2018 Buffalo Bills season

Last updated

2018 Buffalo Bills season
Owner Terry and Kim Pegula
General manager Brandon Beane
Head coach Sean McDermott
Home field New Era Field
Results
Record6–10
Division place3rd AFC East
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro Bowlers DT Kyle Williams
Uniform
Buffalo Bills Uniforms 2015-2020.png

The 2018 Buffalo Bills season was the franchise's 49th season in the National Football League (NFL), and the 59th overall. The season also marked the fourth full season under the ownership of Terry and Kim Pegula and their second under the head coach/general manager tandem of Sean McDermott and Brandon Beane. The team previously finished with a 9–7 record in 2017 and returned to the playoffs for the first time after having not been to the playoffs since 1999.

Contents

After a 21–17 loss to the rival Miami Dolphins in Week 13, the Bills failed to match their 9–7 record from the previous season. They were officially eliminated from playoff contention the following week with a 27–23 loss to the New York Jets, ultimately finishing with a 6–10 record as numerous players from the previous season departed via trades, roster cuts or retirement. They went 4–3 in their last 7 games. This season was also notable for being the first season for quarterback Josh Allen and the last one for longtime defensive tackle Kyle Williams. As of the 2023 season, this is the only time where McDermott has not led the Bills to the playoffs as head coach. It is also the Bills' most recent losing season.

Until the 2022 season, this was the last time the Bills lost to the Dolphins.

Offseason

On May 1, 2018, three weeks after the 2017–18 Buffalo Sabres season ended, team president Russ Brandon announced his resignation from Pegula Sports and Entertainment. [1] In a statement to the press, Brandon stated that the departure had been planned since he had reached 20 years with the Bills in November 2017 and that he fulfilled his duties to the Bills and Sabres for the remainder of the Sabres' season before tendering his resignation. A report in The Buffalo News claimed that Brandon had been subject to an internal investigation regarding inappropriate relationships with female employees; [2] neither the Bills, Sabres nor Brandon mentioned such in their statements. [3]

Transactions

Front office changes

PositionNameReason2018 replacementDateNotes
President Russ Brandon Resigned Kim Pegula May 1

Free Agency

Arrivals

PositionPlayer2017 TeamDate signedNotes
CB Vontae Davis Indianapolis Colts February 26, 2018 [4] 1-year/$5 million
RB Chris Ivory Jacksonville Jaguars March 6, 2018 [5] 2-year/$5.5 million
DE Owa Odighizuwa New York Giants March 8, 2018 [6] Reserve/future
CB Rafael Bush New Orleans Saints March 14, 2018 [7] 2-year/$4.5 million
DT Star Lotulelei Carolina Panthers March 14, 2018 [8] 5-year/$50 million
LB Julian Stanford New York Jets March 14, 2018 [8] 2-year/$3 million
LB/DE Trent Murphy Washington Redskins March 14, 2018 [8] 3-year/$22.5 million
QB A. J. McCarron Cincinnati Bengals March 14, 2018 [8] 2-year/$10 million
C Russell Bodine Cincinnati Bengals March 19, 2018 [9] 2-year/5 million
OT Marshall Newhouse Oakland Raiders March 19, 2018 [10] 1-year
WR Jeremy Kerley New York Jets April 16, 2018 [11] 1-year
DT Tenny Palepoi Los Angeles Chargers April 16, 2018 [11] 1-year
QB Matt Barkley Cincinnati Bengals October 31, 2018 [12]
P Colton Schmidt Buffalo Bills October 31, 2018 [12]

Departures

PositionPlayer2018 TeamDate signedNotes
OT Seantrel Henderson Houston Texans March 14, 2018 [13]
LB Preston Brown Cincinnati Bengals March 16, 2018 [14]
WR Deonte Thompson Dallas Cowboys March 22, 2018 [15]
CB E.J. Gaines Cleveland Browns March 23, 2018 [16]
WR Jordan Matthews New England Patriots April 6, 2018 [17]

Draft

2018 Buffalo Bills draft
RoundPickPlayerPositionCollegeNotes
17 Josh Allen  *  Quarterback Wyoming From Tampa Bay
116 Tremaine Edmunds  *  Linebacker Virginia Tech From Baltimore
396 Harrison Phillips   Defensive tackle Stanford From Philadelphia
4121 Taron Johnson   Cornerback Weber State
5154 Siran Neal   Safety Jacksonville State From Baltimore
5166 Wyatt Teller  *  Guard Virginia TechFrom Jacksonville
6187 Ray-Ray McCloud   Wide receiver Clemson From Cincinnati
7255 Austin Proehl  Wide receiver North Carolina From Tampa Bay
      Made roster    *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

Draft trades

Trades

Player/picks acquiredFromDate tradedPlayers/picks tradedSource
2018 3rd-round pick (65th overall) Cleveland Browns March 14, 2018QB Tyrod Taylor [21]
2018 1st-round pick (12th overall)
2018 6th-round pick (187th overall)		 Cincinnati Bengals March 14, 2018T Cordy Glenn
2018 1st-round pick (21st overall)
2018 5th-round pick (158th overall)		 [22]
WR Corey Coleman Cleveland Browns August 5, 20182020 7th-round pick [23]
2019 5th-round pick Oakland Raiders September 1, 2018QB A. J. McCarron [24]

Staff

2018 Buffalo Bills staff

Front office

  • Owner/CEO – Terry Pegula
  • Owner/president – Kim Pegula
  • General manager – Brandon Beane
  • Assistant general manager – Joe Schoen
  • Director of player personnel – Dan Morgan
  • College scouting director – Terrance Gray
  • Senior VP of football administration – Jim Overdorf
  • Assistant director of college scouting – Lake Dawson
  • Director of pro personnel – Malik Boyd
  • Director of football administration – Kevin Meganck
  • Director of football operations – Brendan Rowe

Head coaches

  • Head coach – Sean McDermott
  • Assistant to the head coach – Matt Worswick

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches
  • Defensive coordinator – Leslie Frazier
  • Defensive line – Bill Teerlinck
  • Assistant defensive line – Aaron Whitecotton
  • Linebackers – Bob Babich
  • Defensive backs – John Butler
  • Safeties – Bobby Babich
  • Defensive assistant – Jim Salgado
  • Defensive quality control/assistant linebackers – John Egorugwu

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

  • Head strength and conditioning – Eric Ciano
  • Assistant strength and conditioning – Hal Luther
  • Assistant strength and conditioning – Will Greenberg
  • Strength and conditioning assistant – Jason Oszvart
  • Strength and conditioning assistant – Mark Loecher

Final roster

2018 Buffalo Bills final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists


Practice squad


Rookies in italics
53 active, 7 inactive, 10 practice squad

Preseason

The Bills' preseason opponents and schedule was announced on April 11, 2018. [25] For the first time since 2001, the Detroit Lions, who the Bills played in Week 15, were not included on the preseason schedule.

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordVenueRecap
1August 9 Carolina Panthers L 23–280–1 New Era Field Recap
2August 17at Cleveland Browns W 19–171–1 FirstEnergy Stadium Recap
3August 26 Cincinnati Bengals L 13–261–2New Era Field Recap
4August 30at Chicago Bears W 28–272–2 Soldier Field Recap

Regular season

Schedule

The Bills' 2018 schedule was announced on April 19, 2018.

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordVenueRecap
1 September 9at Baltimore Ravens L 3–470–1 M&T Bank Stadium Recap
2 September 16 Los Angeles Chargers L 20–310–2 New Era Field Recap
3 September 23at Minnesota Vikings W 27–61–2 U.S. Bank Stadium Recap
4 September 30at Green Bay Packers L 0–221–3 Lambeau Field Recap
5 October 7 Tennessee Titans W 13–122–3New Era Field Recap
6 October 14at Houston Texans L 13–202–4 NRG Stadium Recap
7 October 21at Indianapolis Colts L 5–372–5 Lucas Oil Stadium Recap
8 October 29 New England Patriots L 6–252–6New Era Field Recap
9 November 4 Chicago Bears L 9–412–7New Era Field Recap
10 November 11at New York Jets W 41–103–7 MetLife Stadium Recap
11 Bye
12 November 25 Jacksonville Jaguars W 24–214–7New Era Field Recap
13 December 2at Miami Dolphins L 17–214–8 Hard Rock Stadium Recap
14 December 9 New York Jets L 23–274–9New Era Field Recap
15 December 16 Detroit Lions W 14–135–9New Era Field Recap
16 December 23at New England Patriots L 12–245–10 Gillette Stadium Recap
17 December 30 Miami Dolphins W 42–176–10New Era Field Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: at Baltimore Ravens

Week One: Buffalo Bills at Baltimore Ravens – Game summary
Period1234Total
Bills00303
Ravens141214747

at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

Game information

Played in heavy rain, the lopsided game saw a dominant performance from Ravens QB Joe Flacco, who completed 25 of 34 passes for 236 yards and three touchdowns against the Bills defense before handing the reigns off to rookie Lamar Jackson. Buffalo was unable to keep pace on offense, finishing without a first down until the third quarter. Bills QB Nathan Peterman completed just 5/18 attempts for 24 yards and two interceptions, good for a 0.0 passer rating before being benched for rookie Josh Allen in the third quarter. With a final score of 47–3 in favor of Baltimore, Buffalo suffered its worst season-opening loss ever and opened the 2018 season 0–1. [26]

Week 2: vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Week Two: Los Angeles Chargers at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
Period1234Total
Chargers14140331
Bills067720

at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York

Game information

QB Josh Allen made his first career start in place of Nathan Peterman. [27] This was also CB Vontae Davis' last game in the NFL as he abruptly retired during halftime after 10 seasons. Veteran LB Lorenzo Alexander called Davis' decision "disrespectful" and that he had "never seen it, ever." [28] Star RB LeSean McCoy left the game after suffering a strained rib muscle early in the second half. [27]

Week 3: at Minnesota Vikings

Week Three: Buffalo Bills at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period1234Total
Bills17100027
Vikings00066

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

In Josh Allen's second NFL start, he went 15/22 for 196 yards and a TD, earning him a 111.2 passer rating. He also added 39 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. The defense also sacked Vikings QB Kirk Cousins four times and intercepted him once. The Bills won this game despite being 16.5-point betting underdogs. [29]

Week 4: at Green Bay Packers

Week Four: Buffalo Bills at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
Period1234Total
Bills00000
Packers6103322

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Game information

Despite holding the Aaron Rodgers-led Packers offense to just 22 points and forcing two turnovers, which included a Jordan Poyer interception, the Bills were unable to garner any points. With the team's first shutout loss since 2008, Buffalo fell to 1–3. [30]

Week 5: vs. Tennessee Titans

Week Five: Tennessee Titans at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
Period1234Total
Titans330612
Bills703313

at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York

Game information

With RB LeSean McCoy back to full health, the Bills maintained a run-heavy offensive game plan. QB Josh Allen scored his third rushing touchdown of the season and the Bills held the Titans offense, led by QB Marcus Mariota, in check in a defensive battle, aided by a Taron Johnson interception in the second quarter. The Bills maintained the lead throughout the game until the fourth quarter, but sealed the win with a 46-yard Steven Hauschka FG as time expired, improving the Bills to 2–3 on the season. [31]

Week 6: at Houston Texans

Week Six: Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans – Game summary
Period1234Total
Bills006713
Texans7301020

at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

Game information

The Bills defense only allowed 216 yards from the Texans offense, sacking QB Deshaun Watson seven times and forcing three turnovers, but an inept performance by special teams gave the Texans good field position in the first half as Houston jumped to a 10–0 halftime lead. After leading the Bills to a field goal and moving the offense back into Texans territory a few drives later, Josh Allen was injured by a late hit from Texans LB Whitney Mercilus and was replaced by Nathan Peterman, who put the Bills in the lead with a touchdown pass to WR Zay Jones. However, after Houston tied the game at 13–13 late in the fourth quarter, Peterman threw two interceptions, including a pick-six to Texans CB Johnathan Joseph, which sealed the loss for Buffalo, dropping the team to 2–4. [32]

Week 7: at Indianapolis Colts

Week Seven: Buffalo Bills at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Period1234Total
Bills00505
Colts02401337

at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

  • Date: October 21
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 56,848
  • Referee: Brad Allen
  • TV announcers (CBS): Spero Dedes and Adam Archuleta
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

After Allen's injury in the previous game against the Texans and Peterman's poor performance in his relief, recently signed third-stringer Derek Anderson was named the starter on October 17, 2018. Sadly, not even Anderson could help the Bills, who suffered their worst loss since Week 1, as they were on the wrong end of a final score of 37–5, dropping to 2–5. [33] This was the first NFL game to ever end in the score of 37–5. [34]

Week 8: vs. New England Patriots

Week Eight: New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
Period1234Total
Patriots3631325
Bills03306

at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York

Game information

In the first Monday Night Football game hosted by Buffalo since losing to the Cleveland Browns, the Bills defense held up again, holding QB Tom Brady out of the end zone and limiting the Patriots to three Stephen Gostkowski field goals in the first half, but a late rushing touchdown by Patriots RB James White and a subsequent pick-six by CB Devin McCourty sealed yet another Patriots win over the Bills, with McCourty's interception occurring immediately after an overturned touchdown pass from Derek Anderson to Bills TE Jason Croom. [35] The Bills retired RB Thurman Thomas' No. 34 jersey during halftime, with longtime ESPN host Chris Berman delivering the introductory speech. [36]

Week 9: vs. Chicago Bears

Week Nine: Chicago Bears at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
Period1234Total
Bears02831041
Bills00369

at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York

Game information

After Derek Anderson suffered a concussion in the previous game, Nathan Peterman made the start with the team with Josh Allen still out. The Bills continued their losing skid to four games with the 41–9 loss and fell to 2–7, matching their loss total from all of 2017.

Week 10: at New York Jets

Week Ten: Buffalo Bills at New York Jets – Game summary
Period1234Total
Bills14177341
Jets037010

at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Game information

Recently signed quarterback Matt Barkley was named the starter against the New York Jets. The Bills snapped their four-game losing streak, dominating the Jets 41–10. [37] Barkley's efficient performance in the win, coupled with the improving health of Josh Allen, led to the release of Nathan Peterman the following evening. [38]

Week 12: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Week Twelve: Jacksonville Jaguars at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
Period1234Total
Jaguars0140721
Bills14001024

at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York

  • Date: November 25
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 44 °F (7 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 57,799
  • Referee: Walt Coleman
  • TV announcers (CBS): Spero Dedes and Adam Archuleta
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

In a rematch of the 2017 wild-card game with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Bills attained an early 14–0 lead, thanks to a rushing touchdown by newly signed WR/KR Isaiah McKenzie and a 75-yard touchdown strike from Josh Allen to WR Robert Foster. However, Jacksonville fought back with two rushing touchdowns from RB Leonard Fournette in the second quarter. Jacksonville was in position to claim the lead in the third quarter following a 30-yard reception by WR Donte Moncrief that put the Jaguars at the Bills 1-yard line, but a brawl that led to Fournette and Bills DE Shaq Lawson getting ejected plus two penalties on the Jaguars and defensive stops by the Bills forced the Jaguars to settle for a field goal attempt by Josh Lambo, who promptly missed. [39] The Bills then reclaimed the lead the following drive with a 14-yard touchdown run by Allen, then iced the game with a Jordan Poyer interception of QB Blake Bortles and subsequent Stephen Hauschka field goal, which was too much for Jacksonville to overcome despite scoring a touchdown afterwards. With the win, the Bills improved to 4–7. [40]

Week 13: at Miami Dolphins

Week Thirteen: Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Period1234Total
Bills063817
Dolphins770721

at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

  • Date: December 2
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 86 °F (30 °C), partly cloudy
  • Game attendance: 65,155
  • Referee: Shawn Hochuli
  • TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon and James Lofton
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Buffalo outgained Miami in terms of total offense, with 415 yards compared to just 175, but their struggles on special teams and penalties gave the Dolphins short fields and allowed QB Ryan Tannehill to pass for three touchdowns, including the eventual 13-yard game winner to WR Kenny Stills. The game came down to the final moments, when Josh Allen, who compiled 366 total yards on the day, attempted a fourth down pass to TE Charles Clay, who dropped it just outside the end zone. The failed conversion sealed the loss for the Bills as the team fell to 4–8. [41]

Week 14: vs. New York Jets

Week Fourteen: New York Jets at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
Period1234Total
Jets31001427
Bills1433323

at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York

  • Date: December 9
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 31 °F (−1 °C), fair
  • Game attendance: 59,119
  • Referee: Alex Kemp
  • TV announcers (CBS): Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta, and Otis Livingston
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

A late touchdown by Jets running back Elijah McGuire proved to be the game-winning score with just over a minute left. With the loss, the Bills fell to 4–9 and were eliminated from playoff contention. Linebacker Matt Milano suffered a broken fibula late in the game, ending his season. [42]

Week 15: vs. Detroit Lions

Week Fifteen: Detroit Lions at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
Period1234Total
Lions0130013
Bills070714

at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York

  • Date: December 16
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 39 °F (4 °C), rain
  • Game attendance: 59,110
  • Referee: Jerome Boger
  • TV announcers (Fox): Joe Davis, Brady Quinn and Bruce Feldman
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

With running backs LeSean McCoy and Chris Ivory both injured, the Bills relied offensively on Josh Allen and backup halfbacks Marcus Murphy and Keith Ford, who both left the game at some point with their own injuries. Allen passed for 204 yards and a touchdown, adding a rushing score on 16 yards on the ground, as the Bills defense stifled the Lions offense throughout the game except the second quarter. Lions kicker Matt Prater missed a field goal and was unable to kick an extra point earlier due to a botched snap, allowing the Bills to win 14–13. [43]

Week 16: at New England Patriots

Week Sixteen: Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots – Game summary
Period1234Total
Bills006612
Patriots777324

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Game information

Allen's first game against the New England Patriots did not fare well for the Bills, as the Patriots won the game 24–12 to clinch the AFC East. In addition, the Bills' special teams unit struggled again. [44] However, the defense was able to limit Tom Brady to just 126 passing yards, one touchdown with two interceptions, but also gave up a massive 273 rushing yards on 47 carries as they were torched by the Patriots rushing offense in the ugly loss. [45]

Week 17: vs. Miami Dolphins

Week Seventeen: Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
Period1234Total
Dolphins0143017
Bills140141442

at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York

  • Date: December 30
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 33 °F (1 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 67,420
  • Referee: John Hussey
  • TV announcers (CBS): Beth Mowins and Steve Beuerlein
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Similar to the previous year's season finale, a fight broke out between the Bills and Dolphins in the second half. After Dolphins linebacker and former Bill Kiko Alonso collided with Josh Allen, Alonso, along with Dolphins DE Robert Quinn and Bills lineman Jordan Mills, were ejected following the scuffle. [46] Despite a close first half, the Bills won 42–17 to finish the 2018 season at 6–10. This was also the final NFL game for longtime defensive tackle Kyle Williams, as he announced his intention to retire after the season's conclusion. [47]

Standings

Division

AFC East
WLTPCTDIVCONFPFPASTK
(2) New England Patriots 1150.6885–18–4436325W2
Miami Dolphins 790.4384–26–6319433L3
Buffalo Bills 6100.3752–44–8269374W1
New York Jets 4120.2501–53–9333441L3

Conference

AFC
#TeamDivisionWLTPCTDIVCONFSOSSOVSTK
Division leaders
1 [lower-alpha 1] Kansas City Chiefs West1240.7505–110–2.480.401W1
2 [lower-alpha 2] New England Patriots East1150.6885–18–4.482.494W2
3 [lower-alpha 2] Houston Texans South1150.6884–29–3.471.435W1
4 Baltimore Ravens North1060.6253–38–4.496.450W3
Wild Cards
5 [lower-alpha 1] Los Angeles Chargers West1240.7504–29–3.477.422W1
6 Indianapolis Colts South1060.6254–27–5.465.456W4
Did not qualify for the postseason
7 Pittsburgh Steelers North961.5944–1–16–5–1.504.448W1
8 Tennessee Titans South970.5633–35–7.520.465L1
9 Cleveland Browns North781.4693–2–15–6–1.516.411L1
10 Miami Dolphins East790.4384–26–6.469.446L3
11 [lower-alpha 3] Denver Broncos West6100.3752–44–8.523.464L4
12 [lower-alpha 3] Cincinnati Bengals North6100.3751–54–8.535.448L2
13 [lower-alpha 3] Buffalo Bills East6100.3752–44–8.523.411W1
14 Jacksonville Jaguars South5110.3131–54–8.549.463L1
15 [lower-alpha 4] New York Jets East4120.2501–53–9.506.438L3
16 [lower-alpha 4] Oakland Raiders West4120.2501–53–9.547.406L1
Tiebreakers [lower-alpha 5]
  1. 1 2 Kansas City finished ahead of LA Chargers based on division record.
  2. 1 2 New England finished ahead of Houston based on head-to-head victory.
  3. 1 2 3 Denver finished ahead of Cincinnati and Buffalo based on strength of victory. Cincinnati finished ahead of Buffalo based on record vs. common opponents. Cincinnati's cumulative record against Baltimore, Indianapolis, the Los Angeles Chargers and Miami was 3–2, compared to Buffalo's 1–4 cumulative record against the same four teams.
  4. 1 2 NY Jets finished ahead of Oakland based on strength of victory.
  5. ↑ When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest ranked remaining team from each division.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 Buffalo Bills season</span> 55th season in franchise history; first under Pegula ownership

The 2014 Buffalo Bills season was the franchise's 45th season in the National Football League (NFL), 55th season of competition, second and final under head coach Doug Marrone and the first in franchise history without Ralph Wilson as owner. The Bills defense continued its strong play from last season, finishing first in the league with 54 quarterback sacks. Overall, the Bills improved on their 6–10 record from 2013, finishing with a 9–7 record, their first winning season since 2004, yet they still missed the playoffs after a Week 16 loss to the Oakland Raiders.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 Philadelphia Eagles season</span> 82nd season in franchise history

The 2014 Philadelphia Eagles season was the franchise's 82nd season in the National Football League (NFL) and the second under head coach Chip Kelly. The Eagles led the NFC East for most of the year, but when the Dallas Cowboys defeated the Indianapolis Colts in week 16, they were eliminated from playoff contention.

The 2014 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season was the franchise's 39th season in the National Football League (NFL). It was also the first season under head coach Lovie Smith, replacing Greg Schiano, who was fired at the end of the 2013 season. It was also the first season under general manager Jason Licht, following the departure of Mark Dominik, after a disappointing 2013 season. It also marked the first season under new ownership since 1994, after longtime owner Malcolm Glazer died on May 28, 2014. Glazer's sons took over team operations.

The 2016 season was the Tennessee Titans franchise's 47th in the National Football League (NFL) and their 57th overall. It also marked the franchise's 20th season in the state of Tennessee as well as the first full season under head coach Mike Mularkey, who served as the team's interim head coach for the last nine games of the 2015 season.

The 2017 season was the Los Angeles Chargers' 48th in the National Football League (NFL), their 58th overall, their second in the Greater Los Angeles Area and their first under head coach Anthony Lynn. It was the Chargers' first season in Los Angeles since their inaugural 1960 season, when they were in the AFL, as the team exercised its option to move back to the city and join the Los Angeles Rams on January 12, 2017. The 2017 season was the first of three seasons played at StubHub Center prior to the new stadium in Inglewood being completed in 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 Buffalo Bills season</span> 58th season in franchise history; return to playoffs after 17-year drought

The 2017 Buffalo Bills season was the franchise's 58th overall season, 48th in the National Football League (NFL) and third full season under the ownership of Terry and Kim Pegula. The season was the first under the leadership of general manager Brandon Beane and head coach Sean McDermott. On December 31, 2017, the final week of the regular season, the Bills finally ended their 18-year playoff drought with the Bills winning 22–16 over the Dolphins and the Cincinnati Bengals upsetting the Baltimore Ravens 31–27.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 Miami Dolphins season</span> 52nd season in franchise history

The 2017 Miami Dolphins season was the franchise's 48th season in the National Football League (NFL), the 52nd overall and the second under head coach Adam Gase. The team came off from a 10-6 record and a playoff appearance for the first time since 2008. They were seen as potential playoff contenders and looked to make consecutive playoff seasons for the first time since the 2000 and 2001 seasons. However, the team was affected by the loss of starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who tore his ACL during practice and was ruled out for the season. The team turned to former Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, who came out of retirement to become Tannehill's replacement and team's starter. After Tannehill got injured, coach Adam Gase called former Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning about possibly coming out of retirement and taking Tannehill's place. However Manning later declined the idea of coming out of retirement. Gase was the QB coach and offensive coordinator of Peyton's Broncos between the 2012 and 2014 seasons. Additionally, the Dolphins were also one of the teams Peyton considered signing with following his release by the Colts in 2012. Later during the season, the team traded starting running back Jay Ajayi to the eventual champion Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a 2018 fourth round draft pick on October 31.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 Houston Texans season</span> 16th season in franchise history; last full one under ownership of Bob McNair

The 2017 Houston Texans season was the franchise's 16th season in the National Football League (NFL) and the fourth under head coach Bill O'Brien. With the Texans' loss at the Titans in Week 13, Houston exceeded their loss total (7) from 2014, 2015 and 2016. The Texans clinched their first losing season since 2013, and finished in last place in the AFC South for the first time since 2013. The Texans also missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 Jacksonville Jaguars season</span> American National Football League season

The 2017 season was the Jacksonville Jaguars' 23rd in the National Football League (NFL) and their first under head coach Doug Marrone. Marrone was hired after acting as the team's interim head coach for the final two games of the 2016 season. The team improved on their 3–13 record from 2016 and ended their 10-year playoff drought dating back to 2008 with a Week 15 win over the Houston Texans. They also secured their first winning season since 2007 after a 30–24 win over the Seattle Seahawks. On December 24, 2017, they clinched their third division title, and their first AFC South title following a Tennessee Titans loss. They won the wild card game against the Buffalo Bills 10–3, then headed to Pittsburgh, beating the Pittsburgh Steelers 45–42 to advance to the AFC Championship to face the New England Patriots, the first time that they had made the AFC Championship game since 1999. Despite leading for much of the game, the Jaguars would allow two fourth quarter touchdowns, and ultimately lost to the Patriots 24–20.

The 2018 season was the Los Angeles Chargers' 49th in the National Football League (NFL), their 59th overall, their third in the Greater Los Angeles Area and their second under head coach Anthony Lynn.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 Baltimore Ravens season</span> 23rd season in franchise history

The 2018 season was the Baltimore Ravens' 23rd in the National Football League (NFL), their 11th under head coach John Harbaugh, and their 17th and final season under general manager Ozzie Newsome.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 New England Patriots season</span> 59th season in franchise history, sixth Super Bowl win

The 2018 season was the New England Patriots' 49th in the National Football League (NFL), their 59th overall and their 19th under head coach Bill Belichick. The Patriots entered the season as two-time defending AFC champions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 Houston Texans season</span> 17th season in franchise history

The 2018 season was the Houston Texans' 17th season in the National Football League (NFL) and their fifth under head coach Bill O'Brien. This marked the first season since 2005 that Rick Smith would not be the general manager as he took a leave of absence for family reasons. Despite an 0–3 start, their first in a decade, the Texans surpassed their win total from the previous season with a Week 8 win over the Miami Dolphins. They had a franchise record 9 consecutive wins that also broke the NFL record for most consecutive wins after starting 0–3. The streak ended with a Week 14 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. With a Week 15 win over the New York Jets, the Texans clinched their first 10-win season under head coach Bill O’Brien, their first 10-win season since 2012 and their third 10-win season in franchise history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 Indianapolis Colts season</span> 66th season in franchise history; final one with Andrew Luck

The 2018 season was the Indianapolis Colts' 66th in the National Football League (NFL) and their 35th in Indianapolis. It was also their first season under head coach Frank Reich and second under the leadership of general manager Chris Ballard. Despite a 1–5 start, the Colts managed to improve on their 4–12 campaign from the year prior with a 38–10 victory over the Tennessee Titans, and a 5-game winning streak. On Week 16, the Colts achieved their first winning season since 2014 with a 28–27 win against the New York Giants. The next week, they beat the Tennessee Titans in a win or go home match-up to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2014 and became the third team in NFL history to qualify for the playoffs after a 1–5 start and first since the 2015 Chiefs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 Tennessee Titans season</span> 59th season in franchise history

The 2018 Tennessee Titans season was the franchise's 49th season in the National Football League (NFL) and their 59th overall. It also marked the franchise's 22nd season in the state of Tennessee, their first under head coach Mike Vrabel, and the first with new uniforms and blue helmets, as they have worn white helmets since the club was based in Houston, Texas. This season marked the third of four straight in which the Titans finished 9–7. The Titans failed to qualify for the postseason after losing a Week 17 win-and-in contest against their division rival Indianapolis Colts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2019 Buffalo Bills season</span> National Football League team season

The 2019 season was the Buffalo Bills' 60th overall, 50th in the National Football League (NFL), fifth full under the ownership of Terry and Kim Pegula and third under the head coach/general manager tandem of Sean McDermott and Brandon Beane.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2019 New York Jets season</span> 60th season in franchise history

The 2019 season was the New York Jets' 50th in the National Football League (NFL), their 60th overall in professional football, their 10th playing home games at MetLife Stadium, their first under general manager Joe Douglas and their first under head coach Adam Gase. This year the team began featuring a new logo and uniform for the first time since 1998. With this new uniform design, the Jets began going for a modern appearance, tweaking the shade of green and adding a black accent similar to what the Arizona Cardinals did in 2005.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2020 Buffalo Bills season</span> 61st season in franchise history; first division title and playoff win since 1995

The 2020 season was the Buffalo Bills' 61st as a franchise, 51st in the National Football League (NFL), the sixth full season under the ownership of Terry and Kim Pegula and fourth under the head coach/general manager tandem of Sean McDermott and Brandon Beane. After acquiring players such as Stefon Diggs, Mario Addison, and A. J. Klein during the offseason, the Bills offense, led by quarterback Josh Allen, took another step forward, scoring a franchise-record 501 points and leading the Bills to 13 wins in the regular season, and their first playoff wins and first AFC Championship appearance of the 21st century.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2021 Buffalo Bills season</span> 62nd season in franchise history

The 2021 season was the Buffalo Bills' 52nd in the National Football League (NFL), seventh full under the ownership of Terry and Kim Pegula, and their fifth under the head coach/general manager tandem of Sean McDermott and Brandon Beane.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 Baltimore Ravens season</span> 27th season in franchise history

The 2022 season was the Baltimore Ravens' 27th in the National Football League (NFL) and their 15th under head coach John Harbaugh. They improved on their 8–9 record from the previous season and qualified for the postseason after missing the playoffs the previous season.

References

  1. ↑ "Pegula Sports & Entertainment on Twitter".
  2. ↑ "Russ Brandon resigns from Bills, Sabres after internal investigation". May 1, 2018.
  3. ↑ Rodak, Mike (May 2018). "Russ Brandon, president of Bills and Sabres, resigns". ESPN . Retrieved May 1, 2018.
  4. ↑ "Vontae Davis agrees to terms on 1-year deal with Bills". NFL.com .
  5. ↑ "Bills agree to terms with RB Chris Ivory". buffalobills.com. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  6. ↑ "Bills sign free agent DE Owa Odighizuwa". buffalobills.com. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  7. ↑ Erickson, Joel A. "Former Saints safety Rafael Bush signs with Bills". The Advocate.
  8. 1 2 3 4 "Bills confirm two trades, and sign five defensive players and QB A. J. McCarron". Democrat & Chronicle.
  9. ↑ "Russell Bodine Buffalo Bills contract details show he's essentially a roster lock". buffalorumblings.com. March 23, 2018.
  10. ↑ "Bills' Marshall Newhouse: Signs with Buffalo". CBS Sports.
  11. 1 2 "Bills sign Kerley and Palepoi". buffalobills.com. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  12. 1 2 Brown, Chris (October 31, 2018). "Bills sign QB Matt Barkley, re-sign P Colton Schmidt". buffalobills.com. Retrieved October 31, 2018.
  13. ↑ "Seantrel Henderson: Inks deal with Texans".
  14. ↑ Spotrac.com. "Preston Brown". Spotrac.com.
  15. ↑ "Cowboys sign WR Thompson to 1-year deal". March 22, 2018.
  16. ↑ "Browns pad secondary with signing of Gaines". March 23, 2018.
  17. ↑ "Patriots sign WR Jordan Matthews | New England Patriots". Archived from the original on May 10, 2018. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  18. ↑ Brown, Chris (April 26, 2018). "Bills trade up with Bucs to land QB Josh Allen". Buffalo Bills. Archived from the original on April 27, 2018. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  19. ↑ Barber, Kyle (April 26, 2018). "2018 NFL Draft: Baltimore Ravens trade down with Buffalo Bills". Baltimore Beatdown. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  20. 1 2 Brown, Chris (March 14, 2018). "Trades land Bills bevy of draft assets". Buffalo Bills. Archived from the original on March 16, 2018. Retrieved March 16, 2018.
  21. ↑ Overthecap.com. "Tyrod Taylor Contract Details, Salary Cap Charges, Bonus Money - Over The Cap".
  22. ↑ "Buffalo Bills trading Cordy Glenn to Cincinnati Bengals". NFL.com .
  23. ↑ Knoblauch, Austin (August 6, 2018). "Browns trade Corey Coleman to Bills for draft pick". NFL.com. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  24. ↑ Teope, Herbie (September 1, 2018). "Oakland Raiders acquire AJ McCarron in trade with Bills". NFL.com. Retrieved September 2, 2018.
  25. ↑ Brown, Chris (April 11, 2018). "Bills 2018 preseason opens at home". BuffaloBills.com. Buffalo Bills. Archived from the original on April 14, 2018. Retrieved April 13, 2018.
  26. ↑ "Ravens get defensive in 47-3 rout of inept Bills". ESPN. Associated Press. September 9, 2018.
  27. 1 2 Rodak, Mike (September 16, 2018). "Josh Allen can't save Bills in loss to Chargers". ESPN. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  28. ↑ Joseph, Andrew (September 16, 2018). "Vontae Davis' mid-game retirement had Bills linebacker stunned". FTW. USA Today. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  29. ↑ Talbot, Ryan (September 23, 2018). "Buffalo Bills pull off third biggest upset in NFL history vs. Minnesota Vikings". NewYorkUpstate.com. Retrieved September 25, 2018.
  30. ↑ Packers put together complete effort in 22-0 win over Bills
  31. ↑ "Bills beat Titans 13-12 on Hauschka's 46-yard field goal". ESPN. Associated Press. October 7, 2018. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  32. ↑ Ryan C Miller (October 14, 2018). "Josh Allen injures elbow and Buffalo turns to Nathan Peterman, who throws pick-six in loss". Democrat & Chronicle. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
  33. ↑ "Derek Anderson starting for Bills with Josh Allen out". NFL.com .
  34. ↑ "All Games in Pro Football History with a 37 to 5 score". Pro-Football-Reference.com .
  35. ↑ Brinson, Will (October 29, 2018). "Bills vs. Patriots final score, takeaways: Pats surge late vs. upstart underdogs for easy road win". CBS Sports. Retrieved November 4, 2018.
  36. ↑ Teope, Herbie (May 16, 2018). "Buffalo Bills to retire Thurman Thomas' No. 34 jersey". NFL.com . Retrieved October 29, 2018.[ title missing ]
  37. ↑ "Barkley, Bills light up listless Jets in 41-10 laugher". The Associated Press. CBS Sports. November 11, 2018. Retrieved November 19, 2018.
  38. ↑ Charles R. McDonald (November 12, 2018). "Buffalo Bills release Nathan Peterman, ending an awful quarterback era". SB Nation. Retrieved December 3, 2018.
  39. ↑ Brinson, Will. "Brawl after TD costs Jaguars seven points vs. Bills, leads to Leonard Fournette ejection". CBS Sports. Retrieved November 25, 2018.
  40. ↑ "Bills QB Allen returns to beat Jaguars, silence Ramsey". The Associated Press. Fox Sports. Retrieved November 25, 2018.
  41. ↑ "Bills vs. Dolphins - Game Summary - December 2, 2018". ESPN. December 2, 2018. Retrieved December 3, 2018.
  42. ↑ Sean Murphy (December 11, 2018). "Buffalo Bills place Matt Milano, Taron Johnson on injured reserve". Buffalo Rumblings. SB Nation. Retrieved December 12, 2018.
  43. ↑ Maiorana, Sal (December 16, 2018). "Fourth-quarter TD pass by Allen lifts Bills to victory over Lions". Democrat & Chronicle. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
  44. ↑ Warren, Matt (December 23, 2018). "Five takeaways: Buffalo Bills out-coached in latest loss to New England Patriots". Buffalo Rumblings. SB Nation. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
  45. ↑ McKenna, Henry (December 23, 2018). "Winners and losers from Patriots' ugly win over Bills". Patriots Wire. USA Today Sports. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
  46. ↑ Rodak, Mike; Wolfe, Cameron (December 30, 2018). "Kiko Alonso ejected following scrum set off by hit on sliding Josh Allen". ESPN. Retrieved December 31, 2018.
  47. ↑ Callari, Jenna (December 30, 2018). "Bills beat Dolphins 42-17 in season finale". WKBW-TV. Retrieved December 31, 2018.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.