Buffalo Rumblings
The Buffalo Bills finally lost a game, joining every other previously unbeaten team to finally experience defeat in Week 5. Buffalo’s offense looked out of sorts all night, and committed too many costly turnovers to overcome late in action. The team’s string of 30-point-plus games came to an end, as did running back James Cook’s streak of 100-yard games, and more significantly his touchdown-streak came to an end in game 10.
It was a costly loss to an AFC East opponent looking to get back on top, but the Bills are probably still the best team in the AFC until records and direct matchups prove things otherwise. That said, Buffalo did drop in several of this week’s power rankings, while some left them were they were from last week (a sign that overreactions aren’t warranted yet).
There are plenty of questions to ask about this year’s Bills, from play calling to on-field personnel, and coaching decisions. Buffalo needs to continue taking advantage of a softer schedule while they have it, a true opportunity to correct mistakes that should be remedied by the time November rolls around.
The Bills still haven’t played a complete game, yet even in their ugliest outing it took a field goal in the final seconds for the New England Patriots to secure their winning lead.
What does all of that mean in terms of Week 6 power rankings? Let’s dive in, first by taking a look at ESPN’s playoff odds for the Bills in four key metrics. Buffalo dropped across all four metrics, yet they still retain the best odds in all categories.
The Bills’ odds of making the playoffs now sits at 92% (was 97%); their odds of winning the division are now down t0 just 70% (was 89%); earning a bye in the playoffs dropped to 30% (was 50%); while making it to the Super Bowl dropped to 22% (was 27%).
Moving on to thoughts from national pundits about Buffalo’s loss to New England with a now tidy refrain in this space…
Let’s live in the present and dive into the latest NFL power rankings, passing the mic to hierarchy experts around the country. Ready?
(Week 5 Power Rankings for comparison)
“Fantasy surprise: TE Dalton Kincaid”
“This could also be running back James Cook, but Kincaid has been the bigger eye-opener. He has a more significant role and the second-most fantasy points among tight ends (66.7 so far this season) after being ranked No. 15 at the position in ESPN Fantasy’s preseason projections. In his third season, Kincaid already has a career high in receiving touchdowns (three) and was targeted six times in three of the five games. A healthy Kincaid and a growing relationship with quarterback Josh Allen are positives for fantasy managers — even in an offense that spreads around the ball.” — Alaina Getzenberg
“Having seen the Eagles lose earlier...
