The Buffalo Bills’ Odds To Win It All

By Intern Gabby

The Buffalo Bills finished the 2020 NFL season with a 13-3 record, winning 2 games in the playoffs. However, the Bills ended their season with a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game. That final game against the Chiefs really showed everyone what the Buffalo Bills biggest weakness was; getting to the quarterback. 

If the Bills managed to at least give Patrick Mahomes some sort of pressure during that game it could have been a different ending to a great season. But the Buffalo Bills organization saw the Chiefs’ weakness during Super Bowl LV. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were able to do what Leslie Frazier’s unit could not do; get to the quarterback.

So what did Brandon Beane do? His front office drafted two edge rushers known for piling up sacks and making splash plays, Greg Rousseau (30th overall) and Boogie Basham (61st overall). These selections alone increased their odds of going to the Super Bowl, and that became evident on Sunday night. Going into the 2021 NFL season, the Buffalo Bills were +1100 to win the Super Bowl, only behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Disappointment in Week 1

With all the excitement heading into Week 1’s matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Buffalo Bills fell short losing 23-16. The Steelers came back from a 7 point deficit in the second half, thanks to a blocked punt of all things, making the Buffalo Bills look like something fans haven’t seen in a few years.

After the game against the Steelers, the Bills’ odds to win the Super Bowl shifted to +1200, still only behind the Bucs and the Chiefs. After that game I asked myself.. how can they get to that next level to be a Super Bowl team?

They need to be more consistent, I thought. They just need to be themselves. The team with Josh Allen making insane throws and hurdling defenders… highlight reel catches from Stefon Diggs, Cole Beasley, Emmanuel Sanders, Gabriel Davis, and Dawson Knox… a defense with an elite secondary and game changing linebackers. They need to be the team that takes the season game by game. 

A Brand New Team From Week 2 On

In the shutout victory over the Miami Dolphins, the Buffalo Bills were in full force. They won 35-0 and absolutely ran over the Fins, even though there were many mistakes made. But this game showcased the Bills’ promising younger players. Epenesa got to the quarterback often, as did Gregory Rousseau who made a statement back on the same field he played in college on.

In Week 3, the Bills beat the Washington Football Team 43-21 thanks to incredible efforts from Emmanuel Sanders, Zack Moss, Tyler Bass, and Dawson Knox. The defense built on it’s dominating performance from the week prior, recovering a fumble and coming away with two interceptions.

Week 4 brought us more of the same. The Bills defense put up 2 shutout games in a 3-week span versus Miami and Houston. Even though both teams were trotting out backup quarterbacks, the defense didn’t overlook them. In those two games alone, they finished with 6 interceptions, 5 turnovers on downs, and 2 fumble recoveries. Teams struggle to stay on the field against this Buffalo Bills defense.

The coaching staff is another key into staying successful and to be able to continue winning. During Week 1, the play calling was suspect to say the least. We all remember the Matt Breida backwards pass. But in the next 3 weeks, Daboll stopped beating himself. He’s been very balanced in his play calls, having the passing game drive this offense, but sprinkling in the run game when it’s needed. 

Slaying the Beast

Going into Week 5, the Bills were +700 to win the Super Bowl, but after the statement win over the Kansas City Chiefs the Bills are now +650, maybe +600 depending on where you look. The Bills played great on all aspects of the ball; scoring almost at will on offense, Siran Neal forced a fumble on special teams, and holding one of the best offenses in the NFL to just 20 points. The Buffalo Bills, at worst, now only trail the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl odds.

Now that they’ve finally gotten over Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs they have the confidence knowing that they just crushed one of the best teams in the league, and the single team that stood between them, and a chance at the Super Bowl. The Chiefs crumbled while Josh Allen ran right through them and the defense had 4 takeaways with a Micah Hyde pick six. 

The Bills 38-20 victory over the Chiefs proved that they can play high quality teams (that aren’t starting backup quarterbacks) and still perform at the capacity they have been since week 2. The Buffalo Bills are progressing this season taking it game by game. Different players are stepping up in every contest. With how hot this offense is, and how stout the defense is, the Bills have gone from “being in the conversation” to being Super Bowl favorites.

Enjoy it, folks.

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