1970-1972 - Buffalo Bills 1970–1972 NFL Seasons & AFL‑NFL Merger Era

Buffalo Bills 1970–1972 Timeline

Buffalo Bills and the NFL‑AFL Merger (1970)

The Buffalo Bills NFL timeline begins with the 1970 AFL‑NFL merger, which placed Buffalo in the newly formed AFC East with the Patriots, Jets, Dolphins, and Colts. In their first NFL season, the Bills finished 3–10–1, missing the playoffs and marking the franchise’s first year in the NFL after a decade in the AFL. The team struggled to adjust to the post‑merger competitive landscape, ending fourth in the AFC East under head coach John Rauch.

Season highlights:

• First NFL season after AFL merger.
• Record: 3–10–1 (AFC East).
• Tie game vs. Colts; win over Patriots and Jets.
• Pro Bowler: WR Marlin Briscoe.

Buffalo Bills Struggles Continue (1971)

In 1971, the Buffalo Bills season saw the franchise post its worst record at 1–13, the lowest winning percentage in team history. Buffalo scored just 184 points and allowed 394, ranking last in both offensive scoring and defensive points against.

Season highlights:

• Record: 1–13, worst in franchise history.
• Allowed most points in the NFL (394).
• Finished 5th in AFC East.

This dismal performance secured the #1 overall draft pick for 1972, used on Notre Dame DE Walt Patulski, though he later struggled with injuries and never became a standout star.

Return of Lou Saban and Rebuilding (1972)

The 1972 Buffalo Bills season marked a modest rebound with a 4–9–1 record and the return of coach Lou Saban, who had previously led the franchise to two AFL championships in the 1960s. Buffalo still finished near the bottom of the AFC East but showed signs of improvement, especially with rising star O.J. Simpson, who led the NFL in rushing yards under Saban’s run‑centric offense.

Season highlights:

• Record: 4–9–1, fourth in AFC East.
• Lou Saban returns as head coach.
• O.J. Simpson leads league in rushing.

The year also saw War Memorial Stadium’s final full season as the Bills’ home field before future relocations.