NFL Futures: It has been an offseason of sadness and uncertainty for the Buffalo Bills and their fans with the cancer that has plagued former star QB Jim Kelly and the death of their founding father and owner, Ralph Wilson, for whom their home stadium is named. The Bills are coming off their third consecutive 6-10 season but did show improvement under first year head coach Doug Marrone which bodes well for their future. The Bills opened at 75/1 to win the Super Bowl and were at 40/1 to win the AFC championship. Buffalo opened with an over under win total of 6.5 at -150 over and +120 under.
Manuel Labor
The Bills and Marrone went all in with rookie QB EJ Manuel last year knowing that there would be growing pains during his on the job training. Manuel had flashes of brilliance but was also plagued by injuries that caused him to miss six games and call into question his durability. Buffalo has a strong ground attack led by Fred Jackson and CJ Spiller as they ranked 2nd in the NFL for rushing yards last year. The defense improved to 10th overall in the NFL.
Handicapper’s Notes
The Bills have covered the spread in nine out of their last 14 home games at Ralph Wilson Stadium with 11 out of their last 18 home games going over the total. Buffalo has been a bankroll busting money drain on the road as the Bills have covered the spread in just five out of their last 18 away games with seven out of their last nine away games going over the total. Buffalo has had good recent success when laying points as the Bills have covered the spread in seven out of their last 10 games as a favorite with eight out of their last 13 games as a favorite going under the total. Buffalo has covered the spread in just six out of their last 16 games as a dog with eight out of their last 12 games as a pup going over the total.
Our Prognosis
The Bills face uncertainty with their ownership issues and the need for a new stadium that is yet to be drawn up. The good news is that they have some promising young talent, a good coach, and could bring unexpected betting value.
