Buffalo combined a fairly tough early schedule with the adjustment period to a new offensive system. The offensive line, in particular, hadn't yet responded to the coaching of Jim McNally.
I agree, Jacksonville is a huge obstacle between Buffalo and the playoffs. Only the Jets have a better record than Buffalo in the wild card chase, but Buffalo loses tiebreakers to everyone but the Jets. Buffalo needs to win out, beating San Fran on the road and Pittsburgh at home. They should be able to beat San Francisco, and they have a legitimate shot versus Pittsburgh at home, especially if Pittsburgh can take care of another wild card chase opponent next Sunday (Baltimore). That gives Pittsburgh home field throughout and makes the Buffalo game meaningless to them. Denver should lose to Indianapolis. The Jets should lose to New England, who should be very eager to make amends for their loss tonight. However, New York probably should be favored at St. Louis, and Jacksonville will be favored in their last two games against Houston and Oakland. Basically, Buffalo needs a lot of help to get in, even if they finish 10-6. SkapePhin's fantasy is a definite possibility.
