The Buffalo Bills are gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling 2026 season, and while we're still months away from kickoff, it's never too early to start thinking about what lies ahead for Josh Allen and company. With a fresh coaching dynamic featuring first-time head coach Joe Brady and new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, there's plenty of intrigue surrounding this team.
Let's be honest—predicting NFL games is a tricky business, especially in March. But here at Buffalo Rumblings, we're taking a lighthearted approach to forecast how the Bills might fare through their 17-game slate. The bottom line? No matter what the strength of schedule metrics say, Buffalo will face a gauntlet this fall. That's the price of being an elite team with a superstar quarterback like Allen—every opponent brings their A-game.
What gives me pause, though, is the uncertainty that comes with change. Sure, we can look at how teams performed in 2025 and what moves they've made this offseason, but trying to predict how Buffalo's new leadership will influence each matchup feels like a fool's errand right now. What we do know is that there's palpable energy in the building, and key players have reportedly added significant muscle this offseason.
For longtime fans of WGR 550, you'll recognize this approach—it's inspired by Howard Simon's famously sardonic weekly schedule breakdowns. Consider this our version of "Pick the Bills," just don't take it too seriously. We're all in the dark about what September holds.
That said, the folks at FanDuel Sportsbook think they have a handle on things. They've installed Buffalo as (-135) favorites to reclaim the AFC East crown, and the Bills are currently second in AFC Championship odds at (+500), trailing only the Baltimore Ravens at (+490). As for their Week 1 road trip to face the Houston Texans, Buffalo opens as slight (-1.5) favorites.
Whether you're stocking up on Bills gear for the season ahead or just dreaming of January football, one thing's certain: this journey will be anything but predictable.