Buffalo Bills: Breaking down the 2017 schedule

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Dec 18, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) runs the ball in the end zone for a touchdown during the second half against the Cleveland Browns at New Era Field. Buffalo beats Cleveland 33 to 13. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

The Buffalo Bills have one of the toughest schedules for the 2017 NFL season. Breaking down the slate and how the Bills can navigate it.

The Buffalo Bills will enter Week 1 of the 2017 NFL season looking to end a 20-year playoff drought. The Bills made drastic changes to their front office, as they look to move their organization in the right direction. On the field, however, the Bills didn’t make too many changes, as the core of the team is stable.

Quarterback Tyrod Taylor and running back LeSean McCoy will be tasked with carrying a heavy workload, looking to drive the Bills to the playoffs on offense. One obstacle that stands in their way is the schedule. According to ESPN, the Bills have the fifth toughest schedule in the NFL this season.

Breaking down the schedule into three parts (Weeks 1-8, 9-12 and 13-17), let’s take a look at what the Bills need to do in 2017.

Weeks 1-8

The first eight weeks of the Bills schedule is absolutely deadly. No other way to put it. The Bills definitely have the toughest start in the NFL. Week 1 is against the division rival New York Jets at home, which should be a win for the Bills. The Jets are coming into the 2017 season without a secure starting quarterback, and a roster that severely lacks any playmakers. After the season-opener, the Bills next seven games are the hardest stretch of their schedule.

The Bills play three home games against the Denver Broncos, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders. Those are matched with three road games against the Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals and Atlanta Falcons, with their bye week coming in Week 6.

Every single one of those opponents could be playoff bound. The Panthers will be better than last year, as Christian McCaffrey will provide additional firepower to that offense. Similarly, the Bengals and Broncos ought to bounce back from last year after missing the playoffs. The Buccaneers improved their stock with the additions of DeSean Jackson and O.J. Howard and look to be a serious contender in the NFC. Lastly in this stretch, the Raiders and Falcons have the potential to be Super Bowl contenders this season.

In the end, the Bills will need to sneak out of this seven game stretch at least a 3-4 record if they have any hope of making the playoffs.

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