ played a horrific game in the first matchup, and got punished by their D-line to boot. Oh and by the way, they have the #1 rush defense in the NFL...they certainly have the horses to neutralize CJ and Fred. Why anyone thinks that game is a sure win is beyond me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leelee Phoenix Posted November 6, 2013 Share Posted November 6, 2013 The odds of the Bills making the playoffs at 9-7 is not good. At least one of those teams mentioned is going to win those amount of games, and the Bills are in bad shape tiebreaker wise via conference record. Also, odds are low that the Pats would be in a position to rest their starters for that final game. They're tied with Indy now for the 2 spot, and one game ahead of Cincy who they lose the tiebreaker to. They'll probably have to win that last game in Foxboro. So, my expectations are sadly nil already. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boatdrinks Posted November 6, 2013 Share Posted November 6, 2013 I just love how Bills fans consistently underrate the Jets; a team that regularly punches us in the face by the way. EJ played a horrific game in the first matchup, and got punished by their D-line to boot. Oh and by the way, they have the #1 rush defense in the NFL...they certainly have the horses to neutralize CJ and Fred. Why anyone thinks that game is a sure win is beyond me. People are going off their off-season assumptions that the Jets would be a circus, which stemmed from the 2012 Sanchez/Tebow debacle. The jets have an excellent coaching staff and a stout defense that changes games. Even with the mediocre QB'ing that they've gotten out of Geno Smith, that team can win games. They are ahead of the Bills in every aspect. The Bills rarely win a road game of any consequence. Shelve the playoff talk for 2013, that ship sailed on a Thursday night in October. The Bills have all of one win since September, and it was about a minute away from being another road division loss. Kudos that the D made that huge play @MIA, but I don't know if they've registered a takeaway since. Even if EJM starts, I kind of expect he will have regressed slightly or at least look like he's dusting off the cobwebs a bit. Hopefully EJ can show significant progress by season's end, but the playoffs are not a realistic chance at this point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1billsfan Posted November 6, 2013 Author Share Posted November 6, 2013 I just love how Bills fans consistently underrate the Jets; a team that regularly punches us in the face by the way. EJ played a horrific game in the first matchup, and got punished by their D-line to boot. Oh and by the way, they have the #1 rush defense in the NFL...they certainly have the horses to neutralize CJ and Fred. Why anyone thinks that game is a sure win is beyond me. In my OP I did say that the Jets game was "a very tough one". However we do get them at home which will be a big advantage if the RWS is super loud that day. We'll also have Gilmore and Byrd this time around. I could see interceptions coming from Geno and the Bills winning that one. The Jets are a legitimately good team. But they can be beat when they're playing on the road with a crazy and intense crowd. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boatdrinks Posted November 6, 2013 Share Posted November 6, 2013 odds are low that the Pats would be in a position to rest their starters for that final game. They're tied with Indy now for the 2 spot, and one game ahead of Cincy who they lose the tiebreaker to. They'll probably have to win that last game in Foxboro. So, my expectations are sadly nil already. BB has historically not rested his starters, even when the opportunity has presented itself. In my OP I did say that the Jets game was "a very tough one". However we do get them at home which will be a big advantage if the RWS is super loud that day. We'll also have Gilmore and Byrd this time around. I could see interceptions coming from Geno and the Bills winning that one. The Jets are a legitimately good team. But they can be beat when they're playing on the road with a crazy and intense crowd. The crowd can be great and may effect their offense somewhat, but the Jets usually kick our a$$e$ in the trenches on O as well as D. We just don't match up with the horses they have on the lines very well. I'd side with history here and say we lose to the Jets at the Ralph. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1billsfan Posted November 6, 2013 Author Share Posted November 6, 2013 The odds of the Bills making the playoffs at 9-7 is not good. At least one of those teams mentioned is going to win those amount of games, and the Bills are in bad shape tiebreaker wise via conference record. Also, odds are low that the Pats would be in a position to rest their starters for that final game. They're tied with Indy now for the 2 spot, and one game ahead of Cincy who they lose the tiebreaker to. They'll probably have to win that last game in Foxboro. So, my expectations are sadly nil already. My scenario is them actually winning out and going 10-6. They probably lose all tie breakers at 9-7 IMO. It's a long shot of course, but it's fun to look at the games left and see a path. Teams do get on a roll in this league and we all see something different with this bunch. I'm still excited to watch them this week and haven't given up hope on the playoffs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drinkTHEkoolaid Posted November 6, 2013 Share Posted November 6, 2013 I'm just anxious to get EJ back and to see how the team responds and see what happens... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KikO M G Posted November 6, 2013 Share Posted November 6, 2013 The Jets lost by 40 to the Bengals and got blown out by the Titans. Sorry, they are not that good. Bills beat them at home last year and should be able to again. Same goes for MIA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boatdrinks Posted November 6, 2013 Share Posted November 6, 2013 The Jets lost by 40 to the Bengals and got blown out by the Titans. Sorry, they are not that good. Bills beat them at home last year and should be able to again. Same goes for MIA. Football is really about matchups. You can't go by wins/losses or even what teams beat which. The Jets are a BAD matchup for the Bills, but not for every team in the league. They play a physical style that we don't respond well to. Our OL and DL can't block theirs. KC by all accounts has an excellent DL that gives most teams fits, but the Bills usu. have their way with them and did again on Sunday outgaining them 2 to 1. We don't block zone blitz, blitz zero schemes well and lose the LOS to the Jets on almost every play. They tackle, block, and hit better than we do. It doesn't mean the Jets will beat every team we do, just that they usually beat us. They generally outcoach us in very aspect as well. Rex Ryan has brought a lot of the OLD Baltimore Ravens street fight football mentality to the Jets, and its a type of football the Bills look like they want no part of after about 5 minutes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoSaint Posted November 6, 2013 Share Posted November 6, 2013 So what your saying is if we play perfect ball for 2 months and no one else gets hot, we have a chance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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