5 bold predictions for the Buffalo Bills in 2018

Credit the Bills for acknowledging the fact that a 9-7 record isn’t good enough. That led to some bold decisions for Buffalo this offseason.

Sean McDermott heads into the 2018 in a pretty strange spot. His Bills team went 9-7 last season, but elected to really rebuild this summer. The second year coach could do a much better job in his second season and his team’s record could easily fall by three or four games.

That, of course, isn’t what Buffalo fans want to hear. The team’s passionate fans want to believe they can be playoff contenders this season. Unfortunately, the talent isn’t there to make that happen. In particular, questions as the quarterback position should plague the Bills for the foreseeable future.

That doesn’t mean it will be a boring year in Buffalo. It’s very likely quite a few players will drastically outperform their preseason expectations. We will examine five bold predictions for the Bills in 2018. Let’s start with a running back who could really surprise people.

5. Chris Ivory will rush for more than 500 yards

Last season, LeSean McCoy was given far too many carries in the Bills offense. The absence of a dynamic backup forced him to tote it 287 times. He managed to put up 1138 yards, but his average of four yards per carry wasn’t what Buffalo needed.

Fortunately, the Bills front office recognized this problem and got it some help this summer. Chris Ivory wasn’t the sexiest free agency signing of the year, but he might be the most effective move for Buffalo. Look for him to get a good chunk of carries to help McCoy stay fresh for the entire season.

Ivory only rushed for 382 yards with the Jets last season, but it’s reasonable to think he can enjoy more success in Buffalo. McDermott’s commitment to running the football should equal added productivity for the talented back. Don’t be surprised to see Ivory’s rushing total eclipse 500 yards in 2018. McCoy will still be the man in Buffalo, but at least he’ll have more help.