By Nick Wojton / Billswire.usatoday.com
The Buffalo Bills will have to play the New England Patriots next season. Twice. Per usual.
Despite having the defending Super Bowl LIII champion on their plate, the Bills overall schedule is relatively easy. According to NFL.com and based off their 2018 records, the Bills have the eighth-easiest 2019 schedule.
The Bills’ opponents in 2019 have an overall record of 122-132-2. That’s a .480 winning percentage.
In the AFC East, the Bills’ schedule is the third-hardest, though. The Dolphins rank No. 18 with the hardest, while the Jets are tied for 27th or second easiest. The Patriots actually tied with the Jets, despite winning the Super Bowl.
Typically a division winner plays other division winners in the NFL the following year. That’s true for the Patriots, but they also have to play the Bills, Jets and Dolphins. Their three combined record helps the Pats.
Of course, things change year-to-year in the NFL like no other league and this could mean little in a year from now.
For what it’s worth, the Bills next season will play:
Home: Dolphins, Jets, Patriots, Ravens, Bengals, Broncos, Eagles, Redskins.
Away: Dolphins, Jets, Patriots, Giants, Cowboys, Titans, Steelers, Browns.