Bills 2025 schedule released: our takeaways

Summary

---

Detailed Summary: Buffalo Plus – "Bills 2025 Schedule Released: Our Takeaways"

Date: May 15, 2025
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell (with comments from Dan Fetes by proxy)
Main Topic: Immediate and in-depth reactions to the Buffalo Bills’ 2025 NFL schedule release

---

Overview of Episode

This episode dives deep into the Buffalo Bills’ newly released 2025 schedule. The Buffalo Plus team of Mike Catalana and Jenna Cottrell, with Dan Fetes contributing via chat and prior commentary, offer their first impressions, highlight key games, discuss the league’s decisions regarding prime time and holiday slots, and analyze how travel and bye weeks could impact the Bills’ season. The conversation ranges from schedule quirks to division predictions, all delivered with knowledgeable banter and some inside-baseball moments unique to covering the Bills.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. General Reactions to the Schedule

• Balanced and Favorable Layout:
  Mike describes the schedule as something the team would have chosen themselves—no three-game road stretches, tough home games well spread out, and an early (yet manageable) bye in Week 7.

  "They split up those really tough home games… Only two times do they have even back-to-back [road games]. No three road games in a row. The bye’s at a good time." – Mike (00:50)

• Prime Time & 4:25 PM Kickoffs:
  There’s a solid mix of prime time, 4:25 PM, and one o’clock games, with ten non-1 PM kickoffs.

  "Welcome to the 4:25 time slot." – Dan (read by Jenna, 08:34)

---

2. Surprises & Missed Opportunities

• No International or Holiday Games:
  Both Jenna and Mike expected at least one holiday or international slot given the Bills’ profile, expressing real surprise at their absence.

  "I am honestly shocked by that." – Jenna (01:55)
  "I'm stunned. I'm with you. I thought, you know, they love to put big time teams in those moments…" – Mike (01:57)

• Kansas City in the Spotlight, AGAIN:
  Chiefs continue to get the league’s prime international treatment (Christmas Day in Brazil), something the Buffalo crew sees as a bit much, and a missed opportunity for the Bills.

---

3. Key Games & Homestands

• Big Opener & Early Stretches:

  • Home vs. Baltimore (Sunday Night Football, huge stage)
  • Two Thursday Night Football games (early against Miami and later vs. Tampa)
  • No holiday games, to the delight of Dan (with family/kids) and the team’s work-life balance

  "That is Ravens, Bills, Buffalo. Sunday Night Football that first weekend. I think that is... that's a huge spot for them." – Mike (03:44)

• Manageable End to Season:
  The last stretch is seen as favorable, with only the Eagles among truly daunting opponents late.

  "Honestly, the end of the schedule to me is pretty manageable for the Bills. I won't say easy because it's the NFL… and you have the Eagles in there." – Mike (05:41)

• Final Highmark Stadium Game & Sentimentality:
  The last scheduled home game (Jets) is loaded with sentiment, as it may be the final regular season game ever at the stadium before the Bills’ new home opens in 2026.

  "The first ever game at Highmark Stadium was against the Jets. The last scheduled home game for the regular season is against the Jets. You'd like to think the Bills will be hosting the AFC Championship game as well." – Jenna (07:04)

---

4. Travel and Bye Week Analysis

• Travel Minimization:
  Travel is considered "elite" this year—no grueling West Coast back-to-backs, and the furthest trip is to Houston.

  "The travel schedule is elite for this year." – Mike (07:57)

• Early Bye Week Advantage:
  The Week 7 bye gives returning or suspended players a chance to re-enter midseason and breaks up the schedule logically.

---

5. Toughest Stretch & Playoff Push

• Middle Stretch Challenge:
  A tough road gauntlet looms in the midsection: at Miami, home vs. Tampa, at Houston, at Pittsburgh, vs. Cincinnati.

  "That's the stretch: at Miami, home with Tampa, at Houston, at Pittsburgh, Cincinnati… it's not the murderers row like they had last year." – Mike (10:19)

---

6. Division Opponents & Standings Predictions

• Patriots and Jets Improving, Dolphins Regressing?
  Mike predicts Miami could finish last while the Jets and Patriots both get tougher and better coached, though none challenge the Bills for the division.

  "I think Miami's finishing in last place… they've underachieved and I think it's time for the Dolphins… But I think they're the ones who take the drop this year." – Mike (28:45) "I really don't see any of those three teams challenging the Bills in the division… I think it's by… there's no question in my mind it's the Bills to win." – Mike (30:01)

---

7. Record Predictions

• 12-5 Early Estimate:
  The group agrees, not counting this as their official prediction, that 12–5 seems like a reasonable, even conservative, expectation.

  "Honestly, I think the easy call to say is 12 and 5. I would say that's not going crazy." – Mike (20:51)

---

8. Notable Quotes & Banter

• On the NFL's Scheduling:

  "It's like you said, it's Josh Allen and... Bills have been money in all these spots." – Mike (04:34)
  "No international, no holiday games. I kind of expected a little bit more spotlight for the Bills, if we're being honest." – Jenna (01:46, 03:11)

• On Schedule Layout:

  "If you are Sean McDermott, you're like, 'All right, we can do this.'" – Jenna (10:45)

• On Night Games and Weather:

  "Early night games in Orchard Park... that's elite weather time for us. September, October." – Mike (16:18)

• On Stadium Closure & Sentimentality:

  "...at some point, it'll be somewhat emotional for fans at some point. In all likelihood it's a playoff game with the Bills. That's their last one. It could be the game that sends them to the Super Bowl.” – Mike (31:00)

---

9. Memorable Moments & Running Jokes

• Hallmark Movie Extra Segment (24:00+)
  Light-hearted chat about being extras in movies, including stories from local news and listener comments about past films in Buffalo.
• Podcast Banter: Travel Drafts & Punishments
  The team discusses their upcoming “travel draft” for road game coverage, and jokes about previous and potential “punishments” for losing their internal competitions (e.g., Pilates class, catching punts, backseat car rides).

---

Useful Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | Description | |------------------------------------|------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Opening reactions | 00:00–04:00| Initial thoughts on schedule layout, lack of international/holiday games | | Spotlight/prime time breakdown | 04:00–06:00| Why the Bills aren't on main holidays, Chiefs’ international schedule | | Home/away stretch layout | 06:50–08:30| Jets bookend the Highmark era, home field advantage | | Dan’s notes, 4:25 PM games | 08:18–09:00| Dan’s commentary on time slots, home stretch | | Challenging midseason stretch | 10:00–11:00| Breaking down toughest part of the schedule | | Bye week & travel discussion | 12:00–13:00| How the Bills avoid tough travel, Thursday games | | Suitability for playoff push | 16:45–18:00| End-of-year games, weather, and home field | | "Too Early" win-loss prediction | 20:27–21:12| Mike's take: 12-5 is a realistic guess | | Division rivals outlook | 28:09–30:28| Mike's bold: Miami could finish last, Patriots/Jets improve, but Bills clear favorite | | Sentimentality about the stadium | 30:55–33:24| Last regular season home game, possible emotional impact |

---

The Buffalo Plus Signature: Language & Tone

The episode blends expert analysis, humor, and lively banter. Jenna approaches issues with measured optimism and fan energy, while Mike brings historical perspective and careful, sometimes wry, evaluation. They balance hard schedule analytics with relatable, behind-the-scenes locker room knowledge, dropping in playful tangents that keep the show personable.

---

Conclusion: Main Takeaways

• The Bills’ 2025 schedule is favorable, with challenging games spaced out and minimal brutal travel.
• Absence from international or holiday slots is a genuine surprise, but could be to the Bills’ advantage in terms of preparation and recovery.
• The division should be tougher overall, but the Bills remain clear AFC East favorites.
• The team expects a strong start (possibly undefeated until the Chiefs game) and sees 12–5 as a achievable record.
• The final year at Highmark Stadium is emotionally meaningful, especially if the Bills can close it with a memorable playoff run.

---

For deep Bills fans or general NFL schedule-watchers, this episode offers informed context, a look at process, and the unique “feel” of the Buffalo Plus team—perfect for those who want a blend of statistical reality, team-centric optimism, and sports media humor.

Transcript

[A]

I kind of expected a little bit more spotlight for the Bills, if we're being honest. Hello, hello and welcome into Buffalo plus, presented by Connors in Paris, Mike Catalana. Dan Fates is at the AMEX game. I'm Jenna Cottrell. We are breaking down the NFL schedule release. Please be sure to like, comment, subscribe and share. We just got the schedule. Obviously we had it a little bit ahead of time. Mike, I want to start with your thoughts and I just also want to welcome everyone to the chat. If you have a question, if you have a comment, if you have a concern, if you have anything at all, be sure to drop it in the chat and we'll maybe answer some questions as well. But I want to start with overall reaction. The Bills 2025 schedule. What do you make of it?

[B]

It was laid out by the team if they could create schedule to say let's lay this thing out in the best way possible. They split up those really tough home games. I mean they've got Baltimore early, Kansas City in the middle, Philly towards the bottom. Only two times do they have even back to back. No three road games in a row. The buys at a good time. Relatively early. Ish.

[A]

Yeah. Week seven.

[B]

Yeah. So, okay. It depends on what's going on during your year. I think it is, you know, it's a mix of some night games, a lot of 420 fives. I think there was. I counted how many seven 1o'. Clocks.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah. So ten non 1o'. Clocks. When I say that the team, I think when they look at this they go that's a pretty good schedule.

[A]

I would agree. Okay, so no international. We had speculated about that earlier in the week and no holiday games.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

I am honestly shocked by that.

[B]

I'm stunned. I'm with you. I thought, you know, they love to put big time teams in those moments that.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know Netflix and Amazon paying a lot of money. They're not giving them Carolina, New Orleans. Okay. They want in. Kansas City continues to be that team. They give them a lot of. And who is it? You said Detroit is playing both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Yeah, I actually thought the way it was mapping out, I thought it could be Eagles, Bills on Christmas.

[A]

I. I also could have seen that being the matchup because I saw the.

[B]

Eagles had a Saturday game the week before that had already come out and I'm like okay, if they're playing Saturday, but that's not the case for either one of them. So I don't know, maybe some of you wanted a holiday game.

[A]

I mean, real quick too. I don't know if you saw because you were driving. Did you see that the Chiefs are the game the Chargers play in Brazil?

[B]

Oh, yeah, yeah.

[A]

So it's the Brazil game. It's Christmas.

[B]

I mean, it's a lot.

[A]

It's a lot for the Chiefs. It's a lot of cheese.

[B]

And I think they have six prime time games in the first eight weeks or something.

[A]

It's a little much.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

In my opinion. I, and like, hear me out. I do love a one o' clock time slot like a thousand percent. It's. That's the sweet spot in terms of my opinion. But when you have the NFL mvp, I guess I expected there on the holidays, maybe international. I just figured they would be more of a focal point. I feel like early in the year, you know, they. You have Monday or Sunday Night Football. Two Thursday Night Footballs. But I kind of expected a little bit more spotlight for the Bills, if we're being honest.

[B]

But it's a pretty big game to start the season.

[A]

Agreed.

[B]

A thousand. I mean, that is Ravens, Bills, Buffalo. Sunday Night Football that first weekend. I think that is. That's a huge spot for them. And then come right back with a Thursday night game in two weeks with Miami. Then you got New England. I mean, that's, that's what the Bills used to be for other teams like New England, like, it's like, oh, they're gonna. They got New England or got a Monday night game. So New England's getting a Sunday night game. You know, give them a little shine early on. But it's because the Bills are the big dog. And then Atlanta Monday night. So that tells you It's a 715 game, which means that's a Monday night doubleheader. Yeah, we are our TV job. We are an ABC station. Not great for us because we'd love to have the Bills game. I'll still get a million calls and emails. Why aren't you showing the Bills game? Yes, like we wouldn't show the Bills.

[A]

Believe it or not. That is not our decision.

[B]

It's ABC, ESPN's decision. But better for you guys watching at home or us to be at the game because the game starts earlier. But anyhow, I'm with you on that. I, I mean, listen, it's like you said, it's Josh Allen and they. Bills have been money in all these spots. They have them. But yeah, they keep. They went to the. Well with a lot of the same teams, including Kansas City again. And then the funny thing about that is Bills in Kansas City is. I mean, I said this the other day. I mean, you know, that's the sweet spot for 425 CBS game. Yeah, that game will do, you know.

[A]

Okay. Man of war. Thank you. They gave us a super tip.

[B]

Oh, great.

[A]

Looks like two band players won't be missed too much in the first six games. So that is kind of an interesting. Now also because the week seven buy where it lands, those players aren't coming back to the team. They won't be eligible to play until week eight.

[B]

Yeah, I guess it's. I guess it gives them that week to. I mean, they've been out.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah. I also, look, I know what they're saying is they won't be missed too much. Yeah, you could say that. I mean, you got Baltimore right off the bat and then we'll see what happens. Honestly, the end of the schedule to me is pretty manageable for the Bills.

[A]

I would agree with.

[B]

I won't say easy because it's the.

[A]

NFL, say, and you have the Eagles in there.

[B]

You do. But you have after you do the Houston game. And we don't know what Pittsburgh's going to be. Right. I think people still assume it's, you know, he still hasn't said anything, Rogers. So in terms of what they have at quarterback, because that game, you know, is listed as a 425 CBS game is listed as what it is. So I think the networks are hedging like Pittsburgh's always pretty good. Yeah, they're a good draw and maybe they have that at quarterback. But then you've got Cincy at home at New England, at Cleveland. The Eagles game is week 17, which surprised me. And then the jets game, which is the final scheduled football game ever at High Mark Stadium.

[A]

Yes. So I know there's the, the point out there. The first ever game at High Mark Stadium was against the Jets.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

The first or the last scheduled home game for the regular season is at the jets or is against the Jets. Excuse me. You would like to think, though, that the Bills will be hosting the AFC Championship game as well.

[B]

Do you know what the name of the place was when it opened? Oh, I shouldn't even say that it opened. I think it was right from the beginning. But when the Bills were in the super bowl back in the day.

[A]

No, it wasn't the Rich.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Okay. Yeah.

[B]

Well, I didn't know. And then it became Ralph Wilson Stadium.

[A]

Yeah, the Rich. The Ralph. And then.

[B]

Well, the Ralph was rich, so. But it's the Rich family. It was A different one. But yeah. Yeah, that's the way it ends. Honestly. You have some very difficult games. We already knew this. With very good teams. But you have them at home and they're spaced out. And they're spaced out. And then the travel schedule is elite for this year.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

For the team especially, it is limited. When I say elite, I mean it is not as taxing as it is is last year twice to the west coast and Houston. This time the one trip to Houston and like you said, and they're spread out. All these games are spread out.

[A]

So there's no three game road games in a row. That's huge. That's something that teams will look at. I do want to read Dan. I asked him to tell us his thoughts and he already tweeted it out. So in true Dan Fates fashion his thoughts. Welcome to the 425 time slot.

[B]

Right.

[A]

For the first five games are home.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

No three game road stretch.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Slightly early by final two games in Orchard Park. Sure. And we know Dan was also very jazzed.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

About the no holiday games.

[B]

Yes. I mean he's got the kids and the family and you know, hey, listen, I'm happy there's no holiday games either.

[A]

Yeah. This is really nice. Jonathan Stirla saying a super tip. I enjoy the broad quest broadcast equally for entertainment and content. I'll buy merch next. Shout out to Buffalo plus store. Keep up the great work. Love all three personalities. Much love John Sterling, Corning, New York. Unafraid to use my name, my real name. John. Thank you. Also love Corning, New York. Yeah, I used to live in Elmira, so we would go over to the big city of Corning quite a bit.

[B]

That's it.

[A]

But yeah, thank you, John. We appreciate that.

[B]

Yeah. So thank you very much. We do appreciate that. And so when I'm looking at the schedule and the way it bounces a little bit, I'm going to say, okay, playoff team or playoff level team and non playoff team. Right. Playoff. Then jets, non Dolphins, possibly New Orleans, non New England. They hope even if you give them more of a push this year. I don't know about Atlanta at all. They may be playing a rookie. Carolina probably better. But non playoff team.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Seems like then you have Kansas City, the Miami, Tampa, Houston, Pittsburgh. To me, Cincinnati, that is. That's the stretch on the road at Miami, home with Tampa, at Houston, at Pittsburgh, Cincinnati. You know, it's not the murderers row like they had last year.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But those are, those are good teams. But I'm saying, is there really is the closest thing you get to where you look and say who is. I guess it would be at Houston, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati. I mean, I didn't make the playoffs. We don't know if Pittsburgh has a quarterback and Houston's good. So, you know, I would say this is very manageable.

[A]

I feel like if you are Sean McDermott, you're like, all right, we can do this. Like, yeah, it's, it's like you said, the really seemingly challenging games are spread out. The one thing that does stick out though, and I know how much the players don't like the Thursday Night Football. Having multiple Thursday night footballs now you get the rest on the back end. But also at the same point, that is a challenge for any team, let alone doing it twice. I know that, that for the players kind of sticks out in their mind. But yeah, overall I feel like this does shake out well for the Bills. Again, we already knew there wasn't going to be extended travel like deep west coast trips and obviously not being international plays into that as well. So this season and how things kind of shape up. I am interested though in. And just like looking at some of the other schedules for teams. I had someone, Dan Quichen ask is there any player, is there any teams that get a bye week before playing us? Now looking I just looked at the Chiefs. The Chiefs have the buy right after that Bills game. So the, the, the buy is not before it for Kansas City, which is a good thing. But in terms of other games, like, I can't imagine, Phil, when is Phillies buy? I can't imagine.

[B]

I think it's like week nine.

[A]

Yeah, like I'm trying to think who else you'd be like, oh, you really need to make sure. Maybe Houston. Let me see Houston.

[B]

Yeah, check that one while you're doing that. I'm looking. So the Thursday game. So you got the, the, the two of them. You've got the, the one against Miami. So they're on the road, but it's only at the jets on a Sunday, one o'.

[A]

Clock.

[B]

The week before it's, you know, you come, they come home, they're playing at home and then they're home the next, you know, they, they get the 10 days before they play again a home game and then your other Thursday game, they're home against Tampa. Travel to Houston. That is, you know, that's a short week with a Thursday game. That's. That's tough. We'll check what Houston. You're saying check Houston has on the.

[A]

Texas have their by week six.

[B]

And who do they play on the 13th? Just curious if they're home on the 13th of November. Oh, no, wouldn't be the 13th of November. It would be the 16th of November.

[A]

The 16th of November. They play. They play the Titans in. At home.

[B]

At home. So they're home and then four days later, they play at home again. The Bills are home. Just to travel in between, so.

[A]

Oh, I'm sorry. They're. Sorry. They are away. They Away. I mean, the. Away. The way away games are in red on the schedule. It seems kind of strange to me, so. What was that?

[B]

I. Thank.

[A]

Did you hear that?

[B]

Yeah, I could. I wonder if that's in the messages. So, anyhow, I. I'm. I'm excited about the opener with Baltimore. We had thought maybe Cincinnati. We kept hearing that. We thought it was a very good chance for Sunday Night Football to begin.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Josh Allen was not on the Today Show.

[A]

No, he's busy now since the wedding isn't. The wedding, I believe, is soon.

[B]

Soon, like the end of the month, right?

[A]

I believe it is. I believe it's. Let me see. I don't know if it's a Sunday, actually. No, it's a Saturday. I believe it's that last weekend.

[B]

Yeah, the last weekend.

[A]

So I wonder if they're doing a brunch. Sorry.

[B]

Well, we'll find out because Dan, Jenna and I all got invited, plus ones. We'll all be there, naturally.

[A]

Could you imagine.

[B]

Sorry, Josh, we didn't. We didn't get you anything for your wedding. I think he's fine.

[A]

What do you. What would you get Josh Allen for a wedding gift? The man has everything. I would. If I were them, I'd be like, don't. Don't give a gift. It's fine.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, they have a week 10 by the Bengals. Do.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Okay. That doesn't matter. The Bills don't play them till.

[B]

Till 14. Yeah, okay.

[A]

Sorry. I was just looking it up. I got sidetracked by what gift you would give.

[B]

You know, it's funny because next year the schedule has impactful travel games at Denver, at Green Bay, at Minnesota.

[A]

This is next year.

[B]

Next year was the Vegas. Right. These are. These are travel days that are not crushing, but they're in. They are farther, longer. Like, I mean, Miami's a good hall, and so is Houston, but they have those. And they will play nine road games, Right?

[A]

Yeah. Because this year is eight.

[B]

Yes. So, you know, and it's the first year in the new stadium and everything, so I will. I will say I do like the way the beginning of the schedule maps out for them. Baltimore is going to be a great game. First game, you know, hopefully everybody's good, ready to go.

[A]

Ravens just resigned Derek Henry, but you.

[B]

Talk about you're getting The Jets Week 2, new coach, new quarterback. The plus is even though it's Baltimore in the first game, when it's a new coach and new quarterback and everything, you get them that opening game. Sometimes it's weird because you. You don't really know what they're going to do.

[A]

Oh, at least.

[B]

So this is. So then you got Miami at home. Josh Allen owns the Dolphins.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

New Orleans is going to struggle.

[A]

I will say, if you're going to have Thursday Night Football, I would rather have. I know they have another Thursday Night Football later in the season, but it's kind of. If you're going to have two, I'd rather get one the way early.

[B]

And for the fans too, you know, especially if you have season tickets and you go two home games. Right. There's only two in. In. What do you. No, I'm. I'm thinking two in September, one in early October. All of them night games in Orchard Park. It's. That's elite weather time for us. September, October.

[A]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

And they're night games. So you're. You. We should even in October have really nice weather.

[A]

Yeah, agreed. I do look at the back half, like late November and December. I mean, at Pitt, obviously, cold. Cincinnati and Buffalo cold. At New England, cold. At Cleveland, cold. Hosting the Eagles, cold. Jets, cold. So, like that back end will be cold. Yeah, but yeah, more for. Also more for, you know, you guys.

[B]

Shooting the game and fans sitting out in the stands. It's not, it's, you know, the players are used to it. That's kind of the way it goes. But I really, I like the beginning in the end. Listen, it's. There's a tough games thrown in there. Let's be honest. Based on what we know of these teams, and we're always surprised, like, who would have thought Washington with a rookie quarterback was going to be that good last year? Not that the Bills are playing them. Like sometimes you just don't know.

[A]

Can come out of nowhere. Yeah.

[B]

But based on what we know about these teams, you know, there's about five to, I'd say six difficult games on paper.

[A]

Yes. Heading into the season in May.

[B]

And last year was more than that. And they had that stretch and a lot of those. Like we said, Houston and Baltimore were both on the road now. Houston's on the road this year, but. And they had Kansas City at home, but you know, Cincinnati, Kansas City, Baltimore, Philly, Tampa, all in Orchard Park.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

In the time it takes you to actually board a flight from Group 8.

[A]

Now boarding Premier Altitude Elite club members.

[B]

You could have bought a Hyundai on Amazon. Visit Hyundai USA.com or call 562-314-4603 for more details. Limited availability pickup through participating Hyundai dealer in select markets.

[A]

Yeah, that's pretty nice.

[B]

So they gave him a pretty good schedule. Yeah.

[A]

There was a question. Oh, Bullseye asking when are you guys picking your coverage of games? So the travel draft, we just got, we just got the list. Obviously Dan and I both need to make our boards, the travel boards, and then we'll do our travel draft at some point later on.

[B]

Now let's pretend Dan's not gonna listen to this.

[A]

Dan will. I can't tip any picks.

[B]

Not to tip picks, but Dan is, you know, you never know.

[A]

He does sometimes surprise me.

[B]

Which makes it GM who goes off the board sometimes.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know.

[A]

Yeah. No, I agree. He did something last year that I was shocked. Yeah.

[B]

Remember he went Baltimore number one.

[A]

He did go ball, but that's because I didn't know why he. I figured he would take Seattle, but it was over his birthday weekend.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Shout out Mike north and the NFL schedule makers. Who did that last year?

[B]

My birthday weekend is the Monday night game.

[A]

Yes. That is the Atlanta game.

[B]

And I always have a huge party.

[A]

And oh my God, Mike loves his birthday. Big birthday guy. It's actually your birthday year. I'm kidding.

[B]

Oh, I'm saying like, no, it's not a special number. It's just a big one because they all are.

[A]

But what are you turning this year?

[B]

I do love the, I do love the prime time early. I will say this. I like it. I like it for them.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Especially with the teams they're playing good to get Baltimore in there first week. I mean they're just better than Miami. And to get them at home and that's no matter how Drake May is doing, that's going to be a step up for them.

[A]

Yeah, definitely. I, I, you're going through the games. What is your record? Too early, too soon record prediction.

[B]

My. This won't count.

[A]

No, this does not count.

[B]

This won't count.

[A]

Just we're all friends here. We're all family here.

[B]

Honestly, I think the, the easy call to say is 12 and 5. I would say that's, that's not going crazy.

[A]

That say.

[B]

You know, we always talk about it's not just who you play but when you play them. But if I look at the way this maps out, I think they could get off to a really good start.

[A]

I mean, I think they could get off to it. I think there's a possibility they're undefeated heading into the Chiefs game. Like, I don't think that's crazy to say that.

[B]

No. They get. If they, you know, the Baltimore one's going to be super tough. Baltimore just lost. The last home game was against Baltimore. I mean, they're going to want a little payback. It's. Those teams are going to be very similar to what they were a year ago. Certainly offensively, the Bills defense, with a lot of maybe new faces out there.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know, they, they'll play well at the Jets. I think this, this. I don't know. We'll see how the jets are this year, but I like them. Miami, New Orleans, New England. You know, at Atlanta, they're probably playing the kid there. Yeah, Carolina's probably going to be better. But I'm with you on that. That, that could be, it could be one of those years. If they get off to that win in the first game, they run off a few. And then you, you know, like, when you look at this at that. From that point on, obviously it's Kansas City. You know, I wouldn't, I don't even, I hate. I don't even say at Miami. They play well at Miami and it's.

[A]

Enough in the year that weather shouldn't be a factor.

[B]

Tampa is going to be tough.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

At Houston, at Pittsburgh, it depends. Listen, I don't like them, but if Rogers is playing, they're a. Yeah. Better team if he's there. Cincinnati will be tough. So that part is the, the toughest part of the schedule.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But I just think this is a very, very manageable schedule for this team.

[A]

Agreed. All right, Just going to the. The chat really quick. Man of war saying my super whatever, asking again, what are Jenna and Dan's favorite NFL teams? Because yours, yours is the Eagles.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So as a sports reporter, I really root for players and story lines and all that stuff. Now, I will say, obviously covering the Bills, it's been fun to see the ascension of the team and just how good they are and obviously wanting them to go, you know, so many fans want them to go to that next level. So I would say Dan and I both kind of feel the same way where we root for, you know, just seeing players succeed and, and the fun that comes along with that. And obviously it's really cool for us when the Bills do really great. So there's that. Also someone asked about my sweatshirt. I did not go to Colgate, but Zach went to Colgate. So Zach played football there. My fiance. So there's that. All right.

[B]

Track, flight, football.

[A]

Somebody asked. Somebody asked Gregory Wright, saying chiefs. Oh, and 17. We can always hope, folks. So I think that's funny.

[B]

By the way, I wonder if any of the people in our chat are trying to be extras in the Bill's Christmas movie.

[A]

Okay, I need to know how that works. You just go there and you have to wait all day?

[B]

Yeah, I think so.

[A]

That seems like such a commitment.

[B]

So at our TV station, years and years ago, before I was even thought of here to work here, way back, they shot the movie Field of Dreams. And they shot part of it in. I mean, not Field Dreams, the Natural. And when I say that Field of Dreams.

[A]

Doug emblage do the story.

[B]

Don Alhart.

[A]

Oh, is it Don?

[B]

So our. Our news anchor. But at the time, he was also doing this, like, morning show. They took a busloads of people from here, and obviously there was Buffalo people, all to fill in the stadium in Buffalo. This is the old stadium, the old baseball stadium in Buffalo to be extras in the movie. Why do I always want to say Field of Dreams? No, it's the Natural. So Robert Redford was the star. Big star. And it rained the whole time. They couldn't do the scene. So all the people got sent home. They had this shot of Robert Redford coming out, thanking everybody. They got back on their buses and came back.

[A]

Are you sure that wasn't Doug?

[B]

Oh, no, it was Don. He was there with Wanda. With Wanda Miller.

[A]

Oh, that's fun. Oh, yes, it is.

[B]

This is back. I mean, we're talking about.

[A]

Jay Satori said my dad was in that movie as an extra.

[B]

Oh, see, there we go.

[A]

That's so cool.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah. If we. If you have tried out to be an extra in the Bill's Hallmark movie, we want to hear from you. I'm just so.

[B]

Did they already have it?

[A]

I don't know if it's coming up or what.

[B]

So wouldn't it have made sense? Not that we wanted it. Or maybe you B1 wouldn't have made sense. Have the Bills playing on Christmas.

[A]

Yeah, I didn't even think in that.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Yeah, that's totally fair.

[B]

God, there is.

[A]

You're saying. You're saying Hallmark's fake.

[B]

All those stories, I just could never figure them out the whole way through. And then they always get together. It's wild.

[A]

Okay. I do Love a good Hallmark movie. I can't, I can't lie.

[B]

Yeah. At some point I'm going to look at everybody else's schedules to see. It is funny. The Chiefs play in that game in Brazil the first week. So that game's on that Friday. Right. Because the Eagles and Packers did it last year. So we'll have the opening game, Eagles and Cowboys. Friday we have the Chiefs and Chargers. It's a good schedule.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And then Sunday you've got the Bills and the Ravens. Monday is the Bears and the Vikings, I think the first Monday night.

[A]

So, so either way, that's a lot. You know, I'm kind of shocked and I want to hear your thoughts on this. Just because sometimes I feel like we've gone so long without football that they could really put any game in that first week and I'd be like, must see tv. I'm kind of surprised that they did such great games. Like, I'm not saying all of them, but I just, yeah, I'm surprised sometimes.

[B]

You know, in the past they, you know, the first game they were like, oh, we got to have this. And then I think the one year they put the Lions in there before the Lions had made the playoffs. But they were like a ascending up and coming team, which is why I thought it would be Eagles, Bears. I thought that would have been a really good matchup. Instead, they decided to put a lousy franchise that hasn't made the championship game in three decades in the game against the Eagles, which is kind of embarrassing for them.

[A]

But yeah, seriously, I wasn't listening to you. I'm sorry.

[B]

I was making fun of the used to be America's team. I, I, they're not, Not America's team.

[A]

No. No.

[B]

In what way?

[A]

Marketing.

[B]

Yeah, I mean they, you know, they do draw. There are people who go, I think, you know, because a lot of the country doesn't like them, but they have a lot of fans.

[A]

Yeah, they certainly do.

[B]

And yeah, they, you know, they are the, they have the longest drought of making the championship game in the nfc.

[A]

In terms of, in the division, who do you think is the biggest test for the Bills?

[B]

Here's what I think is going to happen in the division. I think the jets and the Patriots are both going to be smarter, tougher, more legitimate teams. I don't know where the top end is. I think May is talented and he's got some help, but, you know, that's a step to take for him. And I don't know what Fields will do. I think both those teams will be pretty good. I think Miami's finishing in last place. Wow. I think it's the. Listen, they've underachieved and I think it's. I think it's time for the Dolphins that we'll see how it plays out. But I think they're the ones who take the drop this year.

[A]

I was saying this, though. I want them to be just meaty mediocre.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Because I think Mike McDaniel, you like that mediocre coach. I think he keeps them in purgatory and I want them to stay there.

[B]

It really is the worst place to be. They've paid a quarterback and they're mediocre.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And who knows what's going to happen. They're going to trade Jalen Ramsey and. And who knows what happens with Tyree. Kill the Jets. I just think, you know, maybe they can start to actually build that team. They do have some talent.

[A]

They do have talent. Yeah.

[B]

And New England, it's funny. New England's. Excuse me. Getting a lot of positive.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Pub before man.

[A]

Yeah. I always find.

[B]

But I think they could be pretty good.

[A]

Yeah. I do as well. I don't know. We'll see. But I just was curious your thoughts on that.

[B]

I would say I think the division, like I said, is going to be better coached, better positioned for the future. But at the same time, I'll be honest with you, I really don't see any of those three teams challenging the Bills in the division. Maybe not as much as it went last year. But I think it's by. I think it's. There's no question in my mind it's the Bills to win. And I think they'll win it handily. Still win the division handily.

[A]

Mean. I agree. Although the. I can't even say this. The straight face. Although the Patriots did beat the Bills in the last game.

[B]

They did.

[A]

I saw someone say that as like.

[B]

Cost him the number one overall.

[A]

Yeah. I was like o. Interesting. Okay. I. Amy Beth Mallet saying imagine opening the new stadium by hoisting a Super bowl banner.

[B]

That would be awesome.

[A]

Chills. That would be.

[B]

That would be incredible.

[A]

Could you imagine?

[B]

Yeah. So I will tell you. I. Here's what I think about the stadium. The closing of the of and I've. I've. You've been a season ticket holder. Me. You've been to more games at the Ralph than I have. But I've been to a lot of games there. I find that it'll be somewhat emotional for fans at some point. In all likelihood it's a playoff game with the Bills. That's their last one. It could be the game that sends them to the Super Bowl. Right.

[A]

Could you imagine?

[B]

So they. They play that game and they win and they go to the Super Bowl. As Jenna mentioned, I grew up my whole life with the Eagles. Their last game at Veterans Stadium was the NFC Championship game at home. They were very excited. I was excited. We all went with my family to the game, and they got rocked by the Bucks. And then they opened up the stadium the next year, the new stadium, and the Bucks came in and shut them out. Isn't that wild? The Bucks were the champs and they opened on the road, but I think they. They were more interested in the rematch of the Super Bowl.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Then they always had them as the home team. They came in and beat him, like, 17 to nothing or something. The first game at Lincoln Financial Field.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

Which is kind of wild. So, yeah, I think the emotion of the stadium, hopefully for the Bills, the last game is a celebration. They're going to the super bowl or they win and then they go somewhere else the next week and go to the Super Bowl. And then they, like you said, they open it up where they're. Where it's. The. The unveiling of the banner. I just. I think outside somebody was talking about the TV market and what people would think that last game. I do not think for people outside of Buffalo, the last game at the stadium is a big deal. It's there. More of them would be interested in seeing what the new stadium looks like.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Because they've seen the stadium in Buffalo hundreds of times. So many of them have been there. I think it's more for fans of other teams to be like, oh, here's their cool new stadium.

[A]

I agree. I think it's way more sentimental for.

[B]

Let me tell you, when it's sentimental. Sentimental. When that place goes.

[A]

It's weird to think about.

[B]

It just happens. And it's like, wow, like, I spent a lot of time in that place and now it's. They take it out.

[A]

That is.

[B]

That'll be.

[A]

At some point, I would say. Yeah, that's. That's down the road.

[B]

After you take everything out and sell it. You know, it's like a big garage sale. Seats, urinals from the row.

[A]

The trough. Would you like to own a piece of the trough?

[B]

Yeah. No.

[A]

That. No. The answer that should be studied for science.

[B]

So to. To finish out here on the schedule, when I. We wrote down and you and I talked about stuff beforehand. Opening night's awesome. Prime time games, great. Five of them. Good weather, early games, fantastic. Only twice do they play back to back road games, which is great. Toughest stretch is that one in the middle. Casey, Miami, Tampa, Houston. That's. That's decent. Last home game is against the Jets. That is fitting. Like I said, this is a very good schedule for this team. I look at it.

[A]

I agree the way it sets up, it does not sound as daunting as when you read all the opponents earlier on of. Okay, you have Baltimore, you have Kansas City, you have Houston. Even like looking at it now, the Bengals, the Eagles, everything is spaced out.

[B]

Well, yeah, it is. It is. So. So again we see. Hey, you know, somebody was saying. I heard him saying like hey that first game, you know, eventually that could mean something in terms of first place or. Or home. Because the Bills ended up home against Baltimore last year, but they lost to Baltimore in the first month of the season.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And then caught him and passed them.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And ended up ahead of them, which was a major thing.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

For them to go to the AFC Championship game last year. So while it's great to get that win and have that in your back pocket, you know, I know a few years back they beat the Chiefs early and the Chiefs still ended up with the home field advantage. So by the way, this will make you feel better. I think next year they play the Chiefs again and again the Chiefs have to come to Orchard Point park and maybe they come to Orchard park this year for the playoffs.

[A]

Yeah. I just hate going there so much.

[B]

Yeah. Tired of. Tired of going to Kansas City.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And the roads, the road trips, like I said, are. Are good for this team. So.

[A]

Yeah. Okay. All right. Anything else?

[B]

I don't think so. Couple of things we are going to have and it should be out Friday morning where we break down the offense where they are now. We did the defense already. You can check that out on the Buffalo Plus YouTube channel. And then we will do the same with the offense. Go through position by position, less changes. But you know, players are a year older, the wide receivers to talk about a lot of. Of interesting decisions to be made in the near future on the offense. That I think too.

[A]

Definitely. Definitely.

[B]

So that's what we'll be talking about. Expect that to come out. I would say Friday morning probably.

[A]

Right. Yeah, I would imagine so.

[B]

Y.

[A]

We're going to be potting tomorrow about.

[B]

It and then next week it's Pilates time. Do you do this in Pilates? What do you do?

[A]

No, that's more yoga. That's more like, namaste.

[B]

Namaste.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah. Mike may not stay.

[A]

I was talking to my girl Alex today. She was asking me. She's like, you know, how formal is this? I was like, this is not formal at all.

[B]

It's very formal, Alex.

[A]

I was like, no, no, no. Is not. This is. This is. This is fun. This is gonna be very fun for me.

[B]

She's gonna say, this is what you do. And I'm gonna go, no, it isn't.

[A]

I cannot wait. Yeah, so that's next week. We're gonna have a lot of fun. So we have the video coming out on Friday about the offense, the Pilates video coming out soon. And then we'll have the travel draft. That'll be later on in the summer. Plenty more Bill's content. We are always, always talking about the bills. And if not that humiliating, Mike and.

[B]

Dan, it'll be me, you know, and the kids will love it. They'll be like, oh, look at Mike.

[A]

And I just want jump in and do.

[B]

I just wanted on the record that, you know, my punishments were very benign.

[A]

What were your punishments?

[B]

My punishment was you had to sit in the back seat of the car.

[A]

I do that anyways.

[B]

No, you don't.

[A]

I said, I do not. Yeah, yeah.

[B]

When the three of us are in the car, they're like, in the back seat.

[A]

Well, I use the mirror because I do my makeup.

[B]

Oh, please. Yeah. That takes an hour and a half. And then Dan's was like, catch a punt. Jen is like, I'm gonna punish you with Pilates.

[A]

Okay. Dan. Didn't Dan say he thinks he could, like, catch, like, four punts or whatever?

[B]

He. He talks. He talks. But that was his punishment, so I forgot about that. Wait, do we come up with the punishments for next year?

[A]

I don't know. Oh, yeah. Okay. All right. Thank you so much for joining. Please be sure to comment, subscribe.

[B]

And like, somebody said you guys always say, like, comment, subscribe. So see? Yeah, we can change it up.

[A]

We are. Yeah, we can evolve.

[B]

We're crazy.

[A]

All right, thank you so much for joining us for my Catalana. And Dan Fates, who's not here. I'm Jenna Cottrell. Thank you so much. Again, please be sure to, like, comment, subscribe and share. We always appreciate it. Yeah. The Bill schedule is out. We'll have plenty more Bills coverage as we get closer to the start of training camp. For now, thanks for watching Buffalo. Plus, presented by Connors and Ferris.