Knowing what we know right now..would you rather be 5-11 or 9-7?

[Thurman#1]

They're already eliminated from the playoffs in my mind. But the correct answer is 9-7. You can't keep on having losing seasons and expect to get better. Another losing season will have as bad of an effect on the team as a high draft pick would have a good effect. Attitude is huge.

4-12, 6-10, 9-7...that's what you need to do. That will usher in more progress. Not 4-12, 6-10, 5-11.

Progress can come in many ways. Sometimes it's slow and herky-jerky. Other times a slow, consistent rise. One thing you can't do, though, is figure that if we only win five games we'll be lousy next year. It would be possible, but isn't necessarily true.

[Thurman#1]

Anybody who answers 5-11 is a pathetic fan. You are hoping against a possible playoff chance. Something you complain about not happening every year, they have a chance (i know it is slim) with winning out. And you are hoping against that. There is only one correct answer to this, 9-7. GO BILLS

I don't care about the playoffs. I care about the Super Bowl. Joining the playoffs as a fodder team that really has no realistic shot at a championship has no interest for me.

Last year the fodder teams were Houston (after Schaub's injury), Detroit, Cincy and Denver. The rest of the teams had a shot, but those teams didn't. This year, if the Bills make the playoffs, they won't have a legitimate shot. They're simply not good enough.

Next year, though, could be another story.

[brianm1113]

I don't care about the playoffs. I care about the Super Bowl. Joining the playoffs as a fodder team that really has no realistic shot at a championship has no interest for me.

Last year the fodder teams were Houston (after Schaub's injury), Detroit, Cincy and Denver. The rest of the teams had a shot, but those teams didn't. This year, if the Bills make the playoffs, they won't have a legitimate shot. They're simply not good enough.

Next year, though, could be another story.

thats the dumbest thing i have ever read on these boards. With all the drivel that comes out of the mouths of trolls, you should be impressed with yourself.


You know the Broncos and Texans won playoff games last year right? Youre telling me a playoff win/appearance means nothing to you? Please stop being a fan of this team.

[Jimboismyman]

They're already eliminated from the playoffs in my mind. But the correct answer is 9-7. You can't keep on having losing seasons and expect to get better. Another losing season will have as bad of an effect on the team as a high draft pick would have a good effect. Attitude is huge.

4-12, 6-10, 9-7...that's what you need to do. That will usher in more progress. Not 4-12, 6-10, 5-11.

This is the correct post in my eyes.

9-7 is what I would want to see, and I would root for.

[williampjohn]

9 -7 with or without there still being a shot at the playoffs. My take is that the Bills are moving in a positive direction so I'll take getting over .500 vs. a better draft position.

[HiddenInLight]

I don't care about the playoffs. I care about the Super Bowl. Joining the playoffs as a fodder team that really has no realistic shot at a championship has no interest for me.

Last year the fodder teams were Houston (after Schaub's injury), Detroit, Cincy and Denver. The rest of the teams had a shot, but those teams didn't. This year, if the Bills make the playoffs, they won't have a legitimate shot. They're simply not good enough.

Next year, though, could be another story.

Playoff fodder is the first step of a playoff run. A list of teams that recently have been playoff fodder and are now either contenders or have a SB:

Giants - Have not won a playoff game in a year they havnt won a superbowl
49ers - Came in unexpectedly, was considered fodder. Got a win, and this year is a strong contender
Houston - Got in in spite of their QB issues, largely considered fodder, now a strong contender
Denver - Same as above.
Cincy - Got in last year, looking to make another appearence. Decent odds of that happening.


The thing about this league, is generally you need a sniff of the playoffs before you make a run. Even a one and done appearence is good to attract FAs, as is a close miss.

To answer the OP, 9-7. I root for my team to win every single game. Most people saying 5-11 just don't want to be proven wrong about saying the team sucks. They love to spout off that record is the be all end all. A 9-7 record then should prove that they are wrong. No arguments about it. Either way they draft a QB, though maybe a trade up occurs in the 9-7 depending on where the QBs shake out this year. As it looks now, a few are plummeting down the board. We should have our pick of a few pretty good QBs in either of the first two rounds.

[UpstateRules]

9-7 finish on a good note and reflect on what you need to do to get the playoffs. I like to see Buddy's baby smile and giggle a little!!

[UBNAS81]

I think we will be lucky to finish 8-8....that being said, it is an improvement from last season's 6-10 debacle....Im willing to give this coaching staff one more chance - even Wannstache. The Defense has clearly been the strength of this team down the stretch, and it looks as if the players are understanding their assignments, and not missing as many gaps, etc.

We will draft or sign a FA WR, probably in rounds 1/2.......QB in round 1/2 also depending on where we pick. I see buddy reaching this year for a qb, hopefully he makes a good decision.

[BornBillfan]

If 9-7 means no playoffs, then I can care less if we win a game

loser mentality? lol... yah yah yah

[bones jones]

9-7 is the correct answer.

[Happy Lee]

9-7, no question.

To get to the playoffs regularly - as in more than once every 15 years - you have to get rid of the losing culture.

And that starts with winning games. No matter the circumstances, I'll take a win over a loss each and every time.

[BigDaveyL]

I want 9-7.

At least the team can finish the season on the rise. Maybe that will give them and the coaching staff the confidence going into next year.

I think we're picking a QB if we finish 5-11 or 9-7 or anywhere in between.

[Bills1]

5-11 better pick

[BallHawk20]

9-7, no question.

To get to the playoffs regularly - as in more than once every 15 years - you have to get rid of the losing culture.

And that starts with winning games. No matter the circumstances, I'll take a win over a loss each and every time.

Nice post....

[Billzgobowlin]

Most years in the past I have wanted to see 5-11 and the better pick but this year I really hope the team finishes 9-7 and justifies the past three years. This team is probably the best put together team in the past 10-15 years. I am really excited for next year after another good draft. Nix has shown the ability to get at least 2 out of the top three picks performing well the past three years and I am excited for two more solid players.

[BillsFan]

I would rather be 19-0 to be honest.

Obviously, thats not the point of this thread but the fact of the matter is, I always want more wins regardless.

especially witht he rookie wage scale. You can trade up in the draft if there is a player a team really likes.

[BigDaveyL]

Most years in the past I have wanted to see 5-11 and the better pick but this year I really hope the team finishes 9-7 and justifies the past three years. This team is probably the best put together team in the past 10-15 years. I am really excited for next year after another good draft. Nix has shown the ability to get at least 2 out of the top three picks performing well the past three years and I am excited for two more solid players.

I agree. 8-8, at a minimum says this regime is at least better than the last one.

I would draft a QB and LB in the first two rounds.

[row_33]

9 -7 with or without there still being a shot at the playoffs. My take is that the Bills are moving in a positive direction so I'll take getting over .500 vs. a better draft position.

yup, beating the Jags gives up a big lift spirit-wise

[AZbacker]

yup, beating the Jags gives up a big lift spirit-wise

It does.

[Otishawk]

What kind of question is this?

Would your rather make $20,000 or $50,000?

Would you dead or alive?

There is only one answer. If you would rather be 5-11 than 9-7 you need to get your head examined.