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5 bold predictions for the Buffalo Bills in 2018

By Rucker Haringey

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 24: Head coach Sean McDermott of the Buffalo Bills looks on during the second quarter of a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 24: Head coach Sean McDermott of the Buffalo Bills looks on during the second quarter of a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 26: Josh Allen high fives fans after he is chosen as the seventh overall pick by the Buffalo Bills poses for photos during the first round at the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington Texas. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 26: Josh Allen high fives fans after he is chosen as the seventh overall pick by the Buffalo Bills poses for photos during the first round at the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington Texas. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Josh Allen won’t start a meaningful game

There’s no doubt that Allen is the quarterback Buffalo wants to build their future around. You don’t take a signal caller in the first round to keep him on the bench very long. However, Allen’s jump from college to the pros is going to be much larger than many of his peers.

When the bullets start flying in preseason action Allen’s lack of accuracy is going to really show up on film. The Bills coaching staff will ultimately realize he needs a lot of work before he’s ready to lead their offense. That means A.J. McCarron or (gasp) Nathan Peterman will begin the season as the team’s starting quarterback.

Eventually, the Bills will drop out of playoff contention and the pressure to play Allen will become too much for McDermott and company to bare. Starting him in meaningless games late in the year will be a useful exercise for everyone involved. Allen can get real world training and the coaching staff can get a better sense of how they need to build the offense around him.

Next: Bills look like they're going to rush Josh Allen's development

The question of just how many starts Allen will get this season will be a direct product of the team’s success. If they can stay in the playoff race until the end of the year, Allen should get comfortable on the sidelines. If they lose a ton of games early and the league runs away from them, look for Allen to get a good bit of work this season. Either way, don’t look for him to be all that successful in his rookie season.

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