Buffalo hoping E.J. Manuel is key to winning season: Win total examined for 2014 season

What began as a promising season last year for the Buffalo Bills quickly turned into yet another predictable underwhelming showing (6-10) for the team that hasn’t made the playoffs since 1999 or had a winning season since 2004.

Even though quarterback E.J. Manuel flashed at times, the rookie was hurt for most of the season, which explains why the team was ranked only 28th in passing. Luckily CJ Spiller and Fred Jackson gave the Bills a significant rushing attack ranking 2nd in the league. The trading of the team’s 2015 first round pick to the Browns this past May for Sammy Watkins smacks of a team ready to win. The question remains whether the Clemson star, who on a good day will handle the ball a handful of times, will provide that spark.

On the defensive side of the ball, Mario Williams and company provided quite a pass rush. The defense ranked 4th against the pass but only 28th against the run.

Looking to this season, the Bills face six playoff teams with an overall schedule featuring opponents boasting a .500 winning percentage last year (14^th toughest in the league). Furthermore, the Bills will be playing two sets of back-to-back road games.

Oddsmakers have the Bills posted at 6.5 for o/u wins. The truth is the AFC East will be tough this year with the Dolphins appearing to be on the rise, while the Patriots, well, are the Patriots. Even the Jets on occasion can provide an upset. That’s why the under could be in play.