The Buffalo Bills, a legitimate playoff threat, top our return to the NFL Playoffs wishlist. Lots of teams are still in the playoff hunt, but the Buffalo Bills have a complete underdog package. Dan Salem and Todd Salem debate in today’s NFL TD Sports Debate. Two brothers from New York yell, scream and debate the NFL and sports.
TODD:
Two weeks back, you tabbed the Cleveland Browns as the team highest on your playoff wish list. If I had to guess, I’m sure you would feel differently having now seen Johnny Manziel‘s first start.
Of course, we all have things we would take back because in that same article, I made it clear that I wanted no part of seeing mediocre to terrible quarterbacks in the playoffs, listing specifically Kyle Orton among them.
But I’ve changed my mind! I’ve grown; we have all matured, and it’s time to admit that the Buffalo Bills would be awesome to watch in the playoffs this season. They are the team that currently tops my playoff wish list.
It goes beyond the dismantling of the Green Bay Packers that just occurred over the weekend, although that’s part of it.
Buffalo has a fearsome defense. The Bills are tops in the AFC in scoring defense and have a top 10 unit in both rushing defense and pass defense individually, resulting in the fifth-best overall unit in the league.
But it goes even beyond the season stats. Just look what they have done recently. Behind big men Marcell Dareus and Mario Williams up front as well as the reclamation project that is Jerry Hughes, Buffalo is thwarting the best passers in the NFL.
Last week it was Aaron Rodgers (17.2 QBR). The week before it was Peyton Manning (zero touchdowns, two interceptions). This defense is probably the scariest unit in the AFC right now.
And look at the offense Buffalo is winning with! With the eternally below-average Kyle Orton and a mishmash of replaceable parts at running back, it almost makes it more fun to watch this team compete. With C.J. Spiller eligible to come off IR this week to boot, what’s not to like about this team?
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DAN:
I was all ready to hate on your NFL playoffs wish list nomination, but I too have matured. Sorry folks, but I have to throw love at the Buffalo Bills. A long time AFC East rival of my favorite team, the Bills fall into similar territory as the Cleveland Browns. They have been perennial losers for far too long. After ragging on me for rooting for the underdog, you threw hypocrisy into the wind with the Buffalo Bills.
I do not take back my Browns wishlist selection. Despite Manziel’s predictably poor first NFL start, I would still love to see the Browns in the playoffs. This is a wish list and that team would be fun come playoff time. But you know who’s more fun? You know what team has actually elevated its game over the last few weeks and looks like a legitimate playoff threat? The Buffalo Bills! Wishlist be damned, the Bills can earn their way straight into the NFL Playoffs without anyone claiming they lucked into a berth.
The Bills have surprised me this season. Yes their defense is top tier, but so is the New York Jets and look how far its gotten them. Similar to the Jets, Buffalo also has a forgettable man playing quarterback. The difference is, the Bills inserted him early and found stability at the game’s most important position. Kyle Orton is the opposite of flashy, the opposite of dominating, yet he keeps on winning and keeps on trucking. He’s near ideal to lead a team built around defense and running the football. Add to that a flashy young wide receiver, Sammy Watkins, and its no wonder Buffalo is on track for a winning season.
The real question is whether the Buffalo Bills can actually win one of the coveted AFC wildcard spots. I’m scared for this team. They have a HUGE trap game this week against the Raiders, with New England looming in the final week of the season. We know the Bills can beat the Patriots, but they have to destroy Oakland first. Two more wins are probably needed to get into the postseason, but I can feel good about handing Buffalo at least one.
Buffalo holds non of the tie-breakers against its playoff competition. The Chiefs, Chargers, Ravens, and Steelers are all looming over the Bills’ trip to the postseason. But things are looking up as the Chiefs and Chargers play one another, and the Chiefs and Steelers play one another. It won’t be easy, and they’ll need quite a bit of luck, but the Buffalo Bills and their fans can receive the Christmas present they so desire.
I love this pick for NFL playoffs wishlist. It’s the perfect blend of long shot, exceeding the public’s expectations, written off veteran quarterback, and small-town franchise. I’m jumping on the Buffalo Bills’ bandwagon with you.