Buffalo Rumblings
We take a look back at simulated preseason predictions for the first half of the Bills’ season
The Buffalo Bills are 6-2 and in firm command of the AFC East with a 3.5-game lead on their nearest competition in the Miami Dolphins. Given that we’re essentially at the midway point of the 2024 NFL season, it felt like a good opportunity to look back at preseason predictions AI (ChatGPT) made for each of the Bills’ first eight games, compare them to the real outcomes, and see how close they were to what actually happened.
To look back at AI’s original season predictions check out that article here. Below I break down ChatGPT’s predictions game by game, and provide grades for the accuracy.
Prediction: Bills 27, Cardinals 17
Actual Result: Bills 34, Cardinals 28
Original Analysis: Expected a strong start from quarterback Josh Allen and solid defense to hold the Cardinals’ offense in check.
Grade: B
Explanation: The prediction was close in terms of Buffalo’s offensive output, but Arizona scored more than expected after the Bills got off to a slow start. Not quite as dominant a performance as anticipated.
Prediction: Dolphins 31, Bills 28
Actual Result: Bills 31, Dolphins 10
Original Analysis: Projected a high-scoring game with Miami squeaking by Buffalo due to their offensive firepower.
Grade: D
Explanation: AI got this one wrong, though it did pick one team to score 31 points — it was just the wrong one. The Bills dominated this entire game and the Dolphins couldn’t establish anything on offense, especially after quarterback Tua Tagovailoa went down with an injury. Though this wasn’t the anticipated shootout, Buffalo easily handled business.
Prediction: Bills 24, Jaguars 21
Actual Result: Bills 47, Jaguars 10
Original Analysis: A close game was anticipated, with nickel cornerback Taron Johnson making a pivotal defensive play to secure the win.
Grade: C
Explanation: While the Bills did win, this wasn’t the close matchup expected — rather a blowout for the ages ensued. Buffalo’s offense was far more explosive than predicted, and while Johnson’s standout play didn’t happen because he didn’t suit up for this game due to injury, the defense held up superbly.
Prediction: Ravens 30, Bills 24
Actual Result: Ravens 35, Bills 10
Original Analysis: Expected a challenging matchup, with Baltimore’s defense containing Buffalo’s offense, while quarterback Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat play proved decisive.
Grade: B+
Explanation: This was a largely accurate forecast, capturing the Bills’ struggle against the Ravens’ strong defense and Jackson’s impact.
Prediction: Bills 34, Texans 21
Actual Result: Texans 23, Bills 20
Original Analysis: Expected Buffalo to bounce back with a strong game on offense, featuring Allen and multiple defensive turnovers.
Grade: C-
Explanation: The outcome was off, as the Texans emerged with the win on a last-second field goal. The game was closer than AI’s prediction, and...
