2018 season expectations

[McBean]

What a weird spot I’m in as a fan for this upcoming season...

 

I have ZERO expectations for this team. I guess I was so happy that we got the drought off our backs last year that I don’t care if we aren’t that good this season. It’s like I almost expect us to be bad. 

 

3 reasons I’m fine with us taking a step back this season and me being not too mad...

 

1. Playoff drought finally over 

2. Drafting our hopeful franchise QB in Josh Allen ( growing pains.)

3. Brandon Beane’s first draft class and time to develop the younger guys.

 

 

I expect us to win around 4-6 games this season. What I’m excited about is seeing how Allen, Edmunds, and the younger guys play.

 

I’ve always been a long term thinker. I’m viewing this season as training for a true dynasty being built for 10+ years starting in 2019.

 

Just some honest thoughts and would like to hear everybody else’s expectations for the upcoming season since TC is 5 days away.

 

 

Go Bills

[Seanbillsfan2206]

Playoffs again this year. Tom Brady is 48 years old and he will start playing like it. We’ll be competing with the Jets for the division. I’ve also had 3 bloody Mary’s already today

[Happy]

I think they'll be better than 6 wins, by the defense alone.  The expectation I have going into the season is 8-8 or 9-7.  My big thing is that I want to see progress on the offense side of the ball, both coaching and players executing, after a less than stellar 2017 offensive showing.

[keepthefaith]

Will reserve speculation until opening day roster is set but it appears that the Bills have a very tough schedule especially in the first half of the season.  Every year there are surprises (good and bad) around the league.  Beane and McDermott seem like they have their act together which to me means there is a better chance for upside than downside but again it looks like a tough schedule. 

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

8 minutes ago, Seanbillsfan2206 said:

Playoffs again this year. Tom Brady is 48 years old and he will start playing like it. We’ll be competing with the Jets for the division. I’ve also had 3 bloody Mary’s already today

 

...could be a bit presumptuous this early on..in 2017 they were grinders, the persevering lunch pail bunch... won games I didn't think they could....lost some they should not have...certainly caught some breaks when they were "Daltonized"......2018?.....plenty of newness with players, Daboll & new offensive scheme.....predicting their record is non-sequitur....makes about as much sense in sweating bullets over PRE-SEASON strength of schedule prognostications be it 12-4 or 4-12.......bottom line is that me thinks McD has built the proper team culture and despite all of the "newness", they will be very competitive yet "on the line"...breaks will ultimately determine whether they are IN or OUT.......stay tuned...

[BUFFALOKIE]

29 minutes ago, McBean said:

What a weird spot I’m in as a fan for this upcoming season...

 

I have ZERO expectations for this team. I guess I was so happy that we got the drought off our backs last year that I don’t care if we aren’t that good this season. It’s like I almost expect us to be bad. 

 

3 reasons I’m fine with us taking a step back this season and me being not too mad...

 

1. Playoff drought finally over 

2. Drafting our hopeful franchise QB in Josh Allen ( growing pains.)

3. Brandon Beane’s first draft class and time to develop the younger guys.

 

 

I expect us to win around 4-6 games this season. What I’m excited about is seeing how Allen, Edmunds, and the younger guys play.

 

I’ve always been a long term thinker. I’m viewing this season as training for a true dynasty being built for 10+ years starting in 2019.

 

Just some honest thoughts and would like to hear everybody else’s expectations for the upcoming season since TC is 5 days away.

 

 

Go Bills

I do not have high standards for my favorite sports team. Win more than lose is the low bar for me. Anything less sucks, anything more is fun.

[hondo in seattle]

I think the defense will be better than last year but the offense will be worse.   Call it a wash.

But we had some timely turnovers last year and I'm not expecting that this year.  So maybe 7-9?  

 

I really want to see who the QB is, what's up with Shady, and what kind of OC Daboll is before going on record with a prediction.  

[WhoTom]

I think the defense will improve a little while the offense either stays about the same or takes a small step backwards. I expect that we'll go into the final week of the regular season at 8-7, needing a Bills win and another team's loss in order to get a wildcard spot.

 

 

[thurst44]

1 hour ago, Happy Gilmore said:

I think they'll be better than 6 wins, by the defense alone.  The expectation I have going into the season is 8-8 or 9-7.  My big thing is that I want to see progress on the offense side of the ball, both coaching and players executing, after a less than stellar 2017 offensive showing.

Agreed. Was just watching the replay of the playoff game and that D stepped up and was simply dominant (as i think we often forget it mostly was during the season),  and love the tactical way they approached upgrading it ... add a space eater, stock up on pass rushers with high upsides, bring in a rookie middle linebacker who many experts think could be an all-pro for over a decade. However, I also agree with the OP that I have few expectations either way (due to sooo many questions/wild cards), other than I doubt this team will go full disaster as, well, after pulling out of the latest 5-2 and finally making the playoffs in a season when we seemingly had no business doing so, I have to feel like McDermott is something special. A lot of the last place predictions seem to be predicated on the idea that Allen will start and the brass won't care what happens. I'd bet if Allen is starting it's because they see his progress as quicker than anyone could anticipate. 

 

If I were pressed, the best I could narrow down would be between 6-10 and 11-5 with Shady's case, Zay's rebound, the unfamiliar names on the O-line holding up, and whether Star is who they hope he is in the defense being the determinant factors.

[boater]

1 hour ago, Seanbillsfan2206 said:

Playoffs again this year. Tom Brady is 48 years old and he will start playing like it. We’ll be competing with the Jets for the division. I’ve also had 3 bloody Mary’s already today

Yuk yuk yuk. Hilarious. You over state Tom's age by 8 years. Obviously, the Bloodies affect your keyboarding.

 

I'll have what you're having 'cept I want Tito's vodka and Clamato.

[Seanbillsfan2206]

33 minutes ago, boater said:

Yuk yuk yuk. Hilarious. You over state Tom's age by 8 years. Obviously, the Bloodies affect your keyboarding.

 

I'll have what you're having 'cept I want Tito's vodka and Clamato.

Yes I over exaggerated the fact that Tom Brady is old as ****. And I do like to mix some Clamato in from time to time. 

[Kirby Jackson]

2 hours ago, McBean said:

What a weird spot I’m in as a fan for this upcoming season...

 

I have ZERO expectations for this team. I guess I was so happy that we got the drought off our backs last year that I don’t care if we aren’t that good this season. It’s like I almost expect us to be bad. 

 

3 reasons I’m fine with us taking a step back this season and me being not too mad...

 

1. Playoff drought finally over 

2. Drafting our hopeful franchise QB in Josh Allen ( growing pains.)

3. Brandon Beane’s first draft class and time to develop the younger guys.

 

 

I expect us to win around 4-6 games this season. What I’m excited about is seeing how Allen, Edmunds, and the younger guys play.

 

I’ve always been a long term thinker. I’m viewing this season as training for a true dynasty being built for 10+ years starting in 2019.

 

Just some honest thoughts and would like to hear everybody else’s expectations for the upcoming season since TC is 5 days away.

 

 

Go Bills

This is pretty much where I’m at. If the young guys show signs of development we are good. Next year we will have almost $100m and 9 draft picks to address the offense. The big picture is a much larger concern to me this year. 

[aristocrat]

I wanna think our staff picked out a nice bridge qb in mccarron.  Our qbs threw for 2800 yards last year. Can aj come in and throw for 3500 and a decent td to int ratio? If that can happen our team is winning some games.

[Fadingpain]

Still too early.  It all hinges on Josh Allen.

 

We have to see him this summer and through the pre-season games to have an idea of how bad we are going to be.

 

 

[Stenbar]

2 hours ago, hondo in seattle said:

I think the defense will be better than last year but the offense will be worse.   Call it a wash.

But we had some timely turnovers last year and I'm not expecting that this year.  So maybe 7-9?  

 

I really want to see who the QB is, what's up with Shady, and what kind of OC Daboll is before going on record with a prediction.  

I agree with you on defense, however I believe Dennison was an absolute dud at OC and he made our O look worse than it was. If Daboll runs the same Offense as NE we will be ok and I think 8-8 at worst

[Dablitzkrieg]

I'm thinking 6-7 wins

[mead107]

19-0 Baby 

For you Senator 

[Another Fan]

3 hours ago, McBean said:

What a weird spot I’m in as a fan for this upcoming season...

 

I have ZERO expectations for this team. I guess I was so happy that we got the drought off our backs last year that I don’t care if we aren’t that good this season. It’s like I almost expect us to be bad. 

 

3 reasons I’m fine with us taking a step back this season and me being not too mad...

 

1. Playoff drought finally over 

2. Drafting our hopeful franchise QB in Josh Allen ( growing pains.)

3. Brandon Beane’s first draft class and time to develop the younger guys.

 

 

I expect us to win around 4-6 games this season. What I’m excited about is seeing how Allen, Edmunds, and the younger guys play.

 

I’ve always been a long term thinker. I’m viewing this season as training for a true dynasty being built for 10+ years starting in 2019.

 

Just some honest thoughts and would like to hear everybody else’s expectations for the upcoming season since TC is 5 days away.

 

 

Go Bills

Right now in the off-season I agree 100% with you.  Once the season gets started though I have a tendency to let emotion rule lol 

[GreggTX]

I think your analysis is spot on. Next year Allen should be ready and we will have more than $100,000,000 to spend on surrounding him with talent. Let's hope Beane knows what he's doing.

[Ridgewaycynic2013]

3 hours ago, boater said:

I'll have what you're having 'cept I want Tito's vodka and Clamato.

Good.  If they keep buying his vodka, maybe he can afford a professionally made radio spot.  The 'Tom Carvell' of the distillery world.

2 hours ago, Another Fan said:

Once the season gets started though I have a tendency to let emotion rule lol 

So YOU'RE the one responsible for Fitz's big contract!!!

[Teddy KGB]

8-8 

[BillsClinton]

I expect our defense to be good.

 

I expect our offense to be bad.

[transplantbillsfan]

Double digit wins and playoffs again.

 

These are my expectations, regardless of who the QB is. 

 

McDermott has the culture largely established and although our offensive concerns have been the talk of the offseason, I still think it's improved with really the biggest question mark being the interior OL, but I'm confident whoever steps in for Wood and Incognito will be about a lateral move.

 

Defense has improved a great deal just with the acquisition of Star and Edmunds.

 

I obviously don't have a crystal ball, but I highly doubt we go any worse than 8-8 this year.

[Logic]

37 minutes ago, BillsClinton said:

I expect our defense to be good.

 

I expect our offense to be bad.

This.

Thing is, that's just how it was last year. I expect our defense to be significantly better and our offense to be about the same or a bit worse in terms of production. So...anywhere from 6-10 to 10-6 depending on how often Lady Luck is wearing a Bills jersey throughout the year.

[Augie]

I’ll be shocked if we don’t win at least 6-7 games, but my primary hope is that Allen (and to a lesser degree Edmunds) show promise and progress. THIS is not the year, but I hope we see them going in the right direction for long term success. 

[TSNBDSC]

10-6.

 

Josh Allens the real deal.

 

Yup

 

Let the season begin !

[John from Riverside]

I need to see who the opening day starter is going to be

 

if McCarron is better the. Ppl think 10 wins

if Allen starts 7 wins

[GoodHands15]

I feel like I’m the only person pumped for Wyatt Teller. I believe he was an absolute steal and will develop into a stud, hopefully gelling with Dawkins and Co. for a good while.

 

I’m really hoping similar to last year that we will have a couple 3rd+ round gems.

 

Very excited to see if Kyle Williams can mold Harrison Phillips into a KW Jr. and whether or not Adolphus Washington will be fueled by the new additions as far as turning his corner. It would be great to have the DL revitalized from within as opposed to being a main area to address next year. Same goes for Shaq.

 

Really hoping that Lorenzo Alexander has one more good year in him because if he slows down and Milano doesn’t return to form there’s only so much Edmunds can do.

 

I believe the defense will be better this year almost strictly because of Edumunds, hopefully enough to where we can only focus on filling the offense with playmakers around JA in 2019.

 

Josh Allen takes the reigns after a 1-3 start, Bills make it again as a wildcard 9-7

 

GO BILLS!

 

 

[Billsfanatic8989]

AFC title game appearance

[SNICE]

I hope you are right.  My expectations are not that high but every year at this time I like to believe.

[row_33]

The usual 6-10

 

2 wins is possible.

 

[John from Riverside]

23 minutes ago, row_33 said:

The usual 6-10

 

2 wins is possible.

 

Does it ever bother you that we cant seem to get that low on wins?

 

Even in a soft rebiuld we still go winning record and playoffs....this year the D is more set.

[Chandler#81]

I think we all are experiencing a huge exhale for finally breaking the Playoff drought and are somewhat content to just watch and see how ‘Year 2 McBeane’ unfolds after a Draft which drew rave reviews League-wide, while undergoing a purge of starting players after Jacksonville. 

This said, Football Fever is in the Air! 

 

Too early for any qualitative predictions but I’ll say between 5-11/8-8.

[Bill_with_it]

My expectations:

1-Continue and improve upon discipline on offense and defense.

2-Even tougher secondary than last year. A full year to fully define the plays that fit them and get rid of the plays that dont.

3-Improvement from our linebacking corps. This shouldn’t be hard to do; the threshold is about ankle high.

4-Fine tuning of in game decisions by the coaching staff. Sean was fantastic for his first year imo, however, his work ethic and determination is in the stratosphere so I fully expect him to learn from his mistakes.

I have no clue what I expect out of the offense other than discipline; let me make it through preseason.

[PaattMaann]

why we will win 8 games or more:

 

- "tough schedule" - this is said EVERY YEAR about us/other teams. And every year I say the same thing, we have nooooo clue if we have a hard schedule or not yet. Teams that were good last year might not be this year and vice versa. Saying schedules are tough or not is BS, thats why you play the games.

 

- defense - defense was dominant at times last year and we have done nothing but add to it with play makers, or at least upgrades at several positions. Star, Trent, Davis, Edmunds...yes please. Another year older and wiser and better versed in the defensive system that has proven for over a decade to be successful against NFL offenses...yes please. There is no reason to think this defense will take another step forward this year. They got us into the playoffs last year (with an assist from Dalton), they can keep us around 8 wins this season. 

 

- Head Coach Sean McDermott  (and staff) - he took a worse team to the playoffs last year by coaching the hell out of them up and down the roster. 

 

- Daboll - pure hope here. But can it get worse than we have seen for two years from our OC's (and also Tyrod)? I am looking forward to seeing a different, fun and innovative offense this year and beyond. It will be refreshing and give us an opportunity to win games on offense instead of just not losing. All pure conjecture here, but as I said, it can't get any more vanilla/boring/worse than what we have seen recently. 

 

At least 8 wins, could still miss the playoffs, but I am confident in at least 8.