Buffalo is on Top

Kevin Jairaj- USA Today Sports

BY: VinnyFairPlay

For anyone who watched the end of that Kansas City – New England game, I’ve spent the last 20 years or so building it up in my head. Every year I think “This team is gonna finally be a real contender again!” I didn’t need Tony Romo to take time out and complement Buffalo, but damn did it sure feel good! I know Bills’ Mafia took notice!

Who am I? My name is Vinny. I’m 32, and live in Minnesota, right on the tip of Lake Superior. Literally the opposite side of the Great Lakes from Buffalo.

Why do I like the Bills? My grandpa had bison in the early ‘90s, and I was so fascinated with that animal. So, you can imagine what team was on TV in the early to mid ‘90s A LOT! I fell in love with the Buffalo Bills, and the rest is history.

The two wild card games to close out the 20th century, ‘98-‘99, were both heartbreakers, but ‘99 was a different beast! So many emotions. Coming home from church, 11 years old, being shocked and PISSED! Rob Johnson was the starter!?! “Wtf did Flutie do wrong!?”

Needless to say, we lost in VERY dramatic style. That’s one I’ll never forget! Running upstairs, crying, after the “Music City Miracle.” My mom following me asking “What’s wrong?” My reply? “We got fucked!” My older brother yelled up the stairs “They’re reviewing the play!” I run down the stairs, and it’s confirmed “A legal lateral”… I was so messed up being an 11 year old fan.

Then I waited 17 years. I was 29. Week 17, 2017, when the Bengals did what they did. I broke down from all the pain and heartbreak. I can’t believe it took half my life to get back! Yes I am bitter, but never stopped “Bill”ieving.

I’ve been to a couple games, both in Buffalo. Against Pittsburgh in 2016, and last year against Baltimore. Both losses.

Buffalo is now 4-0 and at the top of the division, with a 2 game lead. First time since ‘95. Josh Allen is playing as good as we all could imagine, posting up MVP-like numbers through the first four weeks. Can he sustain this? Just stay healthy, baby!! It’s really hard to judge our running game at this point, with all the passing, but Devin Singletary has done well when called upon.

Hopefully we’ll see more of Zack Moss, who missed the last two games with a toe injury. Stefon Diggs & Co. have been great for the Receivers! Defensively, that linebacking core makes me really nervous behind Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano.Lorenzo Alexander anyone!?

Milano is “week to week” with a left pectoral injury, which worries me greatly! I’m fine if he sits out this weekend. That is, if we play the COVID riddled Titans.

We definitely need all hands on deck when Kansas City comes to town! Let’s be real! Josh Norman looked promising while replacing Levi Wallace and forced a fumble recovery.

Tyler Bass hasn’t really had to make a crucial kick, and most of his attempts have been within 40 yards. He’s 4-of-6, with a 39 yard field goal on the season. We haven’t seen enough to judge, but I haven’t been overly impressed. The Jury is still out. He’ll eventually be put in a situation where it’s make or break. Will he kick through?

Last year I wanted to believe we’d win the division, but my gut was saying the Patriots would do it. This year my gut is saying Buffalo will. Not by much, but anything less would be a disappointment.

It’s so easy to overlook the Titans, and start thinking about the Chiefs game. I’ve caught myself doing this multiple times. Thankfully, I don’t play, or have any impact on the outcome.

The Titans had gone a couple of days without a positive test. Wednesday, October 7th they broke that streak. Then, on Thursday, another member tested positive. The NFL said if they could make it until Tuesday October 13th without any positive tests, they could play a game on Tuesday.

Sunday morning a coach for The Titans tested positive, but he hadn’t been with the team for almost two weeks. The NFL obviously wants this game to happen! Let’s hope there are no more positive tests. If that game does happen, the Chiefs game would be pushed to Monday 5:00 pm, EST. Anyone who is playing fantasy Buffalo players, roll the dice like me…??

This article was edited by Cat, in exchange for a glorious pile of catnip infused shrimp cakes.

The sports desk can be reached at editorialtrainwrecksports@gmail.com