Week one is finally here! After a tumultuous offseason that saw countless suspensions, injuries, and other distractions, the 2016 Buffalo Bills are ready to try and end their 16 year playoff drought. For quarterback Tyrod Taylor, it's his first game against his old team on the road against the Baltimore Ravens. Taylor was the back up for Joe Flacco for four seasons including the Ravens Super Bowl championship back in 2013. Getting off to a 1-0 start is crucial for two teams who figure to be big players in the AFC playoff picture. So without further or do, lets take a look at Buffalo's week one opponent.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens are coming off a very disappointing 5-11 campaign in 2015. In large part, that five win season was due to a number of injuries at key positions. Joe Flacco had offseason ACL surgery, and number one wide receiver Steve Smith missed most off the season along with outside linebacker Terrell Suggs. Coming into 2016, most of the team is healthy with the exception of Elvis Dumervil who will sit out of this game.
It is a team that is expected to be in a tough AFC North race along with the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers. Both the offense and defense should be very average by NFL standards. Flacco is surrounding by very solid weapons, but they certainly aren't great. His wideouts include Smith, newly acquired Mike Wallace, Breshad Perriman who sat out his whole rookie season, and Kamar Aiken. Justin Forsett is the starting running back with Terrance West serving as his back up. Dennis Pitta also returns from injury and will be the starting tight end. It's an offense that shouldn't kill the Bills, but if they fail to stop the run, Baltimore has the potential to put up 30 plus points.
As for the defense, the Ravens are a team that was near the bottom of the league last year in getting pressure to the quarterback. Another thing they struggled with was defending the pass so that can be an area in which the Bills look to attack.
Buffalo Bills
As the Bills enter year two under Rex Ryan, the sense is that communication has improved at One Bills Drive. Another year to play with Ryan's defensive schemes should help big time. Plus, the additions of Rob Ryan and Ed Reed are huge for that defense. This is also year two for Tyrod Taylor. The quarterback got paid this offseason and will make $9 million this season. If all goes well and Taylor improves on his 2015 output, he will get paid franchise QB money in the seasons to come. Even though top draft picks Shaq Lawson and Reggie Ragland will miss much of this season, the defense should improve on its 19th overall ranking in 2015.
Sammy Watkins and LeSean McCoy are fully healthy to start the season and if they can keep it that way, it gives Buffalo a realistic playoff chance. Tight end Charles Clay is someone who needs to be used more in this offense. Robert Woods comes back once again as the number two receiver with Marquise Goodwin and Greg Salas as the next ones in line.
This team will have no problem running the football, but their main focus needs to be protecting Tyrod Taylor and keep him away from big hits.
Three Keys to the game
1. Ronnie Stanley v.s. Jerry Hughes Stanley is a rookie defensive tackle and he is faced with quite the challenge in his first NFL game. Hughes is Buffalo's best end rusher so if Hughes is able to get to the quarterback, it could be a long day for Flacco and the Ravens offense. The battle at the line of scrimmage is always crucial, but this is a match up that should favor the Bills.
2. Reggie Bush: X Factor Make no mistake: Mike Gillislee is the back up running back with Bush as the No. 3. However, with Bush likely serving as punt/kick returner, he has the potential to make a major impact on this game. Bush will also receive looks in the passing game as well. A few explosive plays from him can make the difference in a game that I expect to be decided by one possession.
3. Middle of the Field A major criticism of Tyrod Taylor from last year was how he refused to throw the ball over the middle of the field. It's an area of his game he has addressed and showed improvement on in the preseason. With Sammy Watkins expected to receive the bulk of the attention from the defense, I expect Charles Clay, Robert Woods, and Marquise Goodwin to get many looks over the middle of the field. If Taylor is able to do this, it will open up the possibility of taking a shot deep (something Taylor really excels in).
My Prediction
Bills 24 Ravens 17
In the end, the defenses are very similar in this match up, but I like Buffalo's playmakers better than Baltimore. M and T Bank Stadium is a tough place to play, but I expect LeSean McCoy and Sammy Watkins to have huge games to open the year.
Season Prediction: 8-8
If everything goes right, there's no reason this team can't win 10-11 games. If everything goes wrong, then 6-10 looks very realistic. I don't see either of these scenarios taking place so I'll split the gap and say .500 football.
Fun Facts:
-The Baltimore Ravens have never had back-to-back losing seasons in franchise history.
-Bills Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman is undefeated as an NFL coordinator in Week One games
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