A lot can change in the span of one year, but at first glance the Bills’ 2013 slate looks to take a step up with its degree of difficulty.
This year, the Bills went up against two divisions -- the AFC South and the NFC West -- that were thought to be among the worst in the league heading into the season. Now, those divisions ended up being better than expected -- much improved play from Indianapolis and Seattle being the primary reasons for that -- but the Bills also went up against fellow doormats like Tennessee, Jacksonville and Arizona.
Next year, the Bills will face the AFC North and the NFC South. The AFC North features two 2012 playoff teams -- Baltimore and Cincinnati -- as well as Pittsburgh, a perennial contender that had a down 2012. The NFC South features the No. 1 playoff seed in the NFC -- Atlanta -- as well as three teams that underachieved and finished 7-9 (Carolina, New Orleans and Tampa Bay). It’s possible that all three of those teams bounce back next season given their respective talent levels.
One positive? Buffalo will play two of the worst teams in the league from this year -- Kansas City and Jacksonville -- because the Bills finished fourth in the AFC East. Buffalo’s 2013 opponents combined for a 121-135 record in 2012 (.473).
Bills 2013 schedule
Home: Baltimore, Cincinnati, Kansas City, Atlanta, Carolina, Miami, New England, New York Jets
Away: Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Miami, New England, New York Jets
For more updates on the Bills follow correspondent Mark Ludwiczak on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLBUF and @MarkLud12.
