The Buffalo Bills will be looking for their first return playoff trip in 21 seasons when they go to work on their 2020 NFL schedule. The Bills got their second AFC wild card in two years by finishing 10-6 last season, marking their best record in 20 years. This year, with the Patriots losing Tom Brady, the Bills should also have their eyes on their first AFC East title in 25 years.
Coach Sean McDermott came in making defense the backbone in Buffalo. But after overhauling offense at many positions last season, they still added wide receiver Stefon Diggs and running back Zack Moss. They should be more formidable with third-year QB Josh Allen this season.
The defense remains solid, despite having lost some depth. The big changes there involve the pass rush, where A.J. Epenesa, Quinton Jefferson and Mario Addison are key newcomers. They also have a new starting linebacker in A.J. Klein and extra cornerback punch with Josh Norman
McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane have built a roster capable of bigger things. Will the Bills hit on them in 2020?
Here is a complete breakdown of the Buffalo Bills’ 2020 schedule, including dates and start times for all 16 games and our early prediction.
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Buffalo Bills schedule 2020
Here is the complete Buffalo Bills schedule for the 2020 NFL season:
| Week | Date | Opponent | Kickoff time | TV |
| 1 | Sept. 13 | vs. Jets | 1 p.m. ET | CBS |
| 2 | Sept. 20 | at Dolphins | 1 p.m. ET | CBS |
| 3 | Sept. 27 | vs. Rams | 1 p.m. ET | Fox |
| 4 | Oct. 4 | at Raiders | 4:25 p.m. ET | CBS |
| 5 | Oct. 11 | at Titans | 1 p.m. ET | CBS |
| 6 | Oct. 15 | vs. Chiefs (TNF) | 8:20 p.m. ET | Fox/NFLN/Amazon |
| 7 | Oct. 25 | at Jets | 1 p.m. ET | CBS |
| 8 | Nov. 1 | vs. Patriots | 1 p.m. ET | CBS |
| 9 | Nov. 8 | vs. Seahawks | 1 p.m. ET | Fox |
| 10 | Nov. 15 | at Cardinals | 4:05 p.m. ET | CBS |
| 11 | BYE | — | — | — |
| 12 | Nov. 29 | vs. Chargers | 1 p.m. ET | CBS |
| 13 | Dec. 7 | at 49ers (MNF) | 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| 14 | Dec. 13 | vs. Steelers (SNF) | 8:20 p.m. ET | NBC |
| 15 | Dec. 19/20 | at Broncos | TBD | TBD |
| 16 | Dec. 28 | at Patriots (MNF) | 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| 17 | Jan. 3 | vs. Dolphins | 1 p.m. ET | CBS |
(For Canadian viewers, each game can be streamed on DAZN.)
The Bills face an interesting post-Brady AFC East slate. They are well ahead of the Jets and Dolphins in being positioned to be the new division power, but that won't become reality until they figure out the Patriots without Brady with the win or wins to show for it.
When they're not facing a mighty second-place schedule with the Steelers and the Titans, the Bills also facing the entire AFC West and NFC West. It's a good thing then Buffalo further upgraded it offense for that slate as a more marquee team for 2020.
MORE: Strength of schedule for all 32 teams in 2020
Bills strength of schedule & prediction
Whne you look at the combined 2019 record of the Bills opponents (134-121-1), that winning percentage of .525 suggests they are tied with the Falcons and Lions for the league's fifth-toughest schedule.
The Bills, when counting the Patriots twice, have 6 of 16 games against returning playoff teams. Their own division might be a little weaker, but they also face a lot of good teams from the two Wests. When projecting how many wins Buffalo's foes can get in 2020, the schedule become a little "easier" but is still very difficult. The Bills, however, bring equal might in their toughest games, especially at home.
Toughest tests: The Bills may have a good chance to detrhone the Patriots on paper, but that's a lot easier said than done because of Bill Belichick. Outside of the division, the home schedule has major challenges in the Chiefs, Seahawks and Steelers, three very good road teams.
There's no doubt where to find difficulty on the road. The Bills play both the NFC champion 49ers and AFC runner-up Titans. San Francisco, Las Vegas, Arizona and Denver collectively are all tricky Pacific/Mountain trips.
Biggest breaks: The Bills, much like the Patriots for many seasons, have it easier in their division than anywhere else. The Bills must sweep the Dolphins and Jets in true Patriots style, and spit with the latter to really feel good about a playoff return.
Outside the AFC East at home, drawing the two Los Angeles teams, the Rams and Chargers, for cross-country games is a nice boost. The one real road reprieve the Bills have is the Cardinals, however.
Bottom line: Bills Mafia may not have the same influence on the season, but there's reason for the fans to feel confident that the recent better days for their team aren't fluky. Should Allen take the next step as a passer and runner, there are few limitations for the offense. The defense has a steady floor and a spectacular ceiling. The strong coaching is evident, too.
When weighing their blend of upgraded talent vs. other teams, the Bills will remain a top-10 club. Just how high depends on Allen's play.
Record prediction: 11-5
