2009 NFL Previews: Buffalo Bills Face Difficult Opponents in AFC East

The Buffalo Bills enter the 2009 season with hopes of renewing past glory. Sound familiar? Buffalo has been listening to this song for a few years now.

Big offseason acquisitions such as WR Terrell Owens may boost ticket sales, but the Bills will find a difficult divisional road ahead in their 50th season.

Buffalo found itself in the cellar of the division last year, finishing as the only team in the AFC East under .500. Despite blazing out to a 5-0 start, Buffalo turned in a dreadful 0-6 record against AFC East foes—something that derailed their early postseason hopes.

This season, those same three rivals may, once again, thwart the thrill of ending a 10-year playoff drought, as the Bills face a division that thrives on power quarterbacks.

This offseason, the Bills focused on addressing the pass rush to shake up a few of these Pro Bowl passers. 

In 2009, the AFC East presents obvious challenges to a team that cannot afford any close losses. Buffalo faces a difficult division despite altering its roster.

In 2008, the New York Jets climbed to a respectable 9-7, but they are without legendary QB Brett Favre for 2009. Now quarterbacked by rookie Mark Sanchez, the Jets are a team against which the Bills stand a chance in both meetings. The power running game will present a challenge for a young Bills' defense. 

However, the other opponents may not be on the decline.

New England boasts the return of four-time Pro Bowl QB Tom Brady and looks to continue its domination over the Bills. Without their flashy player, the Pats still controlled game tempo in both meetings in '08, holding the Bills to just 10 points over the two games.

The recent Dolphins' success surprised many in 2008, and Miami doesn't appear to be slowing down. The team has even inspired veteran linebacker Jason Taylor to come back for an encore to wear the white and blue one more time. QB Chad Pennington and the Dolphins are rising—the Bills must attack them in order to stay close on the scoreboard.

In the AFC East, there are no guaranteed wins. Although 2009 shapes up to be a season in which the Bills could go 4-2 or 3-3 in divisional play, failure to come out swinging may result in another 0-6 mark. 

These crucial matchups undoubtedly play a role in making or breaking a season. Last year, Buffalo learned that lesson the hard way. 

In all likelihood, a similar tale will occur in 2009 unless the retooled roster can pay serious dividends.