ESPN's John Clayton made early predictions for 2012, suggesting that the Bills will end the regular season at 9-7, finish second in the AFC East, and take home the conference's last playoff spot. AFC East blogger James Walker played "More or Less?" with Clayton's analysis. Here's what he wrote:
"I agree with Clayton that nine is a good number for Buffalo. This is a good year for someone to surprise and make a move in the AFC East. The Patriots will be a juggernaut. But second place is wide open, and Buffalo has as good a chance as anyone."
Walker suggests that there are still two obstacles facing the Bills. First is quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who struggled mightily after signing his new contract last season. However, reports surfaced after the season that Fitz was playing through broken ribs, which is certain to have an effect on a quarterback's ability to deliver accurate passes. This year, barring injury, there are no excuses for the Bills quarterback. He must live up to the $50+ million contract the Bills gave him. With nine other returning starters, including the likes of Stevie Johnson, Fred Jackson, and Scott Chandler (who the Bills locked up with contracts this Spring), Fitzpatrick must demonstrate improvement and consistency throughout the season, or it may be his last with the Bills.
The second is the quality of the division. While nobody really knows how the Jets and Dolphins will respond to off-season changes, the one constant in the AFC East is usually the Patriots. Having won only one divisional game last year, the Bills will certainly have to improve on that number if they are to have any post-season hopes. This seems like as good a year as any for the Bills to thrive in the AFC East, with the Dolphins rebuilding under a new coach and the Jets acquiring themselves what seems to be an almost certain quarterback controversy. We'll find out early on in the season if the Bills are poised to compete for the AFC East crown, as they square off with both the Jets and Patriots in September.
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