Justin DiLoro, Contributing Writer

Prediction: 9-7

The Buffalo Bills schedule seems to be a bit more challenging than last season. However, there is a strong reason to believe that this Bills team, with an improved roster, could be better than that team but still end up with a weaker record. That’s some sort of paradox.

Over the first eight weeks of the season, only the Week 6 Thursday night tilt against the reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs seems to be one in which the Bills will be big underdogs. Don’t get me wrong–I don’t see Buffalo riding into the midway point of the season at 7-1. However, the other seven games are quite winnable for the Bills.

Buffalo also takes on an AFC East which is in transition. New England is working on passing the baton from Tom Brady to their next solution at quarterback. For now, it’s Cam Newton who will put some heat on the Bills defense. Miami is improved, but Josh Allen has had a field day against them each time the two have played. The New York Jets are vying for a top-five draft pick. Buffalo should finish at least 4-2 in their division.

The second half of the schedule presents more challenges for the Bills. However, the Seahawks and Chargers have to come east. Trips to San Francisco, Arizona, New England, and Denver are part of a difficult stretch, and in the midst of this, the Steelers come to Bills Stadium. Even so, a strong first half coupled with an average backend will land Buffalo playing in January for the third time in four years.