If you don't think fast starts have a significant bearing on a team's season, you haven't been paying attention. Since 2000, the 14 teams that went to the Super Bowl compiled a combined 36-9 record in the Septembers of their Super Bowl seasons. You don't need a calculator to compute that's a .800 winning percentage.
With that in mind, let's look at the first four weeks of the season. In my opinion, these teams face the five most difficult Septembers. 1. Buffalo Bills
Opponents: Denver, at Pittsburgh, at New England, N.Y. Jets.
Opponents' 2006 record: 39-25.
2006 playoff teams among opponents: New England, N.Y. Jets.
Comment: Buffalo will be hard-pressed to emerge from September with a victory.
With that in mind, let's look at the first four weeks of the season. In my opinion, these teams face the five most difficult Septembers. 1. Buffalo Bills
Opponents: Denver, at Pittsburgh, at New England, N.Y. Jets.
Opponents' 2006 record: 39-25.
2006 playoff teams among opponents: New England, N.Y. Jets.
Comment: Buffalo will be hard-pressed to emerge from September with a victory.
Comment