OPTIMAL: Plotting the Ideal Schedule for the Buffalo Bills and Josh Allen in 2026

Buffalo Bills fans, get ready: could strategic schedule breaks and late-season showdowns propel the Bills to the AFC’s top seed? Joe Martino breaks down Buffalo’s 2026 NFL schedule wish list, pinpointing optimal matchups, must-win home openers, and the ideal time to face powerhouse teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and Detroit Lions. Should the new Highmark Stadium debut with a divisional clash against the New England Patriots, or is a Vegas road trip the real tone-setter? The discussion drills into prime time predictions, weather advantages at home versus the Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Chargers, and why a late bye week could be Buffalo’s secret weapon. Plus, with quarterback battles featuring Patrick Mahomes, Caleb Williams, Lamar Jackson, and Matthew Stafford on the horizon, the path to the Super Bowl demands resilience and big-game performances. Will this schedule finally give Bills Mafia the playoff edge they crave? Visit https://www.thejoemarino.com/ for details on Substack, Subtext, Merch and more!  Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Square If you’re starting a business, or running one that deserves better tools, Square helps you sell, manage, and grow without slowing down. Right now, you can get up to $200 off Square hardware at https://square.com/go/LockedOnNFL. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Rocket Money Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.