Predictions: Bills will lose to Broncos

With the beginning of a new football season, the Bee is once again trotting out its in-house "experts" on the Buffalo Bills.

As they have the past four years, members of the Bee editorial staff will predict the outcome of the upcoming game each week. All three sports reporters, Matt Krueger, Jason Nadolinski and Patrick Nagy will contribute again this year and are joined by Ken-Ton editor Jill Schmelzer, Orchard Park editor Chris Gordon, Lancaster/Depew editor Lisa Johnson and lifestyles reporter Ken Bartolotta. Follow along see who knows more about the Bills.

This week, the Bills open up the season at home against the Denver Broncos and former teammate Travis Henry.

• For all of those who are worried by the Bills' lackluster performance in the preseason, worry not. While there's no guarantee this team will be successful this season, there's no reason to fear the outcome of these last four exhibition games. In today's NFL, game film is so paramount, no one wants to show their cards before the season starts. Therefore, we could all be taken by surprise, for example, if J.P. Lossman seemed to be on a very short leash this preseason and, therefore, we could see some big plays very early against the Broncos. The Bills might not win but they should keep it close. - Denver 24, Buffalo 20. Ken Bartolotta, Lifestyles Reporter

• In the opening game against the Denver Broncos, I predict The Bills will come out of the gate looking to take home a win. They will play hard, but fall short of a victory. - Denver 17, Buffalo 14. Jill Schmelzer, Ken-Ton editor

• I'm optimistic about the Bills this year. The Broncos are also a talented team and former Bills running back Travis Henry will once again prove to be a formidable foe. However, Marshawn Lynch is going to have a big game and the teams are going to battle out in what may prove to be the most entertaining game of the weekend. Look for Terrence McGee and Roscoe Parrish to shorten the field with good returns on kickoffs and punts. Two words: Rian Lindell. - Buffalo 30, Denver 27. Chris Gordon, Orchard Park Editor

• Hope springs eternal with a new football season ready to get underway … unless of course you're a realistic follower of the Buffalo Bills. There may have been some upgrades made during the offseason, whether through the draft, free agency or just another year of experience being gained, but I still don't think enough progress has been made to result in anything more than a .500 record at best this year. Don't be surprised when the Bills start off the 2007-08 campaign with a loss, despite the best efforts of J.P. Losman and one of the league's top special teams units. - Denver 27, Buffalo 10. Jason Nadolinski, Sports Reporter

• I'll begin the season by saying I think the Bills are a playoff team this year. But taking on the Broncos in the opener is a tall task for a Buffalo team that is still trying to solidify the defense and the offensive line. I expect both teams to score often, but Denver will use its running game, specifically Travis Henry, to run away with a victory. - Denver 34, Buffalo 27. Matt Krueger, Sports Reporter

• I don't why everyone expects the Bills to do so well this year. They have an unproven offensive line, a rookie running back, a quarterback that still needs to prove himself, a defensive line that is suspect, new linebackers, and a secondary that is average at best. This team might win as many games as eight and as few as four but the winning won't start in Week One against the Broncos. Travis Henry will run up the middle at will against his former team. - Denver 24, Buffalo 13. Patrick Nagy, Sports Reporter

• Poor J.P. Losman. He thought the criticism was tough now. Wait until the Broncos come to town and show him the Bills have a lot more work to do before they are a league contender again. It's great to be confident in your team, but it's naive to believe you deserve the benefit of the doubt when you've proven little entering your fourth season as a team leader. Losman's numbers may have improved as last season progressed, but he will continue to face challenges developing a strong team around him. - Denver 33, Bills 17. Lisa Johnson, Lancaster/Depew Editor