2006 Buffalo Bills Predictions

The Buffalo Bills finished 5-11 last season -- including losses in six of their final seven games -- and won't be much better this year. The Bills didn't do much to improve in the offseason, and their offense still has a lot of holes.

New coach Dick Jauron will have his work cut out for him as the Bills struggle to regain NFL respectability. One good sign for Buffalo is the return of All-Pro LB Takeo Spikes. The heart of Buffalo's defense, Spikes tore his right Achilles' tendon in Week 3 last season, but looks to return in time for the season opener at New England. "I'm right where I need to be," Spikes said. "The thing I really love about it is that I'm not favoring one leg. I'm able to push off both legs and put extra emphasis on my Achilles' leg. I'm fine."

15% Sign up Bonus at WagerWeb

Key Additions: QB Craig Nall, WRs Andre' Davis and Peerless Price, TE Robert Royal, DTs Larry Triplett and John McCargo (rookie), DB Donte' Whitner (rookie).

Key Subtractions: WR Eric Moulds, DB Lawyer Milloy, OL Mike Williams, DT Sam Adams.

Sportsbook Odds: The Bills are expected to be one of the worst teams in the league and are long shots to even reach .500. WagerWeb.com has Buffalo at +$100 to win more than 6.5 games and -$130 to win under 6.5 games. Buffalo is +$4000 to win the AFC championship and +$7500 to win Super Bowl XLI.

Tons of Quick and Easy Deposit Options at WagerWeb

Player To Watch: The quarterback position is still up for grabs in Buffalo, but if the Bills are to make any progress this year they will need J.P. Losman to make strides and assume the leadership role. Losman got a chance to start last season, but completed less than 50 percent of his passes and threw only eight TDs in nine games. The offense responded better under 10-year veteran Kelly Holcomb as he completed two-thirds of his passes and led the Bills to four of their five victories. Buffalo would prefer to have Holcomb backup Losman, however, as it feels he is the QB of the future.

Outlook: The Bills defense should be respectable, but the defenders will wear down as Buffalo's anemic offense will keep them on the field quite a bit. RB Willis McGahee is a proven commodity and should rush for 1,200 yards and 10 TDs, but he won't have much help. Old friend Price returns to the place where he had his best season (2002, 94 catches, 1,252 yards, 9 TDs), but he was a bust in Atlanta and will battle Davis and Josh Reed for playing time opposite No. 1 receiver Lee Evans. The problem for all of them, however, will be who can get them the ball. Look for another long year in Buffalo.

By Mike Brody of WagerWeb