2017 Buffalo Bills season

The 2017 Buffalo Bills season was the franchise's 58th overall season, 48th in the National Football League 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 what would have been their 18-year playoff drought (previously the longest active drought in the NFL and the longest active playoff drought among the four major professional North American sport leagues) (the next active playoffs drought belongs to the Seattle Mariners of the MLB with their last playoffs appearance in 2001) (meanwhile the Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and New York Jets owned the NFL's longest playoffs missing them since 2002, 2007, and 2010 respectively) with the Bills winning 22–16 over the Dolphins and the Cincinnati Bengals upsetting the Baltimore Ravens 31–27. The Bills also improved on their 7–9 record from 2016 and clinched their first winning season since 2014 (when Doug Marrone was head coach).[1] However, the #6 seed Bills lost the Wild Card game against the #3 seed Jacksonville 10–3, extending their playoff victory drought to 22 years.

2017 Buffalo Bills season
OwnerTerry and Kim Pegula
General managerBrandon Beane
Head coachSean McDermott
Home fieldNew Era Field
Results
Record9–7
Division place2nd AFC East
Playoff finishLost Wild Card Playoffs
(at Jaguars) 3–10
Pro Bowlers
3
Uniform

Offseason

Beane joined the Bills after 19 seasons with the Carolina Panthers, the last two as assistant to then-general manager Dave Gettleman.[2] Beane, who signed an undisclosed deal on May 9, 2017, replaced Doug Whaley, who was fired by Pegula after the 2017 NFL Draft.[3] Whaley was fired, along with the team's entire scouting staff, on April 30, 2017, less than 12 hours after the conclusion of the 2017 NFL Draft.[4] Over the course of the 2016 offseason and into the 2017 season, many of Whaley's draft picks were purged from the roster in trades and cuts. Of the 28 players Whaley had drafted from 2014 to 2017, only nine were still on the roster by the end of August.[5] The 2017 season was also the first under McDermott, who spent the previous eight seasons as defensive coordinator, the last six with the Panthers.[6] McDermott, who signed an undisclosed deal on January 11, 2017, replaced Rex Ryan, who was fired along with his twin brother Rob on December 27, 2016.[7]

Transactions

Coaching staff
PositionNameReason2017 ReplacementDateNotes
Head coach Rex Ryan (Weeks 1–16), Anthony Lynn (Week 17) Fired (Ryan) Sean McDermott January 11
Defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman Fired Leslie Frazier January 13
Linebackers coach Bobby April III Fired Bob Babich January 13
Offensive line coach Aaron Kromer Fired Juan Castillo January 13
Defensive line coach John Blake Fired Mike Waufle January 14
Tight ends coach Tony Sparano, Jr. Fired Rob Boras January 17
Running backs coach Anthony Lynn (Weeks 1–2), Vacant (Weeks 3–17) Resigned[8] Kelly Skipper January 18
Offensive coordinator Greg Roman (Weeks 1–2), Anthony Lynn (Weeks 3–16) Fired (Roman) Rick Dennison January 19
Assistant offensive line coach Pat Meyer Fired Andrew Dees January 20
Quarterbacks coach David Lee Fired David Culley January 24
Wide receivers coach Sanjay Lal Fired Phil McGeoghan February 2
Defensive quality control coach position created John Egorugwu February 2
Offensive quality control coach position created Marc Lubick February 2
Assistant special teams coach Eric Smith Fired Matt Smiley February 2
Special teams quality control Kathryn Smith position abolished February 2
Assistant defensive line coach Jason Rebrovich Fired Bill Teerlinck February 2
Defensive backs coach Tim McDonald Fired Gill Byrd February 7
Assistant defensive backs coach Ed Reed Fired Bobby Babich February 7
Player engagement and alumni director Paul Lancaster Fired Marlon Kerner April 3
Assistant strength and conditioning coach Hal Luther Fired Will Greenberg April 3
Assistant athletic trainer Jason Rebrovich Fired Denny Kellington April 3

Front office
PositionNameReason2017 replacementDateNotes
General manager Doug Whaley Fired Brandon Beane May 9
Player personnel advisor Kelvin Fisher Fired Vacant
Assistant general manager Vacant Joe Schoen May 14
Player personnel director Jim Monos Fired Malik Boyd May 17
Assistant director of college scouting Vacant Lake Dawson May 18
National scout Vacant Marvin Allen May 18
National scout Vacant Brian Adams May 18
College scouting director Vacant Terrance Gray May 25
BLESTO scout Vacant Marcus Cooper May 25
Northeast area scout Vacant Pete Harris May 25
Pro scout Vacant Chris Marrow May 25

Arrivals
PositionPlayer2016 TeamDate signedNotes
LSReid FergusonNoneJanuary 2, 20172 years/$1.02 million (Reserve/Future)
RBCedric O'NealPhiladelphia EaglesJanuary 2, 20172 years/$1.02 million (Reserve/Future)
CBJoe PowellNew York GiantsJanuary 2, 20172 years/$1.02 million (Reserve/Future)
CBMax VallesBuffalo BillsJanuary 2, 20172 years/$1.02 million (Reserve/Future)
QBJosh WoodrumChicago BearsJanuary 2, 20172 years/$1.02 million (Reserve/Future)
SSColt AndersonBuffalo BillsJanuary 27, 20171-year extension/$900,000
LBRamon HumberNew England PatriotsFebruary 16, 20171 year/$900,000
FBMike TolbertCarolina PanthersMarch 8, 2017
SMicah HydeGreen Bay PackersMarch 9, 2017
SJordan PoyerCleveland BrownsMarch 9, 2017
FBPatrick DiMarcoAtlanta FalconsMarch 9, 2017
GVladimir DucasseBaltimore RavensMarch 9, 2017
KSteven HauschkaSeattle SeahawksMarch 9, 20174 years
WRCorey BrownCarolina PanthersMarch 12, 2017
DERyan DavisDallas CowboysMarch 13, 2017
WRJeremy ButlerSan Diego ChargersMarch 13, 2017
RBJoe BanyardJacksonville JaguarsMarch 17, 2017
CBLeonard JohnsonCarolina PanthersMarch 17, 2017
WRCorey WashingtonNoneMarch 17, 2017
WRAndre HolmesOakland RaidersMarch 18, 20173 years/$6.5 million
CBMarcus CromartieSan Francisco 49ersApril 7, 2017
TCameron JeffersonDenver BroncosApril 7, 2017
LBJacob LindseyNoneApril 7, 2017
DEJake MetzPhiladelphia EaglesApril 7, 2017
OLJordan MudgeNoneApril 7, 2017
DBBradley SylveNoneApril 7, 2017
LBJunior SylvestreIndianapolis ColtsApril 7, 2017
LBEddie YarbroughDenver BroncosApril 7, 2017
DEIan SeauLos Angeles RamsApril 10, 2017
QBT.J. YatesMiami DolphinsApril 10, 2017
STrae ElstonCleveland BrownsApril 21, 2017
CBShareece WrightBaltimore RavensMay 1, 20171 year
CBCharles JamesHouston Texans/Indianapolis ColtsMay 2, 2017
LBCarl BradfordSan Francisco 49ersMay 9, 2017
TEWes SaxtonWashington RedskinsMay 24, 2017
WRRod StreaterSan Francisco 49ersMay 24, 2017
LBGerald HodgesSan Francisco 49ersMay 25, 2017
CBGreg MabinNoneJune 1, 2017
WRRashad RossSan Francisco 49ersJune 6, 2017
SBacarri RamboMiami DolphinsJuly 25, 2017
LBSam BarringtonKansas City Chiefs/New Orleans SaintsJuly 25, 2017
OLKarim BartonTennessee TitansJuly 25, 2017
RBTaiwan JonesOakland RaidersAugust 2, 2017
WRAnquan BoldinDetroit LionsAugust 7, 20171 year/$2.75 million
CBJumal RolleBaltimore RavensAugust 12, 2017
TERory AndersonChicago BearsAugust 20, 2017
SAdrian McDonaldLos Angeles ChargersAugust 20, 2017
QBKeith WenningNoneAugust 28, 2017
QBJoe WebbCarolina PanthersSeptember 4, 2017
DTCedric ThorntonDallas CowboysSeptember 5, 2017
SShamarko ThomasPittsburgh SteelersOctober 3, 2017

Departures
PositionPlayer2017 TeamDate signedNotesSource
CBNickell Robey-ColemanLos Angeles RamsMarch 7, 2017
CBStephon GilmoreNew England PatriotsMarch 9, 20175 years/$65 million
WRRobert WoodsLos Angeles RamsMarch 9, 20175 years/$39 million
LSGarrison SanbornTampa Bay BuccaneersMarch 14, 20171 year/$950,000
QBE.J. ManuelOakland RaidersMarch 20, 20171 year/$800,000
RBMike GillisleeNew England PatriotsApril 24, 20172 years/$6.4 million
SCorey GrahamPhiladelphia EaglesAugust 3, 20171 year

Trades
Player/picks acquiredFromDate tradedPlayer/picks traded
Conditional 7th-round pickLos Angeles ChargersJuly 26, 2017Cardale Jones
E. J. Gaines
2nd-round pick		Los Angeles RamsAugust 11, 2017Sammy Watkins
6th-round pick
Jordan Matthews
3rd-round pick		Philadelphia EaglesAugust 11, 2017Ronald Darby
2019 4th-round pickKansas City ChiefsAugust 28, 2017Reggie Ragland
Kaelin Clay
2019 7th-round pick		Carolina PanthersSeptember 2, 2017Kevon Seymour
Conditional 6th-round pickJacksonville JaguarsOctober 27, 2017Marcell Dareus
Kelvin BenjaminCarolina PanthersOctober 31, 20173rd-round pick
7th-round pick

Cuts
PositionPlayerDateNotes / Source
TEGerald ChristianMarch 6, 2017
KDan CarpenterMarch 6, 2017
SPhillip ThomasMarch 6, 2017
WRMarcus EasleyMarch 8, 2017
SAaron WilliamsMarch 9, 2017
CBMarcus CromartieMay 11, 2017
CBMarcus RobersonMay 11, 2017
WRCorey WashingtonMay 11, 2017
LBJunior SylvestreMay 15, 2017
WRJeremy ButlerMay 15, 2017
TCyrus KouandjioMay 24, 2017
QBJosh WoodrumMay 24, 2017
CBCharles GainesMay 25, 2017
SJonathan DowlingJune 1, 2017
LBAnthony HarrellJuly 25, 2017
CPatrick LewisJuly 25, 2017
CBCharles JamesAugust 12, 2017
KAustin RehkowAugust 20, 2017
SBacarri RamboAugust 29, 2017
OLKarim BartonAugust 29, 2017
DEJake MetzAugust 29, 2017
RBCedric O'NealAugust 29, 2017
CBJumal RolleAugust 29, 2017
WRRashad RossAugust 29, 2017
QBKeith WenningSeptember 2, 2017
RBJordan JohnsonSeptember 2, 2017
WRJeremy ButlerSeptember 2, 2017
WRDezmin LewisSeptember 2, 2017
WRBrandon ReillySeptember 2, 2017
WRDaikiel ShortsSeptember 2, 2017
TERory AndersonSeptember 2, 2017
TEWes SaxtonSeptember 2, 2017
OLCameron JeffersonSeptember 2, 2017
OLJordan MudgeSeptember 2, 2017
OLMichael OlaSeptember 2, 2017
OGGreg PykeSeptember 2, 2017
OGZach VoytekSeptember 2, 2017
DEMarquavius LewisSeptember 2, 2017
DTNigel WilliamsSeptember 2, 2017
DEIan SeauSeptember 2, 2017
DEMax VallesSeptember 2, 2017
LBSam HarringtonSeptember 2, 2017
LBCarl BradfordSeptember 2, 2017
LBJacob LindseySeptember 2, 2017
CBMarcus SaylesSeptember 2, 2017
CBBradley SylveSeptember 2, 2017
SShamiel GarySeptember 2, 2017
SAdrian McDonaldSeptember 2, 2017
SJoe PowellSeptember 2, 2017
SB.T. SandersSeptember 2, 2017
RBJonathan WilliamsSeptember 3, 2017
LBGerald HodgesSeptember 3, 2017
CBMarcus SaylesSeptember 5, 2017
SB.T. SandersSeptember 5, 2017
CBGreg MabinSeptember 12, 2017
WRDaikiel ShortsSeptember 12, 2017
LBJelani JenkinsSeptember 19, 2017
SRobert BlantonOctober 3, 2017
DEEric LeeOctober 3, 2017

Retirements
PositionPlayerDateSource
WRPercy HarvinMarch 17, 2017
WRAnquan BoldinAugust 20, 2017

Draft
Main article: 2017 NFL draft
2017 Buffalo Bills draft
Round Pick Player Position College Notes
1 27 Tre'Davious White *  Cornerback LSU Trade from KC
2 37 Zay Jones  Wide receiver East Carolina Trade from LAR
2 63 Dion Dawkins *  Guard Temple Trade from ATL
5 163 Matt Milano *  Linebacker Boston College Compensatory pick from NE
5 171 Nathan Peterman  Quarterback Pittsburgh Trade from DAL
6 195 Tanner Vallejo  Linebacker Boise State
      Made roster    †   Pro Football Hall of Fame    *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

Notes

  • The Bills sent their 2017 first-round pick (10th overall), later revealed to be Patrick Mahomes, to the Kansas City Chiefs in order to trade down during the 2017 draft and select Tre'Davious White 27th overall. The Bills acquired an additional third-round selection (91st overall), later revealed to be John Johnson—who was traded, along with their original second-round selection (44th overall), later revealed to be Gerald Everett, to the Los Angeles Rams in order to trade up and select Zay Jones 37th overall—an additional fifth-round selection (149th overall), later revealed to be Damontae Kazee—who was traded to the Atlanta Falcons along with the Bills third round pick and another fifth rounder for the Falcons second-round selection (63rd overall), later revealed to be Dion Dawkins. The Bills sent their 2016 second-round pick (49th overall), fourth-round pick and 2017 fourth-round pick (both 117th overall), later revealed to be Jarran Reed, Pharoh Cooper and Josh Reynolds, respectively, to the Chicago Bears in order to trade up during the 2016 draft and select Reggie Ragland 41st overall (Reynolds was later traded to the Rams). The Bills acquired a fifth-round selection (163rd overall), later revealed to be Matt Milano, as part of a trade that sent Mike Gillislee to the New England Patriots. The Bills acquired a fifth-round selection (171st overall), later revealed to be Nathan Peterman, as part of a trade that sent their seventh-round pick (228th overall), later revealed to be Joey Ivie, along with Matt Cassel, to the Dallas Cowboys.

Undrafted free agents
PositionPlayerCollegeNotes
TEJason CroomTennessee
RBJordan JohnsonBuffalo
DEMarquavius LewisSouth Carolina
K/PAustin RehkowIdaho
WRBrandon ReillyNebraska
GGreg PykeGeorgia
SB.T. SandersNicholls State
CBMarcus SaylesWest Georgia
WRDaikiel ShortsWest Virginia
TEKeith TowbridgeLouisville
SJeremy TylerWest Virginia
DTNigel WilliamsVirginia Tech
GZach VoytekNew Haven

Staff
2017 Buffalo Bills staff
Front office

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

 Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

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

Final roster
2017 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, 9 inactive, 10 practice squad

Preseason
Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 August 10 Minnesota Vikings L 10–17 0–1 New Era Field Recap
2 August 17 at Philadelphia Eagles L 16–20 0–2 Lincoln Financial Field Recap
3 August 26 at Baltimore Ravens L 9–13 0–3 M&T Bank Stadium Recap
4 August 31 Detroit Lions W 27–17 1–3 New Era Field Recap

Regular season

Schedule
Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 September 10 New York Jets W 21–12 1–0 New Era Field Recap
2 September 17 at Carolina Panthers L 3–9 1–1 Bank of America Stadium Recap
3 September 24 Denver Broncos W 26–16 2–1 New Era Field Recap
4 October 1 at Atlanta Falcons W 23–17 3–1 Mercedes-Benz Stadium Recap
5 October 8 at Cincinnati Bengals L 16–20 3–2 Paul Brown Stadium Recap
6 Bye
7 October 22 Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 30–27 4–2 New Era Field Recap
8 October 29 Oakland Raiders W 34–14 5–2 New Era Field Recap
9 November 2 at New York Jets L 21–34 5–3 MetLife Stadium Recap
10 November 12 New Orleans Saints L 10–47 5–4 New Era Field Recap
11 November 19 at Los Angeles Chargers L 24–54 5–5 StubHub Center Recap
12 November 26 at Kansas City Chiefs W 16–10 6–5 Arrowhead Stadium Recap
13 December 3 New England Patriots L 3–23 6–6 New Era Field Recap
14 December 10 Indianapolis Colts W 13–7 (OT) 7–6 New Era Field Recap
15 December 17 Miami Dolphins W 24–16 8–6 New Era Field Recap
16 December 24 at New England Patriots L 16–37 8–7 Gillette Stadium Recap
17 December 31 at Miami Dolphins W 22–16 9–7 Hard Rock Stadium Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Week 1: vs. New York Jets
Week One: New York Jets at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Jets 0 6 6012
Bills 0 7 7721

at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York

Game information

With the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots losing 42–27 to the Kansas City Chiefs to kick off the 2017 NFL season and Hurricane Irma delaying the game between the Miami Dolphins and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to Week 11, the Bills hoped to take advantage and grab first place in the AFC East by beating the Jets, who swept them in 2016. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor threw 1-yard touchdown passes to both tight end Charles Clay and wide receiver Andre Holmes, while fullback Mike Tolbert rushed for a third touchdown. With Tolbert's score, the Bills recorded a rushing touchdown in 13 straight games, tying a team record set in 1980 and extending the longest active streak in the NFL. Safeties Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde both got their first takeaways as Bills in the fourth quarter, with Hyde's interception ending any hope of a Jets rally. With the win, the Bills opened the season at 1–0 and in first place in the AFC East heading into their Week 2 matchup with head coach Sean McDermott's former team, the Carolina Panthers.[9]

Week 2: at Carolina Panthers
Week Two: Buffalo Bills at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Bills 0 0 033
Panthers 3 3 039

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

  • Date: September 17
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 83 °F (28 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 74,122
  • Referee: Walt Coleman
  • TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan and Rich Gannon
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Looking for their first 2–0 start since 2014, the Bills traveled to Bank of America Stadium for an inter-conference matchup with the Panthers. Many former Panthers players and personnel made their return to Carolina as members of the Bills, including fullback Mike Tolbert, cornerback Leonard Johnson, wide receiver Kaelin Clay, general manager Brandon Beane and head coach Sean McDermott. Unfortunately, despite the defense sacking Panthers quarterback Cam Newton six times and only allowing three field goals from Graham Gano, the Bills offense could not take advantage, only managing a 45-yard field goal from Steven Hauschka in the fourth quarter, the team's lowest points since losing 45–3 to the San Francisco 49ers in 2012. A potential game-winning touchdown pass from quarterback Tyrod Taylor to rookie WR Zay Jones on 4th-and-11 with 9 seconds remaining sailed off Jones’ fingertips, putting the game away for the Panthers. The Bills fell to 1–1 with the loss.[10]

Week 3: vs. Denver Broncos
Week Three: Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Broncos 3 10 3016
Bills 0 13 7626

at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York

Game information

Following a close loss to the Panthers, the Bills returned home to host the Denver Broncos. Despite running back LeSean McCoy only amassing 21 rushing yards, the Bills still managed to score with quarterback Tyrod Taylor passing for 213 yards and two touchdowns and kicker Steven Hauschka kicking four field goals, including two from beyond 50 yards. The Bills defense intercepted quarterback Trevor Siemian twice as the team won a close-fought game 26–16. An unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty against linebacker Von Miller allowed the Bills to continue a stalled drive in the fourth quarter and ice the game with Hauschka's fourth field goal. With the win, the Bills improved to 2–1 heading into their Week 4 matchup against the defending NFC Champion Atlanta Falcons.

Prior to the game, several members of both teams knelt during the national anthem in the wake of President Donald Trump's comments regarding NFL players who protested.[11]

Week 4: at Atlanta Falcons
Week Four: Buffalo Bills at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Bills 0 7 7923
Falcons 0 10 0717

at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

Game information

Looking to continue their winning ways after upsetting the Broncos the previous week, the Bills traveled to Atlanta to take on the Atlanta Falcons, who made it to the Super Bowl the previous season, as fullback Patrick DiMarco made his first return to Atlanta since signing with the Bills in free agency. The Bills defense held the Falcons in check for most of the game and tight end Charles Clay recorded his first 100-yard receiving game since 2015. A key highlight was a fumble from Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan that arguably looked like a forward pass, but was ruled a fumble and returned for a 52-yard touchdown by rookie cornerback Tre'Davious White. With the win, the Bills improve to 3–1 for the first time since 2011 and regained sole possession of first place in the AFC East with the Patriots losing 33–30 to the Panthers, but lost starting receiver Jordan Matthews and starting linebacker Ramon Humber to multi-week thumb injuries.[12]

Week 5: at Cincinnati Bengals
Week Five: Buffalo Bills at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Bills 0 10 3316
Bengals 0 10 01020

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

Game information

Looking to continue their winning ways after upsetting the Falcons the week prior, the Bills traveled down to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals, who got their first win of the season when they defeated their rival Cleveland Browns 31–7 the previous week. Already missing wideout Jordan Matthews, the Bills offense sputtered for the most part after tight end Charles Clay suffered a knee injury in the second quarter and was ruled out the rest of the game. The Bengals rallied behind strong performances from quarterback Andy Dalton and receiver A. J. Green despite the duo committing three turnovers, and won a close-fought game in the rain 20–16. With the loss, Buffalo fell to 3–2 going into their bye week.[13]

Week 7: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week Seven: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 6 0 71427
Bills 3 7 71330

at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York

Game information

Fresh off their bye week, the Bills returned home to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. LeSean McCoy scored his first two touchdowns of the season as the Bills won a shootout match 30–27, with their final 10 points coming in the last three minutes of the game. With Tampa Bay taking the lead after forcing McCoy to fumble and capitalizing with a Mike Evans touchdown pass from Jameis Winston, Tyrod Taylor led the Bills 75 yards downfield, connecting with newly signed receiver Deonte Thompson for 44 yards to help set up McCoy's second touchdown. Tre'Davious White then forced the Buccaneers to fumble on their ensuing drive, setting up Steven Hauschka's game winning field goal. The Bills improve to 4–2 with the win.[14]

Note: Former Bills Garrison Sanborn and Ryan Fitzpatrick made their first return to New Era Field since signing with the Buccaneers in free agency.

Week 8: vs. Oakland Raiders
Week Eight: Oakland Raiders at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Raiders 7 0 0714
Bills 0 14 61434

at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York

Game information

The Bills hosted the Oakland Raiders in week 8. This was the first week they were without All-Pro defensive lineman Marcell Dareus, who was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a sixth-round draft pick just two days prior to the game. Nonetheless, the defense was still able to limit a potent Raiders offense to just 14 points, causing four turnovers in the process. LeSean McCoy led the team with over 180 yards from scrimmage and rookie linebacker Matt Milano also scored off a fumble recovery. With the win, the Bills improved to 5–2 for the third time since 2008.[15]

Week 9: at New York Jets
Week Nine: Buffalo Bills at New York Jets – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Bills 0 7 01421
Jets 7 3 141034

at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Game information

Coming off the convincing win against Oakland, the Bills traveled to New York for a Thursday Night rematch against their division rivals, the New York Jets. Though heavily favored to win, the Bills played poorly on defense and allowed the Jets to run for 194 yards and three rushing touchdowns. The offense surrendered three fumbles which ultimately influenced the course of the game, despite receivers Zay Jones and Deonte Thompson catching their first touchdowns as members of the Bills. With the loss, the Bills fell to 5–3.[16]

Week 10: vs. New Orleans Saints
Week Ten: New Orleans Saints at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Saints 7 10 201047
Bills 3 0 0710

at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York

  • Date: November 12
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: 42 °F (6 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 67,501
  • Referee: Terry McAulay
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Ronde Barber and Kristina Pink
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

For the second consecutive week, the Bills run defense under-performed, allowing 296 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns against the New Orleans Saints. To make matters worse, the offense was unable to stay on the field, attaining only five first downs and a field goal prior to rookie quarterback Nathan Peterman replacing Tyrod Taylor late in the fourth quarter. With the blowout loss, the Bills fall to 5–4.[17]

Week 11: at Los Angeles Chargers
Week Eleven: Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Chargers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Bills 7 0 31424
Chargers 10 27 10754

at StubHub Center, Carson, California

Game information

Nathan Peterman started in Tyrod Taylor's place. Peterman was benched at halftime after going 6 of 14 for 66 yards with 5 interceptions.[18]

Week 12: at Kansas City Chiefs
Week Twelve: Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Bills 7 6 3016
Chiefs 0 3 7010

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

Game information

After consecutive weeks of playing bad defense, the Bills were finally able to rebound, holding Kansas City to just 10 points as Tyrod Taylor returned to the starting lineup on offense. Tre'Davious White sealed the win for Buffalo in the fourth quarter with an interception off Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith. With the win, the Bills snap their three-game losing streak and improve to 6–5.

Week 13: vs. New England Patriots
Week Thirteen: New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Patriots 3 6 14023
Bills 0 3 003

at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York

  • Date: December 3
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: 48 °F (9 °C), mostly cloudy
  • Game attendance: 68,499
  • Referee: Gene Steratore
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Though Buffalo was able to hold the potent New England Patriots offense to just nine first-half points, it was not enough to beat them, as the Patriots won 23–3. Multiple Bills starters were injured, including Tyrod Taylor and Shaq Lawson. Perhaps the defining moment of the game occurred in the fourth quarter, when Tre'Davious White intercepted a pass intended for Rob Gronkowski. Upset that no pass interference penalty was called on White, Gronkowski reacted by jumping elbow-first onto White, who was still on the ground. The play resulted in White landing on the concussion protocol and Gronkowski receiving a one-game suspension as a result of his actions.[19]

Week 14: vs. Indianapolis Colts
Main article: Snow Bowl (2017)
Week Fourteen: Indianapolis Colts at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
Period 1 2 34OTTotal
Colts 0 0 0707
Bills 0 7 00613

at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York

  • Date: December 10
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: 32 °F (0 °C), heavy lake effect snow
  • Game attendance: 60,222
  • Referee: Brad Allen
  • TV announcers (CBS): Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta and Steve Tasker
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

The game against Indianapolis, called the "Snow Bowl" by the media, was notable for being held in the midst of a lake-effect snow storm that left over a foot of snow on the stadium's turf. The heavy snow and strong winds caused severe complications, making it difficult for CBS to televise the game due to low visibility and prompting both teams to run the ball far more often and make more fourth-down conversion attempts than would otherwise have been attempted, since kicking the ball was less reliable. The amount of snow on the ground did prove to be an advantage for the punters, since the ball did not bounce upon landing, making precision coffin corner punts easier.[20] Nathan Peterman made his second start with Tyrod Taylor injured, and was able to post a respectable performance before leaving in the third quarter with a concussion. The low-scoring game went into overtime, and did not end until LeSean McCoy rushed for a touchdown with under two minutes to go in the extra period. The Bills improved to 7–6 with the win.[21]

Week 15: vs. Miami Dolphins
Week Fifteen: Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Dolphins 3 3 01016
Bills 7 14 3024

at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York

  • Date: December 17
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: 22 °F (−6 °C), mostly cloudy
  • Game attendance: 62,202
  • Referee: Jerome Boger
  • TV announcers (CBS): Beth Mowins and Jay Feely
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

LeSean McCoy surpassed 10,000 rushing yards during the game, becoming just the 30th NFL running back to do so.

Week 16: at New England Patriots
Week Sixteen: Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Bills 3 10 3016
Patriots 0 13 101437

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: December 24
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: 35 °F (2 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 65,878
  • Referee: Craig Wrolstad
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

A play near the end of the second quarter proved to be particularly controversial. Receiver Kelvin Benjamin caught a pass in the closing seconds of the second quarter that was initially ruled a touchdown by the on-field officials; however, the league's replay official, Alberto Riveron, determined that Benjamin did not have control of the ball until after his foot left the turf and Riveron overturned the touchdown, forcing the Bills to settle for a field goal.[22] Bills owner Terrence Pegula indicated he would protest the decision.[23] Though the first half was close, the Patriots outscored the Bills 24–3 in the second half, culminating in a 37–16 loss for Buffalo.

Week 17: at Miami Dolphins
Week Seventeen: Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Bills 7 3 9322
Dolphins 0 0 31316

at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

Game information

The Bills started off the game up 10–0 by halftime and 19–0 by the time the Dolphins added a field goal. The Bills then fought off a comeback, including a fight that saw Jarvis Landry and Kenyan Drake get ejected. After a Miami touchdown that left them down six, history from the Bills–Dolphins game two weeks prior repeated itself: the Dolphins recovered an onside kick, then threw an interception with a minute to go to seal the game. With the win, Buffalo improved to 9–7, earning its first winning season since 2014.

At the end of the game, the Bills were still waiting for the final outcome between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Baltimore Ravens to determine their fates for the season. With 49 seconds left in that game, Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton threw a 49-yard go-ahead touchdown pass to Tyler Boyd on a 4th-and-12 play to go up 31–27. The Ravens were unable to respond on the following drive, sealing the win for the Bengals.[24] The Bengals' victory ended the Ravens season with a 9–7 record. This allowed the Bills, also 9–7, to enter the playoffs with the tiebreaker over the Ravens, thus reaching the postseason for the first time in 17 years.[25]

After the game, thousands of grateful Bills fans donated money to Dalton's personal charity. Most of the donations were in $17 increments in honor of the Bills breaking their 17-year playoff drought.[26] In the first 72 hours after the game, over 11,000 people donated a combined over $250,000 to the Andy & Jordan Dalton Foundation, while Tyler Boyd's charity of choice, the Western Pennsylvania Youth Athletic Association, received $50,000 in donations from Bills fans.[27][28] Relatedly, the Bills organization announced that they were sending Buffalo wings from Duff's Famous Wings to the Bengals organization,[29] where they were consumed by residents of The Children's Home of Cincinnati.[30] Retired punter Brian Moorman, who punted for the Bills through most of the 17-year playoff drought, also saw an uptick in $17 donations to his charity, the P.U.N.T. Foundation, which has extensive operations in Western New York.[31]

As a result of Buffalo making it into the NFL playoffs for the first time since 1999, ending the longest active playoff drought in all of North American professional sports, the Cleveland Browns then held the longest NFL postseason drought, 15 seasons at the time and eventually 17 seasons until they reached the playoffs in 2020.[32] MLB's Seattle Mariners then held the longest such drought in all North American sports at 17 seasons.[33]

Division
AFC East
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(1) New England Patriots 13 3 0 .813 5–1 10–2 458 296 W3
(6) Buffalo Bills 9 7 0 .563 3–3 7–5 302 359 W1
Miami Dolphins 6 10 0 .375 2–4 5–7 281 393 L3
New York Jets 5 11 0 .313 2–4 5–7 298 382 L4

Conference
AFC
# Team Division W L T PCT DIV CONF SOS SOV STK
Division leaders
1[lower-alpha 1] New England Patriots East 13 3 0 .813 5–1 10–2 .484 .466 W3
2[lower-alpha 1] Pittsburgh Steelers North 13 3 0 .813 6–0 10–2 .453 .423 W2
3[lower-alpha 2] Jacksonville Jaguars South 10 6 0 .625 4–2 9–3 .434 .394 L2
4[lower-alpha 2] Kansas City Chiefs West 10 6 0 .625 5–1 8–4 .477 .481 W4
Wild Cards
5[lower-alpha 3] Tennessee Titans South 9 7 0 .563 5–1 8–4 .434 .396 W1
6[lower-alpha 3] Buffalo Bills East 9 7 0 .563 3–3 7–5 .492 .396 W1
Did not qualify for the postseason
7[lower-alpha 3] Baltimore Ravens North 9 7 0 .563 3–3 7–5 .441 .299 L1
8[lower-alpha 3] Los Angeles Chargers West 9 7 0 .563 3–3 6–6 .457 .347 W2
9 Cincinnati Bengals North 7 9 0 .438 3–3 6–6 .465 .321 W2
10[lower-alpha 4] Oakland Raiders West 6 10 0 .375 2–4 5–7 .512 .396 L4
11[lower-alpha 4] Miami Dolphins East 6 10 0 .375 2–4 5–7 .543 .531 L3
12[lower-alpha 5] Denver Broncos West 5 11 0 .313 2–4 4–8 .492 .413 L2
13[lower-alpha 5] New York Jets East 5 11 0 .313 2–4 5–7 .520 .438 L4
14[lower-alpha 6] Indianapolis Colts South 4 12 0 .250 2–4 3–9 .480 .219 W1
15[lower-alpha 6] Houston Texans South 4 12 0 .250 1–5 3–9 .516 .375 L6
16 Cleveland Browns North 0 16 0 .000 0–6 0–12 .520 – L16
Tiebreakers[lower-alpha 7]
  1. New England claimed the No. 1 seed over Pittsburgh based on head-to-head victory.
  2. Jacksonville claimed the No. 3 seed over Kansas City based on conference record.
  3. Tennessee finished ahead of Buffalo, Baltimore and Los Angeles Chargers based on conference record, claiming the No. 5 seed.
    Buffalo and Baltimore finished ahead of Los Angeles Chargers based on conference record.
    Buffalo claimed the No. 6 seed over Baltimore based on strength of victory.
  4. Oakland finished ahead of Miami based on head-to-head victory.
  5. Denver finished ahead of the New York Jets based on head-to-head victory.
  6. Indianapolis finished ahead of Houston based on head-to-head sweep.
  7. 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.

Postseason
See also: 2017–18 NFL playoffs

Schedule
Round Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
Wild Card January 7, 2018 at Jacksonville Jaguars (3) L 3–10 0–1 EverBank Field Recap

AFC Wild Card Playoffs: at (3) Jacksonville Jaguars
AFC Wild Card Playoffs: (6) Buffalo Bills at (3) Jacksonville Jaguars – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Bills 0 3 003
Jaguars 0 3 7010

at EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida

Game information

The Bills were looking to win their first playoff game since 1995, as they faced the #3-seeded Jacksonville Jaguars, another team that had recently ended a lengthy playoff drought. Despite taking a 3–0 lead shortly before halftime on a kick by Steven Hauschka, the Jaguars would rally for the victory in a hard-fought defensive game, only sealing the victory with an interception by Jalen Ramsey on the Bills' final drive.

References
  1. Brown, Chris (December 31, 2017). "Bills beat Dolphins; advance to playoffs". BuffaloBills.com. Archived from the original on January 3, 2018. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
  2. Maiorana, Sal (July 22, 2017). "New Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane took an early career risk that paid off". Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
  3. Polacek, Scott (May 9, 2017). "Brandon Beane Named Buffalo Bills GM After 19 Years in Panthers Organization". Bleacher Report. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
  4. Shook, Nick (April 30, 2017). "Buffalo Bills fire general manager Doug Whaley". NFL.com. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
  5. Fairburn, Matthew (August 28, 2017). "7 thoughts and a grade for Buffalo Bills trading LB Reggie Ragland". NewYorkUpstate.com. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
  6. Brown, Chris (July 20, 2017). "How Beane and McDermott's unlikely reunion became reality". BuffaloBills.com. Archived from the original on January 4, 2018. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
  7. Person, Joseph (January 11, 2017). "Panthers DC Sean McDermott named next head coach of Buffalo Bills". Charlotte Observer. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
  8. Lynn left to pursue head coaching opportunities, accepting the position with the Los Angeles Chargers that offseason.
  9. Brown, Chris (September 10, 2017). "Ground game and run 'D' carry Bills to Week 1 win". Buffalo Bills. Archived from the original on September 12, 2017. Retrieved September 12, 2017.
  10. Brown, Chris (September 17, 2017). "Strong Bills 'D' not enough in close loss to Panthers". Buffalo Bills. Archived from the original on September 18, 2017. Retrieved September 18, 2017.
  11. "Bills win at home against Broncos". WHEC-TV. September 24, 2017. Archived from the original on October 7, 2017. Retrieved October 6, 2017.
  12. Maiorana, Sal (October 1, 2017). "Statement win? Bills say they still have more to prove". WGRZ.com. Gannett Co., Inc. Retrieved October 6, 2017.
  13. "Buffalo Bills @ Cincinnati Bengals - Sunday, October 8, 2017 - NFL GameCenter". MSN Sports. October 8, 2017. Retrieved October 26, 2017.
  14. "Bills rally to beat Bucs 30–27 on late Hauschka field goal". The Associated Press. CBSSports.com. October 22, 2017.
  15. "Opportunistic Bills rout sloppy Raiders, 34-14". The Associated Press. ESPN.com. October 29, 2017. Retrieved November 18, 2017.
  16. "Bills vs. Jets - Game Recap - November 2, 2017". ESPN. Retrieved November 13, 2017.
  17. Wawrow, John (November 12, 2017). "Bills defense trampled in 47-10 loss to Saints". The Associated Press. Retrieved November 13, 2017.
  18. Rollins, Khadrice (November 19, 2017). "Bills' Nathan Peterman Benched For Tyrod Taylor After Five First-Half Interceptions". si.com. Retrieved November 19, 2017.
  19. Wawrow, John (December 3, 2017). "Gronk's hit on Tre'Davious White adds tension to Bills, Pats". The Associated Press. ABC News. Archived from the original on December 5, 2017. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
  20. Davis, Scott (December 17, 2017). "The Bills and Colts' 'Snow Bowl' produced some incredible and fun images". Business Insider. Retrieved December 25, 2017.
  21. Colts vs. Bills - Game Summary - December 10, 2017 - ESPN
  22. "Ref: Kelvin Benjamin overturned TD 'clear and obvious'".
  23. Wawrow, John (December 26, 2017). Bills owner Pegula questions NFL replay review inconsistency. Associated Press. Retrieved December 26, 2017.
  24. Zrebiec, Jeff (December 31, 2017). "Ravens allow last-minute TD on 4th down, miss playoffs with 31–27 loss to Bengals". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
  25. Rodak, Mike (January 1, 2018). "With NFL's longest playoff drought over, rest is gravy for Bills". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
  26. Victor, Daniel (2018). "Andy Dalton Saved the Bills, and Fans Flocked to His Charity". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
  27. Besecker, Aaron (January 3, 2018). "Bengals QB Andy Dalton's foundation buys billboards to say 'thank you' to Bills fans". The Buffalo News. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
  28. Clark, Dave (January 4, 2018). "Buffalo Bills fans also generous with Tyler Boyd's charity". The Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
  29. Rollins, Khadrice (December 31, 2017). "The Bills are sending the Bengals wings". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
  30. Friona-Celani, Mary (January 5, 2018). "SPECIAL KIDS AND FAMILIES ARE FEASTING ON BUFFALO THANK-YOU WINGS SENT TO CINCINNATI – AND LOOK WHO'S SERVING THEM!". TotallyBuffalo.com. Retrieved January 5, 2018.
  31. Friona-Celani, Mary (January 4, 2018). "BRIAN MOORMAN GRATEFUL TO WNYERS FOR MATCHING $17 DONATIONS TO P.U.N.T FOUNDATION – AND HE'S PRETTY EXCITED FOR THE BILLS, TOO". TotallyBuffalo.com. Retrieved January 5, 2018.
  32. Breech, John (January 3, 2018). "Here are the NFL's five longest playoff droughts now that the Bills are in". CBSSports.com. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
  33. Divish, Ryan (January 2, 2018). "Mariners' postseason drought is now the longest in the four major professional sports". The Seattle Times. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
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