Sup everyone. Bills fan here.
The Bills are a solid team this year. I've been watching since the 90s and this is the best team we've had in recent memory. To say that feels amazing. We've only made the playoffs once in 18 years! But that's what you get when you can't draft a QB.
The national narrative about us not beating anyone "good" is accurate but overblown. I do believe the Cowboys are in a similar boat.
On to it...
Defense
It's a team defense. No one, other than maybe CB White and LB Milano, stands out. They tackle well and swarm. They're ranked No. 3 and deserve that rank. Not up to the Pats' standards but still very good. DC Frazier is solid IMO.
- Secondary: Lights out, built to beat Tom Brady. White has shut down every top WR he's played against and the safeties are playmakers, too.
- LBs: A bit undersized, as they're built to beat the Pats with speed. They might struggle against Elliot, who will likely be the centerpiece of your attack Thursday. Browns' Chubb destroyed them. I expect a big game out of your RBs.
- DL: They've found themselves in recent games, generating massive pressure, but they haven't faced a line like Dallas'. I'm curious if they give Prescott trouble and what kind of game they play.
Offense
Coming into their own. OC Daboll changes the game for the opponent. Last two weeks, we ran a no-huddle to good success. But I really can't put my finger on what its "identity" is. In the first half of the year, he was criticized for being too cute for his own good. He's simplified recently, moved upstairs to the box, and it's paid off.
- QB: Allen's a gamer. And he's the franchise guy we've been waiting for. Ignore the national narrative. He passes just about every eye test. His stats are mediocre but his ceiling is immense. His intermediate game--where games are won IMO--has improved immensely from last year. Something like a 20% efficiency improvement. He's getting rid of the ball quicker, too, and not playing hero ball anymore, which is good. He had a horrible game against the Pats early in the year but has thrown only one INT since then. He's taking care of the rock and taking chances when needed. He also knows how to make a defender look silly with his slippery-ness. He's big, strong and fast.
- O line: Very good in the run game. Spotty in pass protection--Allen at times has been running for his life. But they did very well against Denver last week so maybe they're coming into their own, too. We'll see. Last year the line was awful.
- Skill players: New WRs Brown and Beasley (thanks guys!) have been dynamite. I expect big days from both of them. Our TEs are also brand new. RB Singletary (new) is No. 2 in the league with efficiency. He cranks 6 yards every time he touches the ball. Gore (also new) sill has it. Overall, nothing flashy like the Cowboys but they get the job done. We do lack "that" guy who can make contested catches. Hopefully next year.
The Team
This is a Wildcard-quality team. We'd have to implode to not make it. And I do think we have a chance to squeak into a second round. But we won't get past KC or Baltimore. We do have a good shot at beating the Pats. We should've last time but Allen threw four picks (and we still only lost by 6).
We're not used to the limelight like Dallas. I do worry about them overthinking it. I also know your HC is under a lot of pressure from the fans and the owner. We faced the Browns and Eagles in similar situations and lost both games. The Eagles destroyed us and we were pitiful (and their fans are obnoxious). If that's the only Bills game you saw, ignore it. It's an anomaly.
Thanksgiving
We haven't played on Thanksgiving since the mid 90s. I'm having my fiancé's non-sports family over. I told them they can stay past 4:30 but that the Bills are not casual entertainment. Be absorbed or go home is the mantra.
I don't give predictions but I do expect a good game.
Good luck (next week).