The Buffalo Bills' Most Anticipated Games of the 2023 Season
Jakob Merkel
The upcoming 2023 season for the Buffalo Bills promises to be exciting, with several highly-anticipated matchups on the schedule. The clash against the Kansas City Chiefs and the New York Jets is one of the two most standout games fans have circled on their calendars. But which other matchups are also remarked as a must-see? Let’s dive in.
Aah, the season opener. Us Bills fans have been eagerly waiting for this moment for eight months. The Buffalo Bills are playing real football again after a disappointing ending to the 2022 season. It's exciting to see them face off against the New York Jets and prove that all of the offseason hype for the Jets was overblown. With Aaron Rodgers as their new quarterback, it's definitely going to be a challenge for the Bills. However, if they manage to beat the New York Jets and start the season 1-0, Bills fans will be thrilled with a great start to the season.
Week 14 - Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs
Another year, another road game in Kansas City. Where do I even begin with this game? Every year the Bills encounter the Chiefs, it must make the list to be one the most anticipated matchups for us Bills fans as they are constantly one of the best teams in the league. The Buffalo Bills have had a lot of success in the regular season against the Kansas City Chiefs, but it seems like when it really matters, the Chiefs always come up on top in the playoffs.
Week 9 - Buffalo Bills at Cincinnati Bengals
What an emotional game this will be. We lost in the 2022 playoffs to the Bengals, and who could forget Damar Hamlin’s scary injury? This game will be highly emotional for the Buffalo Bills and their fans. Recently, the Bengals feel like they get off to a slower start than usual every year and become almost unstoppable towards the end of the season. That’s why facing them in Week 9 of the 2023 season might be a challenge and make it one of the most anticipated games of the season for the Buffalo Bills.
Week 5 - Jacksonville Jaguars at Buffalo Bills (London)
While this game might not seem as important, we must remember the last time we faced the Jacksonville Jaguars. It was Week 9, 2021 and the Jaguars embarrassed us, beating us 9-6. That team ended up finishing their season 3-14 and having the worst record in the NFL. But things are looking up for the Jaguars as Trevor Lawrence looks to break out even more, building on top of his impressive 2022 season; this has the potential to be a problem for the Buffalo Bills. Especially in London, listed as a home game for the Bills. We’ll see what the script has to say about that.
Brian Daboll is back in Buffalo after leaving the Bills in early 2022. This reunion on opposite sides of the field will be a great story and matchup to watch. Who knows more about Josh Allen’s strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies than Brian Daboll? I would argue, nobody. This feels like a game where the defense of the Buffalo Bills or the New York Giants must shine in order to win.
Week 18 - Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills
It’s no secret the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills have a historic rivalry. In recent years, that rivalry has seemed to have picked back up some steam. This game HAS to be on this list because if the Dolphins continue to run with their success, this will be one of the season's most important games for both teams, as it is the last regular season game.
Week 12 - Buffalo Bills at Philadelphia Eagles
The almost Super Bowl Champions. Last year, the Buffalo Bills and the Philadelphia Eagles were, at one point, favorites to face off in Super Bowl 57. At the time this article is being published, the Philadelphia Eagles have +700 odds of making it to Super Bowl 58, and the Buffalo Bills have +800 odds. This matchup could be extraordinary because both teams are bound to be the best teams in the NFL. Jalen Hurts significantly contributes to that, along with their wideouts, A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith. The Eagles are one of the most balanced teams in the NFL, as they were ranked third in total offense and ranked eighth in total defense last year. The Eagles will be difficult, specifically because the Bills play this game on the road in Philly.
Let me know your thoughts on my take on the most anticipated games of the 2023 season!