Buffalo Bills: Breaking down the 2017 schedule

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 /

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Dec 4, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) reacts after a touchdown during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

Weeks 13-17

The last five games of the season for the Bills will be against four divisional teams, which will ultimately determine the fate of their season. The New England Patriots will come to town in Week 13, and it goes without saying this is a difficult opponent. Bill Belichick and company own the Bills at home and on the road, and one could argue an automatic loss for the Bills.

After that tough matchup, the Bills will then go home for Weeks 14 and 15 against the Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins before playing at Foxborough for Week 16. They’ll then finishing the season with Miami at home in Week 17.

Having to play the Patriots twice in a four-week span is tough. The Bills will have to try and find a way to win one of those games and keep the playoffs within reach. Also, sweeping the Dolphins and beating the Colts at home will be imperative for their playoff chances.

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It’s in this stage of the season, that they are going to have to make up for the tough start. Bottom line, the schedulers didn’t give this re-tooling Bills team any room for error. A playoff push later in the season isn’t out of the question if they can handle the tough start of their schedule.

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