Buffalo Bills’ toughest tests in 2024

The Bills certainly have two winnable home games in Weeks 1 and 3, when they host the Arxona Cardinals and Jacksonville Jaguars. And they’ll certainly need to pick up wins in both of those games, given that they have two extremely tough road games in Weeks 4 and 5. The first of those is a trip to face a rejuvenated Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.

Last season, Maryland finished the regular season leading the AFC with a 13-4 record. Supreme quarterback Lamar Jackson returned to top form, winning the MVP award for the second time in his career with his dual-threat style of play on full display once again. He now has the added support of Derrick Henry, the running backwhich can only strengthen an already overpowering attack.

Baltimore’s home-field advantage cannot be understated in this game. Their raucous fans, coupled with often unpredictable weather conditions, make it one of the toughest places to play in the NFL. The Bills defense will have to contain Jackson’s abilities both through the air and on the ground while keeping an eye on the Ravens’ new and improved running game, which is now led by the eighth member of the 2,000-yard club.

Things don’t get any better as the second of those two aforementioned road games takes the Bills to NRG Stadium to take on a Houston Texans team determined to build on an impressive 2023 season. Last season, the Lone Star State team managed to win their division thanks to their rookie sensation under center, CJ Stroud. The second overall pick in last year’s draft was in scintillating form throughout his first campaign, breaking rookie records left, right and center while leading his team to the divisional round of the playoffs despite his lack of popularity.

This season, the Texans have strengthened, take Bills star receiver Stefon Diggs as well as Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon. The additions have seen bookmakers cut their odds of winning a matchup against Lombardi to +1000, making him the fourth favorite to win. They will be eager to prove themselves against an established team in the form of the Bills in Week 5, setting the stage for the remainder of their campaign.

The most anticipated game of the season will come in Week 11, when the Bills host the Kansas City Chiefs. This matchup has become a fierce rivalry in recent years, especially since the defending champions have eliminated Allen and his teammates from the playoffs in three of the last four seasons. Last season was perhaps the most bitter for Bills fans, who suffered a narrow 17-10 loss at Highmark despite being favored for their divisional round matchup.

The Bills will now be determined to get their revenge, but to do so they will have to stifle the majestic Patrick Mahomes. He has led his team to two consecutive Lombardi and this year his team is the favorite to make it three in a row. Whether they will live up to their reputation or not remains to be seen, but the Bills will certainly be looking to deal a fatal blow to their hopes of making history in this clash, underscoring their own Lombardi credentials.

Mahomes’ ability to extend plays and the Chiefs’ explosive offensive weapons like Travis Kelce require a disciplined and adaptable defensive approach. Conversely, their defense has improved over the years and their pass pressure can create problems for the Bills’ offensive line. This game will likely have major playoff implications and the Bills will need Josh Allen at the top of his game if his team is to get over the line.

This content is brought to you by the FingerLakes1.com team. Support our mission by visiting www.patreon.com/fl1 or learn how to submit your local content here.