57th season in franchise history
The 2016 season was the Buffalo Bills' 57th overall, 47th in the National Football League (NFL), fourth under leadership of general manager Doug Whaley and second under head coach Rex Ryan. The Bills hoped to improve on their 8–8 record from 2015, the team's first since 2002, but a 34–31 overtime loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 16 eliminated the Bills from playoff contention for a 17th season in a row, extending the longest active drought among all four North American major professional sports leagues. It would be Ryan's final season as head coach of the team, as he and his brother, Rob, were fired with one game remaining in the regular season.
Offseason
Roster changes
Signings
| Position |
Player |
2015 Team |
Date signed |
Notes
|
Source
|
| RB |
Mike Gillislee |
Buffalo Bills |
January 4, 2016 |
1-year extension/$600,000
|
|
| RB |
James Wilder, Jr. |
Cincinnati Bengals |
January 20, 2016 |
1 year/$525,000 (Reserve/Future)
|
|
| RB |
Reggie Bush |
San Francisco 49ers |
August 1, 2016 |
1 year/$3 million
|
|
| TE |
Jim Dray |
Cleveland Browns |
March 16, 2016 |
1 year/$760,000
|
|
| WR |
Greg Salas |
Buffalo Bills |
January 4, 2016 |
1-year extension/$600,000
|
|
| WR |
Leonard Hankerson |
Buffalo Bills |
April 4, 2016 |
1 year/$840,000
|
|
| WR |
Kain Colter |
Minnesota Vikings |
August 1, 2016 |
1 year/$450,000
|
|
| OG |
Richie Incognito |
Buffalo Bills |
March 8, 2016 |
3-year extension/$15.75 million
|
|
| OG |
Fernando Velasco |
Carolina Panthers |
April 7, 2016 |
1 year/$965,000
|
|
| OT |
Jordan Mills |
Buffalo Bills |
March 30, 2016 |
1 year tender/$1.67 million
|
|
| OT |
Chris Martin |
Miami Dolphins |
June 13, 2016 |
1 year/$525,000
|
|
| OT |
Cordy Glenn |
Buffalo Bills |
May 3, 2016 |
5-year extension/$65 million
|
|
| OT |
Justin Renfrow |
San Francisco 49ers |
June 17, 2016 |
1 year/$450,000
|
|
| DT |
Corbin Bryant |
Buffalo Bills |
March 7, 2016 |
1 year tender/$1.67 million
|
|
| DT |
Casey Walker |
Dallas Cowboys |
July 30, 2016 |
1 year/$525,000
|
|
| LB |
Zach Brown |
Tennessee Titans |
April 4, 2016 |
1 year/$1.25 million
|
|
| LB |
Lorenzo Alexander |
Oakland Raiders |
April 13, 2016 |
1 year/$885,000
|
|
| CB |
Mario Butler |
Buffalo Bills |
January 4, 2016 |
1-year extension/$600,000
|
|
| CB/KR |
Javier Arenas |
New York Jets |
February 3, 2016 |
1 year/$600,000 (Reserve/Future)
|
|
| CB |
Corey White |
Arizona Cardinals |
April 4, 2016 |
1 year/$840,000
|
|
| CB |
Sterling Moore |
Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
April 5, 2016 |
1 year/$840,000
|
|
| SS |
Robert Blanton |
Minnesota Vikings |
March 18, 2016 |
1 year/$840,000
|
|
| SS |
Colt Anderson |
Indianapolis Colts |
April 13, 2016 |
1 year/$840,000
|
|
| P |
Colton Schmidt |
Buffalo Bills |
January 4, 2016 |
1-year extension/$600,000
|
|
| WR |
Percy Harvin |
Buffalo Bills |
November 1, 2016 |
|
|
Free agents lost
Cuts
| Position
|
Player
|
Date
|
Source
|
| RB |
Boobie Dixon |
March 1, 2016
|
|
| WR |
Davonte Allen |
August 1, 2016
|
|
| TE |
MarQueis Gray |
March 1, 2016
|
|
| TE |
Jacob Maxwell |
April 29, 2016
|
|
| T |
Tyson Chandler |
April 15, 2016
|
|
| T |
Keith Lumpkin |
June 13, 2016
|
|
| G |
Kraig Urbik |
March 1, 2016
|
|
| C |
Ronald Patrick |
May 2, 2016
|
|
| DE |
Mario Williams |
March 1, 2016
|
|
| DE |
Cedric Reed |
July 30, 2016
|
|
| DE |
Claudell Louis |
June 13, 2016
|
|
| DE |
Jarius Wynn |
May 2, 2016
|
|
| LB |
Tony Steward |
April 19, 2016
|
|
| CB |
Leodis McKelvin |
March 4, 2016
|
|
| CB |
Cam Thomas |
April 18, 2016
|
|
| CB |
Julian Whigham |
June 9, 2016
|
|
| CB |
Merrill Noel |
May 2, 2016
|
|
| S |
Phillip Thomas |
June 17, 2016
|
|
| K |
Marshall Morgan |
August 1, 2016
|
|
Retirements
Draft
Main article: 2016 NFL draft
Pre-Draft
Prior to the draft, the Bills held visits for 47 players; 8 had previous visits, 23 players visited during the NFL Scouting Combine, 2 at the East–West Shrine Game, 19 had private visits, and 3 had private workouts.
Previously, the Bills traded their 2016 seventh-round selection (240th overall) and their 2015 fifth-round selection (137th overall) to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for quarterback Matt Cassel and the Vikings' 2015 sixth-round selection (188th overall).
Day-of Activity
The Bills traded their 2016 second-round pick (49th overall) and fourth-round pick (117th overall) to the Chicago Bears in return for Chicago's 2016 second-round pick (41st overall).
Undrafted free agents
All undrafted free agents were signed after the 2016 NFL draft concluded on April 30 unless otherwise noted.
Staff
On January 10, 2016, one week after the 2015 season ended, Doug Whaley signed a three-year contract extension to remain the Bills general manager. That same day, it was announced that Ryan had hired his twin brother, Rob, to the Bills coaching staff to serve as an assistant head coach and will also work with the defense. Three days later, Ryan hired former NFL standout Ed Reed to be an assistant defensive backs coach.
On January 20, 2016, the Bills promoted Kathryn Smith to special teams quality control coach, making her the first female full-time coach in NFL history. On September 16, 2016, less than 24 hours after losing 37–31 to the New York Jets in their home opener in a game in which the defense failed to stop Jets running back Matt Forte, instead of firing defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman, Ryan pretty much sealed his own fate by firing offensive coordinator Greg Roman and promoting running backs coach Anthony Lynn to the position.
Lynn would later be promoted to interim head coach on December 27, 2016, when the Ryan brothers were fired after the 34–31 overtime loss to the Dolphins eliminated the team from the playoffs.
Staff
2016 Buffalo Bills staff
|
|
Front office
- Owner/CEO – Terry Pegula
- Owner – Kim Pegula
- President – Russ Brandon
- General manager – Doug Whaley
- Senior vice president of football administration – Jim Overdorf
- Director of football administration – Don Purdy
- Director of football operations – Kevin Meganck
- Director of analytics – Michael Lyons
- Director of player personnel – Jim Monos
- Player personnel advisor – Kelvin Fisher
- Director of pro personnel – Rob Hanrahan
- Special assistant – Ron Hughes
- Special assistant – Buddy Nix
Head coaches
Offensive coaches
|
|
|
Defensive coaches
Special teams coaches
Strength and conditioning
- Head strength and conditioning – Eric Ciano
- Assistant head strength and conditioning – Hal Luther
- Strength and conditioning assistant – Jason Oszvart
- Strength and conditioning assistant – Dan Liburd
- Strength and conditioning assistant – Mark Loecher
|
Final roster
Schedule
Preseason
Regular season
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
Game summaries
Week 1: at Baltimore Ravens
Week One: Buffalo Bills at Baltimore Ravens
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Bills |
0 |
7 |
0 | 0 | 7 |
| Ravens |
3 |
7 |
0 | 3 | 13 |
at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland
| Game information
|
|
First quarter
- BAL – Justin Tucker 50-yard field goal, 0:35. Ravens 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 59 yards, 4:47.
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
- BAL – Justin Tucker 37-yard field goal, 5:39. Ravens 13–7. Drive: 13 plays, 59 yards, 5:59.
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
|
|
Week 2: vs. New York Jets
Week Two: New York Jets at Buffalo Bills
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Jets |
6 |
14 |
7 | 10 | 37 |
| Bills |
7 |
3 |
14 | 7 | 31 |
at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York
| Game information
|
|
First quarter
- NYJ – Nick Folk 28-yard field goal, 6:41. Jets 3–0. Drive: 15 plays, 65 yards, 8:19.
- BUF – Marquise Goodwin 84-yard pass from Tyrod Taylor (Dan Carpenter kick), 5:16. Bills 7–3. Drive: 3 plays, 82 yards, 1:25.
- NYJ – Nick Folk 29-yard field goal, 0:00. Bills 7–6. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 5:16.
Second quarter
- NYJ – Matt Forte 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 11:07. Jets 13–7. Drive: 6 plays, 66 yards, 2:15.
- NYJ – Eric Decker 5-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Nick Folk kick), 3:53. Jets 20–7. Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 3:54.
- BUF – Dan Carpenter 39-yard field goal, 0:05. Jets 20–10. Drive: 13 plays, 54 yards, 3:48.
Third quarter
- BUF – Greg Salas 71-yard pass from Tyrod Taylor (Dan Carpenter kick), 14:09. Jets 20–17. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 0:51.
- BUF – Nickell Robey-Coleman 36-yard fumble return (Dan Carpenter kick), 11:15. Bills 24–20.
- NYJ – Matt Forte 3-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 2:12. Jets 27–24. Drive: 12 plays, 84 yards, 6:27.
Fourth quarter
- NYJ – Nick Folk 36-yard field goal, 10:40. Jets 30–24. Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards, 4:12.
- NYJ – Matt Forte 12-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 4:02. Jets 37–24. Drive: 5 plays, 56 yards, 3:01.
- BUF – Mike Gillislee 18-yard pass from Tyrod Taylor (Dan Carpenter kick), 1:17. Jets 37–31. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 2:45.
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
|
|
The Bills saw the return of their red Color Rush uniforms from 2015 in this game. With the loss, not only did the Bills drop to 0–2, but head coach Rex Ryan fired offensive coordinator Greg Roman, promoting running backs coach Anthony Lynn to offensive coordinator the next day. They also lost wide receiver Greg Salas for the season to a groin injury and lost wide receiver Sammy Watkins for several weeks to a foot injury.
Week 3: vs. Arizona Cardinals
Week Three: Arizona Cardinals at Buffalo Bills
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Cardinals |
0 |
7 |
6 | 5 | 18 |
| Bills |
10 |
7 |
13 | 3 | 33 |
at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York
| Game information
|
|
First quarter
- BUF – Dan Carpenter 19-yard field goal, 3:29. Bills 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 3:51.
- BUF – LeSean McCoy 24-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), 0:55. Bills 10–0. Drive: 5 plays, 53 yards, 1:30.
Second quarter
- BUF – LeSean McCoy 5-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), 10:25. Bills 17–0. Drive: 6 plays, 52 yards, 2:51.
- ARI – David Johnson 4-yard run (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 1:05. Bills 17–7. Drive: 17 plays, 84 yards, 9:20.
Third quarter
- BUF – Tyrod Taylor 20-yard run (kick failed, wide right), 10:31. Bills 23–7. Drive: 6 plays, 47 yards, 2:49.
- BUF – Aaron Williams 53-yard fumble return (Dan Carpenter kick), 2:25. Bills 30–7.
- ARI – David Johnson 22-yard run (pass failed), 0:12. Bills 30–13. Drive: 6 plays, 83 yards, 2:13.
Fourth quarter
- ARI – Chandler Catanzaro 60-yard field goal, 10:36. Bills 30–16. Drive: 5 plays, 4 yards, 2:19.
- BUF – Dan Carpenter 45-yard field goal, 4:48. Bills 33–16. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 1:42.
- ARI – LeSean McCoy tackled in the end zone by Corey Peters for a safety, 3:04. Bills 33–18.
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
|
|
With the win, the Bills improved to 1–2 in Lynn's first game as offensive coordinator.
Week 4: at New England Patriots
Week Four: Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Bills |
7 |
6 |
3 | 0 | 16 |
| Patriots |
0 |
0 |
0 | 0 | 0 |
at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
| Game information
|
|
First quarter
Second quarter
- BUF – Dan Carpenter 34-yard field goal, 14:49. Bills 10–0. Drive: 10 plays, 52 yards, 3:58.
- BUF – Dan Carpenter 43-yard field goal, 7:46. Bills 13–0. Drive: 12 plays, 74 yards, 4:40.
Third quarter
- BUF – Dan Carpenter 44-yard field goal, 0:28. Bills 16–0. Drive: 11 plays, 44 yards, 4:27.
Fourth quarter
|
Top passers
- BUF – Tyrod Taylor – 27/39, 246 yards, TD
- NE – Jacoby Brissett – 17/27, 205 yards
Top rushers
- BUF – LeSean McCoy – 19 rushes, 70 yards
- NE – LeGarrette Blount – 13 rushes, 54 yards
Top receivers
|
|
With the win, not only did the Bills improve to 2–2, but Ryan got his first career regular season victory at Gillette Stadium (he was 0–7 as head coach entering the game, including six straight losses as New York Jets head coach).
Week 5: at Los Angeles Rams
Week Five: Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Rams
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Bills |
7 |
9 |
7 | 7 | 30 |
| Rams |
3 |
10 |
3 | 3 | 19 |
at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California
| Game information
|
|
First quarter
Second quarter
- BUF – Mike Gillislee 5-yard run (kick blocked), 13:59. Bills 13–3. Drive: 2 plays, 63 yards, 1:01.
- LA – Greg Zuerlein 32-yard field goal, 7:46. Bills 13–6. Drive: 5 plays, 52 yards, 2:33.
- LA – Todd Gurley 1-yard run (Greg Zuerlein kick), 1:56. Tied 13–13. Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards, 4:39.
- BUF – Dan Carpenter 23-yard field goal, 0:00. Bills 16–13. Drive: 10 plays, 70 yards, 1:56.
Third quarter
- LA – Greg Zuerlein 54-yard field goal, 8:05. Tied 16–16. Drive: 9 plays, 48 yards, 5:13.
- BUF – Nickell Robey-Coleman 41-yard interception return (Dan Carpenter kick), 3:54. Bills 23–16.
Fourth quarter
- LA – Greg Zuerlein 22-yard field goal, 5:51. Bills 23–19. Drive: 13 plays, 89 yards, 8:16.
- BUF – Marquise Goodwin 6-yard pass from Tyrod Taylor (Dan Carpenter kick), 2:37. Bills 30–19. Drive: 3 plays, 25 yards, 1:04.
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
|
|
With the win, the Bills improve to 3–2 and their first three-game winning streak since 2011 (the team started that season 3–0).
Week 6: vs. San Francisco 49ers
Week Six: San Francisco 49ers at Buffalo Bills
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| 49ers |
3 |
10 |
0 | 3 | 16 |
| Bills |
7 |
10 |
7 | 21 | 45 |
at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York
| Game information
|
|
First quarter
- SF – Phil Dawson 33-yard field goal, 5:43. 49ers 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 13 yards, 3:53.
- BUF – LeSean McCoy 4-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), 0:14. Bills 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:29.
Second quarter
- SF – Torrey Smith 53-yard pass from Colin Kaepernick (Phil Dawson kick), 13:56. 49ers 10–7. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:18.
- BUF – LeSean McCoy 12-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), 10:18. Bills 14–10. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:38.
- SF – Phil Dawson 48-yard field goal, 5:54. Bills 14–13. Drive: 9 plays, 59 yards, 4:24.
- BUF – Dan Carpenter 40-yard field goal, 0:21. Bills 17–13. Drive: 14 plays, 53 yards, 5:33.
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
- SF – Phil Dawson 47-yard field goal, 14:48. Bills 24–16. Drive: 8 plays, 46 yards, 2:46.
- BUF – LeSean McCoy 18-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), 10:53. Bills 31–16. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:55.
- BUF – Robert Woods 5-yard pass from Tyrod Taylor (Dan Carpenter kick), 10:32. Bills 38–16. Drive: 1 play, 27 yards, 0:11.
- BUF – Mike Gillislee 44-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), 5:40. Bills 45–16. Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 3:25.
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
|
|
With the win, the Bills improve to 4–2 and their first four-game winning streak since 2008 (the team started that season 4–0 in Dick Jauron's last full season as head coach).
Week 7: at Miami Dolphins
Week Seven: Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Bills |
3 |
7 |
7 | 8 | 25 |
| Dolphins |
3 |
3 |
8 | 14 | 28 |
at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
| Game information
|
|
First quarter
- MIA – Andrew Franks 36-yard field goal, 7:28. Dolphins 3–0. Drive: 15 plays, 64 yards, 7:32.
- BUF – Dan Carpenter 29-yard field goal, 0:49. Tied 3–3. Drive: 6 plays, 20 yards, 1:59.
Second quarter
- BUF – Tyrod Taylor 10-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), 11:47. Bills 10–3. Drive: 7 plays, 40 yards, 2:50.
- MIA – Andrew Franks 33-yard field goal, 3:47. Bills 10–6. Drive: 12 plays, 58 yards, 8:00.
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
- MIA – Damien Williams 12-yard run (Andrew Franks kick), 3:56. Dolphins 21–17. Drive: 6 plays, 64 yards, 3:49.
- MIA – Kenny Stills 66-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Andrew Franks kick), 2:24. Dolphins 28–17. Drive: 3 plays, 70 yards, 1:03.
- BUF – Reggie Bush 1-yard run (Tyrod Taylor–Reggie Bush pass), 0:14. Dolphins 28–25. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 2:10.
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
|
|
The Bills led 17–14 by the start of the fourth quarter, but the Dolphins came back to win 28–25, causing the Bills to drop to 4–3.
Week 8: vs. New England Patriots
Week Eight: New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Patriots |
14 |
10 |
14 | 3 | 41 |
| Bills |
3 |
7 |
7 | 8 | 25 |
at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York
- Date: October 30
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
- Game weather: 49 °F (9 °C), rain
- Game attendance: 70,442
- Referee: John Parry
- TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts and Evan Washburn
- Recap, Game book
| Game information
|
|
First quarter
- BUF – Dan Carpenter 23-yard field goal, 11:07. Bills 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 70 yards, 3:55.
- NE – Danny Amendola 9-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 4:35. Patriots 7–3. Drive 14 plays, 70 yards, 6:30.
- NE – Chris Hogan 53-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 1:41. Patriots 14–3. Drive: 3 plays, 45 yards, 2:08.
Second quarter
- BUF – Mike Gillislee 3-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), 6:26. Patriots 14–10. Drive: 5 plays, 59 yards, 2:14.
- NE – Rob Gronkowski 53-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 4:18. Patriots 21–10. Drive: 4 plays, 79 yards, 2:08.
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 51-yard field goal, 0:03. Patriots 24–10. Drive: 5 plays, 28 yards, 0:27.
Third quarter
- NE – Julian Edelman 12-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 14:00. Patriots 31–10. Drive: 2 plays, 24 yards, 1:00.
- BUF – Tyrod Taylor 26-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), 7:57. Patriots 31–17. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 6:03.
- NE – LeGarrette Blount 1-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 7:10. Patriots 38–17. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 4:52.
Fourth quarter
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 32-yard field goal, 7:10. Patriots 41–17. Drive: 13 plays, 76 yards, 4:52.
- BUF – Jonathan Williams (EJ Manuel–Nick O'Leary pass), 0:33. Patriots 41–25. Drive: 6 plays, 66 yards, 1:56.
|
Top passers
- NE – Tom Brady – 22/33, 315 yards, 4 TD
- BUF – Tyrod Taylor – 19/38, 183 yards
Top rushers
- NE – LeGarrette Blount – 18 rushes, 43 yards, TD
- BUF – Mike Gillislee – 12 rushes, 85 yards, TD
Top receivers
- NE – Rob Gronkowski – 5 receptions, 109 yards, TD
- BUF – Walt Powell – 3 receptions, 59 yards
|
|
Week 9: at Seattle Seahawks
Week Nine: Buffalo Bills at Seattle Seahawks
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Bills |
14 |
3 |
0 | 8 | 25 |
| Seahawks |
7 |
21 |
0 | 3 | 31 |
at CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington
| Game information
|
|
First quarter
Second quarter
- SEA – Jimmy Graham 17-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Steven Hauschka kick), 14:54. Tied 14–14. Drive: 5 plays, 65 yards, 2:27.
- BUF – Dan Carpenter 31-yard field goal, 9:32. Bills 17–14. Drive: 12 plays, 62 yards, 5:22.
- SEA – Christine Michael 3-yard run (Steven Hauschka kick), 4:29. Seahawks 21–17. Drive: 3 plays, 40 yards, 1:42.
- SEA – Jimmy Graham 18-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Steven Hauschka kick), 1:00. Seahawks 28–17. Drive: 6 plays, 68 yards, 1:19.
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
- BUF – Mike Gillislee 1-yard run (Tyrod Taylor run), 14:26. Seahawks 28–25. Drive: 13 plays, 82 yards, 6:49.
- SEA – Steven Hauschka 49-yard field goal, 9:49. Seahawks 31–25. Drive: 8 plays, 44 yards, 4:37.
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
|
|
With the loss, not only did the Bills drop to 4–5, but they also lost center Eric Wood for the season.
Week 11: at Cincinnati Bengals
Week Eleven: Buffalo Bills at Cincinnati Bengals
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Bills |
7 |
3 |
3 | 3 | 16 |
| Bengals |
6 |
6 |
0 | 0 | 12 |
at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
| Game information
|
|
First quarter
- BUF – LeSean McCoy 7-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), 8:52. Bills 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:23.
- CIN – Andy Dalton 2-yard run (kick failed, hit right upright), 2:34. Bills 7–6. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 6:18.
Second quarter
- BUF – Dan Carpenter 26-yard field goal, 9:03. Bills 10–6. Drive: 4 plays, −5 yards, 2:05.
- CIN – Tyler Boyd 1-yard pass from Andy Dalton (kick failed, hit right upright), 3:10. Bengals 12–10. Drive: 13 plays, 66 yards, 5:53.
Third quarter
- BUF – Dan Carpenter 54-yard field goal, 10:25. Bills 13–12. Drive: 8 plays, 32 yards, 4:35.
Fourth quarter
- BUF – Dan Carpenter 20-yard field goal, 12:05. Bills 16–12. Drive: 15 plays, 88 yards, 8:12.
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
|
|
With the win, the Bills improved to 5–5, but running back LeSean McCoy, wide receiver Robert Woods and safety Robert Blanton left the game with injuries.
Week 12: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Week Twelve: Jacksonville Jaguars at Buffalo Bills
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Jaguars |
7 |
0 |
7 | 7 | 21 |
| Bills |
0 |
6 |
14 | 8 | 28 |
at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York
| Game information
|
|
First quarter
Second quarter
- BUF – LeSean McCoy 7-yard run (kick failed, wide left), 0:20. Jaguars 7–6. Drive: 5 plays, 22 yards, 1:04.
Third quarter
- BUF – LeSean McCoy 75-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), 14:47. Bills 7–13. Drive: 1 play, 75 yards, 0:13.
- JAX – Marqise Lee 20-yard pass from Blake Bortles (Jason Myers kick), 9:26. Jaguars 14–13. Drive: 11 plays, 65 yards, 5:21.
- BUF – Tyrod Taylor 7-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), 3:00. Bills 20–14. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:34.
Fourth quarter
- JAX – Allen Hurns 12-yard pass from Blake Bortles (Jason Myers kick), 14:52. Jaguars 21–20. Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 3:08.
- BUF – Justin Hunter 16-yard pass from Tyrod Taylor (LeSean McCoy run), 10:46. Bills 28–21. Drive: 8 plays, 76 yards, 4:06.
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
|
|
With the win, the Bills improved to 6–5, but defensive tackle Corbin Bryant and wide receiver Walt Powell had to miss the rest of the season.
Week 13: at Oakland Raiders
Week Thirteen: Buffalo Bills at Oakland Raiders
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Bills |
3 |
7 |
14 | 0 | 24 |
| Raiders |
3 |
6 |
14 | 15 | 38 |
at Oakland Alameda Coliseum, Oakland, California
- Date: December 4
- Game time: 4:05 p.m. ET/1:05 p.m. PT
- Game weather: 59 °F (15 °C), partly cloudy
- Game attendance: 54,759
- Referee: Bill Vinovich
- TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts and Evan Washburn
- Recap, Game book
| Game information
|
|
First quarter
- BUF – Dan Carpenter 27-yard field goal, 8:02. Bills 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 72 yards, 4:10.
- OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 47-yard field goal, 4:35. Tied 3–3. Drive: 8 plays, 46 yards, 3:27.
Second quarter
- BUF – Mike Gillislee 1-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), 13:28. Bills 10–3. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 6:07.
- OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 41-yard field goal, 2:56. Bills 10–6. Drive: 11 plays, 38 yards, 4:24.
- OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 47-yard field goal, 0:00. Bills 10–9. Drive: 5 plays, 57 yards, 0:30.
Third quarter
- BUF – Tyrod Taylor 12-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), 14:03. Bills 17–9. Drive: 2 plays, 66 yards, 0:57.
- BUF – Mike Gillislee 2-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), 9:01. Bills 24–9. Drive: 10 plays, 54 yards, 4:10.
- OAK – Michael Crabtree 3-yard pass from Derek Carr (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 5:17. Bills 24–16. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 3:44.
- OAK – Latavius Murray 1-yard run (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 0:57. Bills 24–23. Drive: 5 plays, 38 yards, 3:03.
Fourth quarter
- OAK – Amari Cooper 37-yard pass from Derek Carr (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 14:08. Raiders 30–24. Drive: 5 plays, 59 yards, 0:40.
- OAK – Latavius Murray 1-yard run (Derek Carr–Seth Roberts pass), 8:34. Raiders 38–24. Drive: 4 plays, 16 yards, 2:11.
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
|
|
With the loss, the Bills dropped to 6–6.
Week 14: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Week Fourteen: Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Steelers |
7 |
7 |
7 | 6 | 27 |
| Bills |
0 |
7 |
0 | 13 | 20 |
at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York
- Date: December 11
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. ET
- Game weather: 27 °F (−3 °C), snow showers
- Game attendance: 69,657
- Referee: Pete Morelli
- TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Phil Simms and Tracy Wolfson
- Recap, Game book
| Game information
|
|
First quarter
Second quarter
- PIT – Le'Veon Bell 7-yard run (Chris Boswell kick), 12:00. Steelers 14–0. Drive: 10 plays, 61 yards, 5:14.
- BUF – Sammy Watkins 8-yard pass from Tyrod Taylor (Dan Carpenter kick), 7:07. Steelers 14–7. Drive: 3 plays, 7 yards, 1:27.
Third quarter
- PIT – Le'Veon Bell 5-yard run (Chris Boswell kick), 5:28. Steelers 21–7. Drive: 10 plays, 82 yards, 6:33.
Fourth quarter
- PIT – Chris Boswell 37-yard field goal, 9:57. Steelers 24–7. Drive: 6 plays, 29 yards, 3:34.
- BUF – Charles Clay 40-yard pass from Tyrod Taylor (kick failed, hit left upright), 7:27. Steelers 24–13. Drive: 5 plays, 82 yards, 2:30.
- PIT – Chris Boswell 39-yard field goal, 3:38. Steelers 27–13. Drive: 9 plays, 54 yards, 3:49.
- BUF – LeSean McCoy 3-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), 1:25. Steelers 27–20. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 2:13.
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
|
|
Week 15: vs. Cleveland Browns
Week Fifteen: Cleveland Browns at Buffalo Bills
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Browns |
3 |
0 |
10 | 0 | 13 |
| Bills |
10 |
7 |
7 | 9 | 33 |
at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York
- Date: December 18
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. ET
- Game weather: 25 °F (−4 °C), cloudy
- Game attendance: 66,529
- Referee: Clete Blakeman
- TV announcers (CBS): Tom McCarthy and Adam Archuleta
- Recap, Game book
| Game information
|
|
First quarter
- BUF – Dan Carpenter 21-yard field goal, 10:14. Bills 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 44 yards, 3:06.
- CLE – Cody Parkey 35-yard field goal, 3:50. Tied 3–3. Drive: 12 plays, 63 yards, 6:24.
- BUF – Mike Gillislee 3-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), 0:00. Bills 10–3. Drive: 8 plays, 74 yards, 3:50.
Second quarter
- BUF – Charles Clay 19-yard pass from Tyrod Taylor (Dan Carpenter kick), 0:34. Bills 17–3. Drive: 13 plays, 91 yards, 7:29.
Third quarter
- CLE – Robert Griffin III 18-yard run (Cody Parkey kick), 8:58. Bills 17–10. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 3:54.
- BUF – LeSean McCoy 3-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), 5:50. Bills 24–10. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:08.
- CLE – Cody Parkey 40-yard field goal, 1:32. Bills 24–13. Drive: 8 plays, 45 yards, 4:18.
Fourth quarter
- BUF – LeSean McCoy 8-yard run (kick failed, wide right), 12:38. Bills 30–13. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:54.
- BUF – Dan Carpenter 34-yard field goal, 7:21. Bills 33–13. Drive: 7 plays, 34 yards, 4:00.
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
|
|
With the win, the Bills improved to 7–7 and keep their slim playoff chances alive. The team set a new franchise record for rushing touchdowns in a season (27) with LeSean McCoy's second rushing score of the game. This was also the 400th regular-season win in franchise history.
Week 16: vs. Miami Dolphins
Week Sixteen: Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | OT | Total |
| Dolphins |
7 |
7 |
14 | 3 | 3 | 34 |
| Bills |
0 |
7 |
14 | 10 | 0 | 31 |
at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York
| Game information
|
|
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
- MIA – DeVante Parker 56-yard pass from Matt Moore (Andrew Franks kick), 12:05. Dolphins 21–7. Drive: 5 plays, 70 yards, 2:55.
- BUF – LeSean McCoy 19-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), 6:46. Dolphins 21–14. Drive: 10 plays, 77 yards, 5:19.
- MIA – Kenny Stills 6-yard pass from Matt Moore (Andrew Franks kick), 3:14. Dolphins 28–14. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:32.
- BUF – Charles Clay 18-yard pass from Tyrod Taylor (Dan Carpenter kick), 2:02. Dolphins 28–21. Drive: 4 plays, 78 yards, 2:02.
Fourth quarter
- BUF – Dan Carpenter 28-yard field goal, 5:51. Dolphins 28–24. Drive: 10 plays, 89 yards, 4:24.
- BUF – Charles Clay 7-yard pass from Tyrod Taylor (Dan Carpenter kick), 1:20. Bills 31–28. Drive: 10 plays, 89 yards, 2:40.
- MIA – Andrew Franks 55-yard field goal, 0:06. Tied 31–31. Drive: 6 plays, 24 yards, 1:14.
Overtime
- MIA – Andrew Franks 27-yard field goal, 0:47. Dolphins 34–31. Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 3:13.
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
|
|
After the Bills took the lead with a touchdown inside the two-minute warning at the end of the fourth quarter, the Dolphins took the game to overtime with a 55-yard field goal with six seconds on the clock. They then secured the win with 47 seconds left in the extra period with another field goal from 27 yards. The loss for the Bills meant they were eliminated from playoff contention for the 17th consecutive season. Two days later, the Bills fired head coach Rex Ryan and assistant head coach Rob Ryan.
Week 17: at New York Jets
Week Seventeen: Buffalo Bills at New York Jets
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Bills |
0 |
3 |
0 | 7 | 10 |
| Jets |
0 |
10 |
10 | 10 | 30 |
at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
- Date: January 1, 2017
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. ET
- Game weather: 42 °F (6 °C), sunny
- Game attendance: 78,160
- Referee: Jeff Triplette
- TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, Steve Beuerlein and Steve Tasker
- Recap, Game book
| Game information
|
|
First quarter
Second quarter
- NYJ – Bilal Powell 2-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Nick Folk kick), 9:28. Jets 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 4:34.
- BUF – Dan Carpenter 34-yard field goal, 1:45. Jets 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 54 yards, 4:12.
- NYJ – Nick Folk 30-yard field goal, 0:00. Jets 10–3. Drive: 10 plays, 63 yards, 1:45.
Third quarter
- NYJ – Jalin Marshall 6-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Nick Folk kick), 4:03. Jets 17–3. Drive: 3 plays, 13 yards, 1:28.
- NYJ – Nick Folk 36-yard field goal, 0:01. Jets 20–3. Drive: 5 plays, 14 yards, 2:35.
Fourth quarter
- NYJ – Nick Folk 25-yard field goal, 3:21. Jets 23–3. Drive: 4 plays, −4 yards, 1:42.
- NYJ – Doug Middleton kickoff recovery in the end zone (Nick Folk kick), 3:21. Jets 30–3. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:00.
- BUF – Mike Gillislee 1-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), 0:39. Jets 30–10. Drive: 5 plays, 71 yards, 2:42.
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
|
|
Anthony Lynn served as interim head coach, and EJ Manuel made his first start of the season, though he was benched in the 4th quarter as Cardale Jones took over. With the loss, Buffalo ended the season 7–9. This game included a notable flaw on Bills' special teams during a botched kickoff play. Jets' kicker Nick Folk made the ball bounce inside the field, over the heads of Bills' special teamers and into the endzone, only to see the surrounding Bills' players miscommunicate and fail to secure the live ball; Jets' specialist Doug Middleton then fell on the ball inside the endzone, giving New York their last touchdown of the game.
Standings
Division
Conference
| AFC
|
| #
|
Team
|
Division
|
W
|
L
|
T
|
PCT
|
DIV
|
CONF
|
SOS
|
SOV
|
STK
|
| Division leaders
|
| 1
|
New England Patriots
|
East
|
14
|
2
|
0
|
.875
|
5–1
|
11–1
|
.439
|
.424
|
W7
|
| 2
|
Kansas City Chiefs
|
West
|
12
|
4
|
0
|
.750
|
6–0
|
9–3
|
.508
|
.479
|
W2
|
| 3
|
Pittsburgh Steelers
|
North
|
11
|
5
|
0
|
.688
|
5–1
|
9–3
|
.494
|
.423
|
W7
|
| 4
|
Houston Texans
|
South
|
9
|
7
|
0
|
.563
|
5–1
|
7–5
|
.502
|
.427
|
L1
|
| Wild Cards
|
| 5
|
Oakland Raiders
|
West
|
12
|
4
|
0
|
.750
|
3–3
|
9–3
|
.504
|
.443
|
L1
|
| 6
|
Miami Dolphins
|
East
|
10
|
6
|
0
|
.625
|
4–2
|
7–5
|
.455
|
.341
|
L1
|
| Did not qualify for the postseason
|
| 7
|
Tennessee Titans
|
South
|
9
|
7
|
0
|
.563
|
2–4
|
6–6
|
.465
|
.458
|
W1
|
| 8
|
Denver Broncos
|
West
|
9
|
7
|
0
|
.563
|
2–4
|
6–6
|
.549
|
.455
|
W1
|
| 9
|
Baltimore Ravens
|
North
|
8
|
8
|
0
|
.500
|
4–2
|
7–5
|
.498
|
.363
|
L2
|
| 10
|
Indianapolis Colts
|
South
|
8
|
8
|
0
|
.500
|
3–3
|
5–7
|
.492
|
.406
|
W1
|
| 11
|
Buffalo Bills
|
East
|
7
|
9
|
0
|
.438
|
1–5
|
4–8
|
.482
|
.339
|
L2
|
| 12
|
Cincinnati Bengals
|
North
|
6
|
9
|
1
|
.406
|
3–3
|
5–7
|
.521
|
.333
|
W1
|
| 13
|
New York Jets
|
East
|
5
|
11
|
0
|
.313
|
2–4
|
4–8
|
.518
|
.313
|
W1
|
| 14
|
San Diego Chargers
|
West
|
5
|
11
|
0
|
.313
|
1–5
|
4–8
|
.543
|
.513
|
L5
|
| 15
|
Jacksonville Jaguars
|
South
|
3
|
13
|
0
|
.188
|
2–4
|
2–10
|
.527
|
.417
|
L1
|
| 16
|
Cleveland Browns
|
North
|
1
|
15
|
0
|
.063
|
0–6
|
1–11
|
.549
|
.313
|
L1
|
| Tiebreakers
|
- ^ Kansas City clinched the AFC West division over Oakland based on head-to-head sweep.
- ^ Houston clinched the AFC South division title over Tennessee based on record vs. division opponents.
- ^ Tennessee finished ahead of Denver based on head-to-head victory.
- ^ Baltimore finished ahead of Indianapolis based on record vs. conference opponents.
- ^ The New York Jets finished ahead of San Diego based record vs. common opponents — the Jets' cumulative record against Cleveland, Indianapolis,
Kansas City and Miami was 1–4, while San Diego's cumulative record against the same four teams was 0–5.
- When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest ranked remaining team from each division.
|
References
- Lyles Jr., Harry (December 24, 2016). "Bills extend NFL's longest playoff drought". SBNation.com. Retrieved December 2, 2024.
- ^ Brown, Chris (January 4, 2016). "Bills sign four players to extensions". Buffalo Bills. Archived from the original on August 17, 2016. Retrieved August 1, 2016.
- Brown, Chris (January 20, 2016). "RB James Wilder Jr. signed by the Bills". Buffalo Bills. Archived from the original on May 27, 2016. Retrieved August 1, 2016.
- Orr, Conor (August 1, 2016). "Buffalo Bills sign Reggie Bush to one-year deal". NFL.com. Archived from the original on August 2, 2016. Retrieved August 2, 2016.
- Brown, Chris (March 16, 2016). "Bills sign free agent TE Jim Dray". Buffalo Bills. Archived from the original on July 15, 2016. Retrieved August 1, 2016.
- "Bills re-sign WR Leonard Hankerson". Buffalo Bills. April 4, 2016. Archived from the original on August 17, 2016. Retrieved August 1, 2016.
- "Bills sign WR Kain Colter". Buffalo Bills. August 1, 2016. Archived from the original on August 3, 2016. Retrieved August 2, 2016.
- Rodak, Mike (March 8, 2016). "Richie Incognito will be back with Bills in 2016". ESPN. Retrieved August 1, 2016.
- Brown, Chris (April 7, 2016). "Bills sign C-G Fernando Velasco". Buffalo Bills. Archived from the original on August 16, 2016. Retrieved August 1, 2016.
- Jackson, Zac (March 30, 2016). "OT Mills signs tender with Bills". NBC Sports. Retrieved August 1, 2016.
- ^ Brown, Chris (June 13, 2016). "Bills sign DL Douzable, OT Martin". Buffalo Bills. Archived from the original on July 26, 2016. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
- Wesseling, Chris (May 3, 2016). "Glenn, Bills agree to 5-year deal worth up to $65M". NFL.com. Archived from the original on August 25, 2016. Retrieved August 1, 2016.
- ^ Brown, Chris (June 17, 2016). "Tryout player Renfrow signs with Bills". Buffalo Bills. Archived from the original on July 31, 2016. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
- Brown, Chris (March 7, 2016). "Bills tender contracts for three restricted free agents". Buffalo Bills. Archived from the original on July 23, 2016. Retrieved August 1, 2016.
- ^ "Bills sign DT Casey Walker". Buffalo Bills. July 30, 2016. Archived from the original on August 4, 2016. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
- ^ Brown, Chris (April 4, 2016). "LB Zach Brown, CB Corey White sign with Bills". Buffalo Bills. Archived from the original on August 17, 2016. Retrieved August 1, 2016.
- ^ Brown, Chris (April 12, 2016). "LB Alexander, S Anderson agree to terms with Bills". Buffalo Bills. Archived from the original on August 10, 2016. Retrieved August 1, 2016.
- "Bills sign CB/KR Javier Arenas". Buffalo Bills. February 3, 2016. Archived from the original on August 7, 2016. Retrieved August 1, 2016.
- Brown, Chris (April 5, 2016). "Bills sign free agent CB Sterling Moore". Buffalo Bills. Archived from the original on August 7, 2016. Retrieved August 1, 2016.
- Brown, Chris (March 18, 2016). "Bills sign S Robert Blanton". Buffalo Bills. Archived from the original on August 26, 2016. Retrieved August 1, 2016.
- Sessler, Marc (March 11, 2016). "Chris Hogan signs offer sheet with Patriots". NFL.com. Retrieved August 1, 2016.
- "Lions sign free agent DT Stefan Charles". Detroit Lions. March 10, 2016. Archived from the original on August 15, 2016. Retrieved August 1, 2016.
- ^ Bradham, Michael (March 9, 2016). "Eagles sign ex-Bills Nigel Bradham, Ron Brooks". NBC Sports. Retrieved August 1, 2016.
- ^ Alper, Josh (March 1, 2016). "Boobie Dixon says his "time is up" in Buffalo". NBC Sports. Retrieved August 1, 2016.
- ^ Jackson, Zac (August 1, 2016). "Bills add a wide receiver, cut down to one kicker". NBC Sports. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
- "Bills release linebacker AJ Tarpley, tight end Jacob Maxwell". www.bostonherald.com. April 29, 2016. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
- "Bills release offensive lineman Tyson Chandler". Buffalo Bills. April 15, 2016. Archived from the original on August 12, 2016. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
- ^ "Bills release three veterans". Buffalo Bills. May 2, 2016. Archived from the original on August 3, 2016. Retrieved August 1, 2016.
- Brown, Chris (April 19, 2016). "Bills release LB Tony Steward". Buffalo Bills. Archived from the original on August 16, 2016. Retrieved August 1, 2016.
- Brown, Chris (March 4, 2016). "Bills release CB Leodis McKelvin". Buffalo Bills. Archived from the original on August 17, 2016. Retrieved August 1, 2016.
- Jackson, Zac (April 18, 2016). "Bills release DB Cam Thomas". NBC Sports. Retrieved August 1, 2016.
- Hunter, Jeff (June 9, 2016). "Buffalo Bills bring back RB Boom Herron". Buffalo Rumblings. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
- "2016 NFL Draft Prospect Visits Tracked by Team". April 25, 2016. Archived from the original on April 25, 2016. Retrieved July 2, 2022.
- "Bills hire Kathryn Smith, first full-time female coach". NFL.com.
External links
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