The NFL season officially kicks off on Thursday night when the Buffalo Bills face the Los Angeles Rams.
While pressure is on both teams to excel, the Bills face a must-win situation in this first game.
However, the defending Super Bowl champions aren’t laying down for Buffalo on their home turf.
With this game being a high-stakes game, Buffalo can make a statement on Thursday night with a win.
So why is it important for Buffalo to win this NFL season opener?
Defeating The Defending Champs Gives Bills Instant Contender Status
With this game, the Bills can establish themselves as contenders this season.
Defeating the defending champs on their home field gives creditability to them and makes a huge statement.
Defeating the super bowl champs in the kickoff game would be such a sexy statement season opener…
Anticipation may do me in before September gets here 😬❤️💙 #GoBills https://t.co/ZPosjfXEvB
— A Basic White Bill ❤️💙🦬 (@MemBill_14) May 12, 2022
You can’t deny Buffalo as contenders in 2022 if they walk away winners.
However, the pressure comes from them already being in contention talks.
It’s why they must win this game, to keep themselves in those talks.
Losing can damage the image of the team finally making the Super Bowl again.
But can they succeed on the road versus a Rams team full of talent?
Bills Added Key Players To Help Them Win Critical Games
Buffalo is hungry to reach the Super Bowl, and has gotten the players needed to accomplish this feat.
With the addition of Von Miller and Jordan Phillips, the Bills defense is looking stout.
They also got slot receiver Jamison Crowder and offensive lineman Rodger Saffold III.
While Crowder and Phillips aren’t starting, they add depth to the roster.
However, having Miller and Saffold in starting roles helps upgrade the Bills.
MY grade for the Buffalo Bills’ ’22 FA moves? A-. They added Edge/OLB Von Miller, stealing him from LAR. Buffalo also improved on offense by replacing Daryl Williams, w/ OG Rodger Saffold who’s coming off his 1st Pro Bowl season. Only remaining upgrade to make is at CB #NFL
— Ray Juray III (@rjuray3) March 31, 2022
With these players, the Bills improve on both sides, making them dangerous in 2022.
However, they aren’t the only team make moves to become contenders this season.
Buffalo Could Face Tough Season With AFC Teams Making Upgrades
Another reason the Bills need a win versus the Rams is from the threat of AFC teams, all who made improvements.
The Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders, and Denver Broncos all improved their rosters.
These teams could derail any playoff or Super Bowl hopes the Bills currently have.
However, getting a win on Thursday night can build confidence in this team.
This means handling tough teams might not be tough for Buffalo.
But getting that first win is critical for them, as fans hunger for a Super Bowl appearance.
If they reach the Super Bowl, it means they’ll be back for the first time since the early 90s.
However, could they be just like the Bills teams from the 90s?
Bills Of The 90s Had A Great Roster, But Let Down Fans
Even with some of the best offensive and defensive players in the 90s, Buffalo never won a Super Bowl.
While they reached the big game for four consecutive seasons, they couldn’t seal the deal.
Despite the best talent, the team choked when pressure was on them the most.
This lead to them letting down fans each year.
It could be the same fate of this Bills roster in 2022.
NEXT: The Bills Should Not Be A Lock To Take The AFC East