It’s no secret that the Buffalo Bills schedule has been favorable to them this year.
After critics challenged Buffalo’s overall record at the midpoint of the season, head coach Sean McDermott replied, “We control what we control. That’s what we do” and “We don’t make the schedule.”
At the time, Buffalo was sitting at 6-2 after eight games. The Bills have split their last two games and currently reside in third place in the AFC standings with their winning percentage of .700, but still trail the Patriots for the AFC East throne.
With 11 weeks in the books, it’s noteworthy to see just how easy of a schedule have the Bills faces thus far this year.
To this point, the Bills have faced only one team that currently has a winning record, according to The Athletic:
2019 #NFL Weeks 1-11, most to fewest games vs teams that currently have winning records (yes, losing to these teams improves their records). pic.twitter.com/K8aSsq6P6B
— Mike Sando (@SandoNFL) November 19, 2019
Buffalo lost to New England in Week 4, 16-10.
What does this mean moving forward for the Bills? The optimist will say that Buffalo is taking care of business against inferior competition, while the pessimist will tout that their record is buoyed by playing such week opponents.
No matter what, it means that the Bills will face some stiffer competition in the upcoming weeks.
Three of Buffalo’s six remaining games are against teams with winning records: New England, Baltimore, and Dallas.
To solidify a playoff spot, Buffalo will most likely need to defeat one of these three teams.
New England has only faced two games against teams with a winning record, and the Patriots split those games. However, New England’s dominance over the Bills is well stated, and Buffalo has to travel to Gillette Stadium in Week 16.
Baltimore, for their part, will make their way to New Era Field in Week 14. Baltimore is one of four teams to post a winning record against teams who are currently above .500 in the standings.
Interestingly enough, Dallas has struggled against good competition. In three games, they have failed to knock off a team that currently has a winning record. Could Buffalo add to this figure on Thanksgiving?
Until Buffalo knocks off a team that is considered to be at their level, there will be criticism of if this team is really good or just a product of their schedule. However, they can quell these voices with wins moving forward.
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