The #1 Key To Buffalo Going On A Playoff Run

[NewEra]

I think the #1 key will be coaching/gameplan

 

i think the #2 key will be health 

 

I think the #3 key will be turnovers

 

 

[Coffeesforclosers]

Just now, NewEra said:

I think the #1 key will be coaching/gameplan

 

i think the #2 key will be health 

 

I think the #3 key will be turnovers

 

 

 

Wildcard is Josh's mindset. 

 

Hopefully Playoff Josh locks in, like he usually does and banishes some of the screwball decision-making he's had recently.

[NoSaint]

9 minutes ago, NewEra said:

I think the #1 key will be coaching/gameplan

 

i think the #2 key will be health 

 

I think the #3 key will be turnovers

 

 

and probably all of that is the dumb luck of does Gabe (or Keon) win a couple 1-1s at the right time randomly. I’m not expecting it regularly but do they randomly spin a defender on a 3rd and 7 and get a 40 yard TD turning a possible punt into 7?
 

Kincaid being healthy will also be absolutely huge in the calculation. 

[Billsatlastin2018]

12 minutes ago, ScottishBills said:

 

Good time to bring up the fan police on here after Pats and Falcons defeats when you point out that those would end up being massively costly - even back in early October. They cant wait to tell you its an overreaction and season starts after Thanksgiving, calm down etc.

 

Well it turns out pissing away easy games early on does indeed count in your final record and ultimate seeding. Path is not impossible, but its definitely harder than it ought to have been based on the schedule we had this year (look at next year for example, way harder schedule)(also comically we could end up with Texans, Ravens and 49ers/Seahawks/Rams as 2nd place teams - so there really wont be any schedule advantage over the 1st place Pats either)

The NFL is not the:

 

* 162 games of the MLB

* 82 games of the NHL or NBA

 

There are now 17… SEVENTEEN ONLY!

 

Only fools and Pom Pom waving cheerleaders don’t comprehend that EVERY one is critically important! Moreso, in the NFL, because finishing first gives you the critical first round Bye AND you play at HOME!
 

And you don’t need 3/5 or 4/7 to move on in the Playoffs!

 

This has been a FUBAR year of mammoth proportions, ensuring by OBD incompetence of players, scheme and mgt., against clown teams like the Fish & the Falcons, a backup QB in Houston and a nobody- at the time, like the Patsies, that the Bills will have the long road to the SB!

 

This, in a year where everything was before them and now, the best they can do, is likely 5th! 

 

 

[The Firebaugh Kid]

The higher our seed, the better chance we have of hosting the AFC Championship as well. 

I've been saying all year, the final game at Highmark will be Buffalo taking KC down at home to advance to the SB. 

Speaking it into existence.....

[transplantbillsfan]

1 hour ago, DrBob806 said:

Oh boy.....

 

You disagree?

[SF Bills Fan]

I don't want to play Baltimore. I think if the Bills get in playoffs and play teams like Denver, Houston, Steelers and Pats we will win and go on. Baltimore is the one team I'd be worried about because of Henry. 

[Ga boy]

19 minutes ago, Billsatlastin2018 said:

The NFL is not the:

 

* 162 games of the MLB

* 82 games of the NHL or NBA

 

There are now 17… SEVENTEEN ONLY!

 

Only fools and Pom Pom waving cheerleaders don’t comprehend that EVERY one is critically important! Moreso, in the NFL, because finishing first gives you the critical first round Bye AND you play at HOME!
 

And you don’t need 3/5 or 4/7 to move on in the Playoffs!

 

This has been a FUBAR year of mammoth proportions, ensuring by OBD incompetence of players, scheme and mgt., against clown teams like the Fish & the Falcons, a backup QB in Houston and a nobody- at the time, like the Patsies, that the Bills will have the long road to the SB!

 

This, in a year where everything was before them and now, the best they can do, is likely 5th! 

 

 

Agree!!  Things haven’t turned out as hoped for.  However, JC4 will get a 100 yards in remaining games, which gives us a smash mouth identity, which I like.  There’s more than one way to get a Lombardi, and maybe this way will work.  It’s still there for us.

[RiotAct]

29 minutes ago, Billsatlastin2018 said:

The NFL is not the:

 

* 162 games of the MLB

* 82 games of the NHL or NBA

 

There are now 17… SEVENTEEN ONLY!

 

Only fools and Pom Pom waving cheerleaders don’t comprehend that EVERY one is critically important! Moreso, in the NFL, because finishing first gives you the critical first round Bye AND you play at HOME!
 

And you don’t need 3/5 or 4/7 to move on in the Playoffs!

 

This has been a FUBAR year of mammoth proportions, ensuring by OBD incompetence of players, scheme and mgt., against clown teams like the Fish & the Falcons, a backup QB in Houston and a nobody- at the time, like the Patsies, that the Bills will have the long road to the SB!

 

This, in a year where everything was before them and now, the best they can do, is likely 5th! 

 

 

so I’m getting the vague idea you are not satisfied at all with how this season is going?

[Belgium_Bill]

In its current state our passing game is – despite Josh -  the weakness that makes me pessimistic about going all the way . Last  Sunday’s game didn’t alter that view even though we won.

Therefore the key to having a possible Playoff run for me is the return of Kincaid, as a good Kincaid elevates our WR/TE core to a decent enough level to be able to execute the "everybody eats" plan. 

Obviously a lot of other things have to fall into place as well, both on the field and in the coaching, but at least like that we have a team that, on a good day, could beat anyone.

[ChronicAndKnuckles]

9 hours ago, transplantbillsfan said:

Sorry I don't agree.

 

Buffalo having any path that doesn't include either the Ravens or Chiefs is the best possible path.

 

And yes. I watched the Houston game...

 

I'll take my chances with JA17 getting a 2nd chance against Houston over Lamar or Mahomes. Gimme the easiest path please. 

Mahomes and Jackson always bring it against the Bills. Agree 1000%. I’ll take my chances against Houston again not after only a 4 day rest this time. 

[jethro_tull]

11 hours ago, iwishitwerecolder said:

I’ve done some thinking over the past week about the upcoming bills games, seeding, ect.. and there’s one blaring problem that prevents Buffalo from making a run in the playoffs. That problem has to do with home field advantage. It’s pretty clear by now we aren’t winning the division, the patriots likely have that locked up barring an utter collapse like the dolphins in 2023. But one thing sticks out to me, and is the fix to the problem that can propel Buffalo going on a run. It has to do with the 5 seed.. let me explain.

 

I have done some playoff generators and this is what I’ve concocted as the most likely/best case scenario for Buffalo (being the 5 seed)

 

1. Broncos/Patritos (flip flop it, it doesn’t matter to my point)

2. Broncos/Patritos (flip flop it, it doesn’t matter to my point)
3. (AFC south winner)

4. (AFC north winner)

5. Buffalo

6. (2nd place in AFC south)

7. Chiefs/3rd spot in AFC south/Chargers/ect.

 

The reason Buffalo needs the 5 seed is to have the chance to play the winner of the AFC north. It’s clear to everyone the AFC north is lacking right now, and with how the playoffs work and division winners ect, the ravens/steelers will likely be the 4 seed. Buffalo has an amazing record against the AFC north since Josh Allen has been at the helm, especially in the playoffs, being 3-1. (Loss vs cinci). If Buffalo can get the Steelers, or really, even the ravens in the first round it would be the dream scenario. While some on this forum may think I’m “thinking ahead too much”, or that Buffalo shouldn’t worry about who they play on their playoff schedule and to just “beat who they play”, I would have to disagree. The bills have struggled on the road in the playoffs, and with it being more and more likely by the passing week that Buffalo will be a wild card team, this is what is going to have to happen. The bills will need a weak wild card weekend opponent to make a run. Go Bills and thanks for reading

I am still hoping to win the east.  Bills have to win out (possible) and Pats lose one more game (also possible).  

Regardless it looks like the Bills will be playing a bunch of teams relatively new to the playoff party- and as we all know playoff experience counts big time and the Bills have a ton of it.....

[DrBob806]

41 minutes ago, transplantbillsfan said:

 

You disagree?

The playoffs are always tough, you know this. The Bills really haven't played consistently all year, but I think they're still dangerous with plenty of playoff experience.

 

As fans we need to prepare for the inevitable....they're going to have to win at Denver or New England if they make it to the 2nd round. Denver has a huge home field advantage, at least historically. 

 

Teams that are tough up front will give the Bills problems, so I suppose that's why you're "fan scared." Jax, Houston, Denver are the toughest playoff opponents on paper, KC is the toughest in the psych department lol.

 

If it's meant to be, it's meant to be. The Bills seemingly lazy stretch after the 4-0 start is the reason everybody is scared, or is it the 6-2 start with 4 up & down games to follow?

 

I'm not singling you out, but there seems to be plenty of fans who think the Bills can't compete unless the AFC bracket is easy for them....it's insane thinking, and obviously a sign many in the fan base don't have any faith.

 

 

[NewEra]

1 hour ago, NoSaint said:

and probably all of that is the dumb luck of does Gabe (or Keon) win a couple 1-1s at the right time randomly. I’m not expecting it regularly but do they randomly spin a defender on a 3rd and 7 and get a 40 yard TD turning a possible punt into 7?
 

Kincaid being healthy will also be absolutely huge in the calculation. 

For sure.  I’m still holding out hope that they give Palmer some more looks as I think he’s much better at winning over Gabe and Keon.

 

Kincaids health is paramount. I think our season will end if he misses any game beyond the WC round (and maybe in the WC round).  He’s 💯 the key to our passing offense

[GunnerBill]

3 hours ago, Coffeesforclosers said:

 

Interesting point regarding roster building philosophies.

 

I went back and did a quick dig on the Raven's post season record in the Lamar Jackson Era, along with the number of Ravens selected to go All Pro and/or Pro Bowl

 

2018-Lost in the Wildcard to the Chargers, 3 All Pro, 4 Pro Bowl selections.

 

2019-Lost in the Divisional round to the Titans, Lamar's first MVP year. 6 All Pro, 13 Pro Bowl selections.

 

2020-Lost to us in the Divisional round, 2 All Pro, 7 Pro Bowl selections.

 

2021-Missed the playoffs. 3 All Pro, 5 Pro Bowl selections.

 

2022-Lost to Cinci in the Wildcard, 3 All Pro, 7 Pro Bowl selections.

 

2023-Lost to the Chiefs in the AFCG, Lamar's second MVP year, 6 All Pro, 8 Pro Bowl selections.

 

2024-Lost to us in the Divisional round, 6 All Pro, 11 Pro Bowl selections.

 

In the Lamar Jackson era, the Ravens have missed the playoffs once, been one-and-done'd twice, and made it to 1 AFCG. With a roster that usually has more than it's fair share of Very Good to Elite players. 

 

So long as you have an MVP level franchise QB, "Solid and Deep" seems to beat "Stars and JAGs" in consistency over time. At least in a Bills/Ravens comparison.

 

New England, certainly in the 2nd dynasty, were more a Bills build than a Ravens build too. 

[Mark80]

It won't matter what seed we are unless we win the division (which I still believe is possible).  We will need to go on the road to beat all the higher seeds to make it to the SB if we don't win the division.  It doesn't matter who we have to play first.

[DrDawkinstein]

I'd honestly rather have the 7th seed and get the Broncos and then Patriots. Both are young, inexperienced teams. Bo Nix WILL fall apart in the playoffs again. And while I think Vrabel has McD's number, I'll take our playoff experience over the Patriots.

 

Side note: I love the Patritos typo. I hope they are moving to Mexico.

[SF Bills Fan]

46 minutes ago, jethro_tull said:

I am still hoping to win the east.  Bills have to win out (possible) and Pats lose one more game (also possible).  

Regardless it looks like the Bills will be playing a bunch of teams relatively new to the playoff party- and as we all know playoff experience counts big time and the Bills have a ton of it.....

I agree. I think if we get in and are healthy, we'd rampage through the teams like the Pats, Denver, Colts etc. no matter where the game is played. The only team to be worried about is Baltimore. They'd be out for revenge and have a lethal running game which we can't stop. 

[Figster]

 My number 1 key

 

James Cook running the football.

 

James Cook catching the football.