The Buffalo Bills haven’t made the playoffs since 1999. Their drought is the longest in the NFL, and the longest of any franchise in the four major professional sports. It’s no wonder that the fans in Buffalo are excited about their team’s 4-2 SU and ATS start. But can they keep it up and finally get back to the playoffs?
Will the Buffalo Bills Make the Playoffs?
Yes: +120
No: -160
As good as the Bills have been this season, they’ll always be in the same division as the New England Patriots, who have won the AFC East the last seven seasons. That being said, there’s still the wild card route. Can the Bills win enough games to qualify for the playoffs as a Wild Card? Their next four games will likely tell us all we need to know.
The Bills start with a road trip to Miami, and then host the Patriots, followed by a trip to Seattle. They’ll get some much-needed rest after the Seahawks game, and then hit the road to face the Cincinnati Bengals – a likely Wild Card competitor. A 2-2 split or better would keep them in good shape, but anything worse and the playoff drought will likely continue for another year.
Will the Cincinnati Bengals Make the Playoffs?
Yes: +170
No: -250
The Bengals have made the playoffs the last five seasons, but at 2-4 SU and ATS, that streak is in danger. Their silver lining lies in the fact that they’re part of a less-competitive division – the AFC North. The Pittsburgh Steelers currently lead at 4-2 SU and ATS, but they’ll be without quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for at least a couple of weeks – if not longer. As for the Baltimore Ravens, who are currently in second place, they enter the week on a three-game losing streak and have just one win against a team above .500. While the Bengals have struggled, the other teams in the AFC North are struggling, too, which should keep them in the race.
Will the Carolina Panthers Make the Playoffs?
Yes: +500
No: -1000
The Panthers won the NFC last year, but have been a husk of their former selves this season. They’re just 1-5 SU and ATS through six weeks and face an uphill battle to make the playoffs. That being said, the Panthers have bounced back from droughts before. In 2014, they started 3-8-1 and went on to win their final four games and make the playoffs. The NFC South was much weaker that season, but the Panthers have shown the ability to rebound from adversity, so don’t count them out yet.
Will the Oakland Raiders Make the Playoffs?
Yes: +150
No: -200
The Raiders are tied for first in the AFC West, but there are some concerns about their long-term prospects. Their point differential is -11, and their defense has struggled. They’re allowing 27.2 points per game (24th in the NFL) and 444.8 yards per game (32nd). That will catch up with them unless they can fix it first.
*Odds as of October 21, 2016