jwhit34 Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 (edited) How likely is it that the Bills kick off the 2021 NFL season by playing at Tampa Bay on Thursday (opening) night? Just a few juicy storylines in that one. That would be fun. Edited February 9, 2021 by jwhit34 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Success Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 That would be my guess, for sure. Of all the possible match-ups to start the season, that's one of the most intriguing. I'm all for it. Bring on the old man. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg S Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 If we get week one primetime I could see Bills at Chiefs either SNF or MNF. Most likely the league will have the Bills and Jets open up week one for what seems like the 100th time in a row. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Realist Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 I'm guessing New Orleans at Tampa Thursday. Although not as decent a matchup without Brees. Could see Buffalo and KC on SNF. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo03 Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 10 minutes ago, Greg S said: If we get week one primetime I could see Bills at Chiefs either SNF or MNF. Most likely the league will have the Bills and Jets open up week one for what seems like the 100th time in a row. Yeah, the league needs to get more creative. Our last 5 openers have been At Baltimore Home vs Jets At Baltimore At Jets Home vs Jets At Tampa on the opening Thursday night would be a good change of pace. I think it will more likely end up being the Saints or Bears though 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Vader Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 (edited) Doubtful. I don't see them having the kickoff game being an AFC Vs. NFC match-up. Buccaneers home schedule isn't overly exciting. Unless Drew Brees changes his mind and decides not to retire, then the Saints would be the match-up. Right now I'm thinking it'll be the Cowboys, as we see the return of Dak Prescott in prime time. Edited February 9, 2021 by Mark Vader Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg S Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 1 minute ago, Mark Vader said: Doubtful. I don't see them having the kickoff game being an AFC Vs. NFC match-up. Buccaneers home schedule isn't overly exciting. Unless Drew Brees changes his mind and decides not to retire, then the Saints would be the match-up. Right now I'm thinking it'll be the Cowboys, as we see the return of Dak Prescott in prime time. From a primetime standpoint TB has a pretty good home schedule. Non division home schedule is the Cowboys, Giants, Bills, Dolphins, Bears. Buffalo and Miami are good plus three big market teams that have national appeal and bring in strong ratings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo_Stampede Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 Depends what happens with the QBs. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msw2112 Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 As much as opening against the Jests isn't a very sexy matchup, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. Starting with a lesser opponent gives the team a chance to gel, get a fairly sure win, and get some momentum for the season. This is particularly true if the pre-season is scaled back or scrapped again. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo03 Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 (edited) There has only been 3 Thursday Intra-Conference opening matchups since the Thursday night opener started in 2002 2003: Jets at Redskins 2007: Saints at Colts 2016: Panthers at Broncos The odds of an intra-conference game is slim in my opinion Edited February 9, 2021 by Buffalo03 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beast Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 Dallas vs. Tampa Book it. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bleeding Bills Blue Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 Will be a very different looking TB team - hopefully they will not have gelled at that point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyanC883 Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 would love TB at that point. First game and ability to catch people by surprise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nextmanup Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 I will believe that the Bills will be inserted into a game of that magnitude when I see it. Until then, don't count on it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Vader Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 1 hour ago, Greg S said: From a primetime standpoint TB has a pretty good home schedule. Non division home schedule is the Cowboys, Giants, Bills, Dolphins, Bears. Buffalo and Miami are good plus three big market teams that have national appeal and bring in strong ratings. Yes, New York & Chicago & Dallas are big markets for Prime Time, but their teams suck. I'll give the Bears a little more respect since they made the playoffs, but I don't think the entire nation of fans are dying to see the Bears in the kickoff game. I think the Cowboys will get it, simply because they are the Cowboys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
First Round Bust Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 wow - we get both super bowl teams on the road...we visit all 3 FLA teams...and tough games at Saints and Nashville...would be nice to take a road trip this fall https://www.buffalobills.com/schedule/future-opponents Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whatdrought Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 43 minutes ago, Beast said: Dallas vs. Tampa Book it. Yep. No way they pass on putting Dallas in the first PT game. Fall back is saints cause Jameis being the QB makes that spicy. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Jokeman Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 2 hours ago, Mark Vader said: Doubtful. I don't see them having the kickoff game being an AFC Vs. NFC match-up. Buccaneers home schedule isn't overly exciting. Unless Drew Brees changes his mind and decides not to retire, then the Saints would be the match-up. Right now I'm thinking it'll be the Cowboys, as we see the return of Dak Prescott in prime time. Assuming Dak re-signs with the 'boys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Logic Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 (edited) 5 minutes ago, whatdrought said: Yep. No way they pass on putting Dallas in the first PT game. Fall back is saints cause Jameis being the QB makes that spicy. Sal on WGR yesterday said he doesn’t think the league will want to “waste” Dallas vs TB on opening weekend, because that’s a big game that will draw ratings at any point in the season. The opener always draws any way, so why use up that marquee matchup in that slot? That being said: I predict the Bills’ week 1 opponent will be the Jets at 1pm. Edit: Bills vs Chiefs as the Sunday Night opener would also be sweet. Edited February 9, 2021 by Logic 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whatdrought Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 1 minute ago, Logic said: Sal on WGR yesterday said he doesn’t think the league will want to “waste” Dallas vs TB on opening weekend, because that’s a big game that will draw ratings at any point in the season. The opener always draws any way, so why use up that marquee matchup in that slot? That being said: I predict the Bills’ week 1 opponent will be the Jets at 1pm. Hm. That makes some sense, I just think it’s too juicy to pass up for them. They love giving Dallas undeserved primetime love. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Jokeman Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 4 minutes ago, Logic said: Sal on WGR yesterday said he doesn’t think the league will want to “waste” Dallas vs TB on opening weekend, because that’s a big game that will draw ratings at any point in the season. The opener always draws any way, so why use up that marquee matchup in that slot? That being said: I predict the Bills’ week 1 opponent will be the Jets at 1pm. Edit: Bills vs Chiefs as the Sunday Night opener would also be sweet. We could also open up against the Chiefs or Dolphins which to me more intriguing than the Jets even with a rookie QB. Yet the NFL might also like a rookie vs Tua in an opening game and we end up with the Patriots with their new QB (as can't see them re-signing Cam). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Brown Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 If Watson goes to any of the visiting teams then that's who they'll play. I'd go Saints, Cowboys, and Bills in that order of most likely as it stands right now. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFunPolice Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 Cowboys for sure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RiotAct Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 21 minutes ago, The Jokeman said: We could also open up against the Chiefs or Dolphins which to me more intriguing than the Jets even with a rookie QB. Yet the NFL might also like a rookie vs Tua in an opening game and we end up with the Patriots with their new QB (as can't see them re-signing Cam). Bills-Chiefs SNF week 1 would make sense 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clearwater cadet Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 I like to open against the Jets. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg S Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 1 minute ago, RiotAct said: Bills-Chiefs SNF week 1 would make sense Just like TB the Chiefs have a pretty strong home schedule for primetime games. Non-division is the Steelers, Browns, Cowboys, Giants, Bills. I wouldn't be surprised if its Browns-Chiefs as that is another playoff rematch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eball Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 1 hour ago, Nextmanup said: I will believe that the Bills will be inserted into a game of that magnitude when I see it. Until then, don't count on it. Dude. They played four primetime games in the regular season and two more in the playoffs. They have the 2nd or 3rd best odds in the NFL to win the Super Bowl next year, and they have the MVP runner-up at QB. What are you smoking? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
No_Matter_What Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 (edited) It will not happen but I'd like it. Open the season vs Tampa in Tampa, close the season vs Tampa in LA. Edited February 9, 2021 by No_Matter_What Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg S Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 16 minutes ago, eball said: Dude. They played four primetime games in the regular season and two more in the playoffs. They have the 2nd or 3rd best odds in the NFL to win the Super Bowl next year, and they have the MVP runner-up at QB. What are you smoking? Five if you count the Saturday game vs Denver. KC was supposed to be on a Thursday but got moved to Tuesday. The Pats and 49ers were MNF and SNF vs the Steelers. My guess is the Bills get four when the schedule comes out and could be flexed to five just like last year. I also think the Bills get a bunch of national games on Sunday afternoon that the entire country gets to watch. No flying under the radar anymore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buftex Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 (edited) I am guessing Bucs at Rams to open the 2021 NFL season. Seems they normally want the Super Bowl winner on that opening Thursday night. Unless there is another huge QB move, the Rams will be one of the more talked about and intriguing NFC teams this offseason. Large tv market... Edited February 9, 2021 by Buftex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Call_Of_Ktulu Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 1 hour ago, Mark Vader said: Yes, New York & Chicago & Dallas are big markets for Prime Time, but their teams suck. I'll give the Bears a little more respect since they made the playoffs, but I don't think the entire nation of fans are dying to see the Bears in the kickoff game. I think the Cowboys will get it, simply because they are the Cowboys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Call_Of_Ktulu Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 1 hour ago, Mark Vader said: Yes, New York & Chicago & Dallas are big markets for Prime Time, but their teams suck. I'll give the Bears a little more respect since they made the playoffs, but I don't think the entire nation of fans are dying to see the Bears in the kickoff game. I think the Cowboys will get it, simply because they are the Cowboys. Nobody wants to watch the Bears, not even their own fans. Everyone out here sees no signs of life and would rather draft a QB than sign any of the available FA except Watson but he’s a pipe dream for Bears fans. I would describe where the Bears are right now as a franchise as this. They are at the end of the Whaley Brandon phase, the GM and the HC will be fired next year and a new rebuild will begin. The Mcaskeys are the worst owners in the NFL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LABILLBACKER Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 It's being reported that because of the length of Mahomes turf toe surgery recovery, he may not be ready week 1? I think Buffalo v Tampa is more likely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corta765 Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 4 hours ago, Buffalo03 said: Yeah, the league needs to get more creative. Our last 5 openers have been At Baltimore Home vs Jets At Baltimore At Jets Home vs Jets At Tampa on the opening Thursday night would be a good change of pace. I think it will more likely end up being the Saints or Bears though The NFL prefers to have divisional matchups early and at the end of the year. So that is why that is there 1 hour ago, Greg S said: Just like TB the Chiefs have a pretty strong home schedule for primetime games. Non-division is the Steelers, Browns, Cowboys, Giants, Bills. I wouldn't be surprised if its Browns-Chiefs as that is another playoff rematch. Additionally CBS can protect the Bills Chiefs as a 4pm game if they want. Given the viewership for that game I won’t be surprised if that happens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eball Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 I'll go on record right now that the NFL is DUMB if they don't seriously consider Bills/Bucs for the Thursday opener. Are you kidding me? The nation loves the Bills again, and Buffalo fans will travel to Tampa so that will be an awesome environment. There is literally no downside to making this the opener -- the AFC runner up vs. the defending champ? Come on. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cba fan Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 maybe Ravens vs Chiefs?? You know, the AFC Championship game everyone wanted badly but Taron Johnson said "Int is mine!!" lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaninSarasota Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 (edited) 53 minutes ago, Buftex said: I am guessing Bucs at Rams to open the 2021 NFL season. Seems they normally want the Super Bowl winner on that opening Thursday night. Unless there is another huge QB move, the Rams will be one of the more talked about and intriguing NFC teams this offseason. Large tv market... The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will host the opening game of the 2021 NFL season as the defending Super Bowl champions. https://www.buffalobills.com/news/bills-today-are-the-bills-a-top-candidate-to-open-the-2021-nfl-season-in-tampa https://www.newyorkupstate.com/buffalo-bills/2021/02/bills-at-buccaneers-2021-nfl-kickoff-game-6-reasons-why-this-should-be-opening-night-matchup.html Edited February 9, 2021 by BuffaninSarasota additional link 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Royale with Cheese Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 (edited) Are we sure it’s not going to be the Bills Sunday Night against the WFT? I mean its Ty Nsheke against his old team...it’ll be hyped up for weeks! Edited February 9, 2021 by Royale with Cheese 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buftex Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 13 minutes ago, BuffaninSarasota said: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will host the opening game of the 2021 NFL season as the defending Super Bowl champions. https://www.buffalobills.com/news/bills-today-are-the-bills-a-top-candidate-to-open-the-2021-nfl-season-in-tampa You are probably right...but in 2017 the Patriots beat the Rams in the Super Bowl, but the 2018 Thursday night opener was Green Bay at Chicago. The Patriots hosted the Steelers on Sunday Night Football that year. But, I get it, the Super Bowl champion will play host opening weekend. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaninSarasota Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 4 minutes ago, Buftex said: You are probably right...but in 2017 the Patriots beat the Rams in the Super Bowl, but the 2018 Thursday night opener was Green Bay at Chicago. The Patriots hosted the Steelers on Sunday Night Football that year. But, I get it, the Super Bowl champion will play host opening weekend. you're right about 2018 - I think the GB/Chicago matchup was an exception due to some commemorative (historical) significance between the 2 teams Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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