For Buffalo Bills fans, game day is more than just the action on the field; it’s a ritual steeped in tradition and, yes, superstition. Think about those gut-wrenching losses – what image comes to mind? For many, it’s the Bills in white jerseys and blue pants, heads hung low. But is there more to this than just a fan’s feeling?
A recent deep dive into the Buffalo Bills’ performance data under head coach Sean McDermott reveals some fascinating correlations between uniform colors and game outcomes. While it’s crucial to acknowledge that correlation doesn’t equal causation, the numbers tell a compelling story about the team’s uniform history and its potential impact on their win record.
Intrigued by a friend’s hunch about the blue pants, we delved into the Bills’ uniform data since 2017. The results are surprising, revealing that some uniform combinations are statistically linked to more success than others. Let’s break down the Buffalo Bills Uniform History by win percentage, from best to… well, least best.
The Red-Hot Color Rush Era: 80% Win Rate (4-1)
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Topping the charts is the bold Color Rush uniform, featuring a striking red jersey and red pants combination. This uniform, while divisive in the broader NFL fanbase, has been a good omen for the Bills. Since 2017, they’ve secured an impressive 80% win rate when sporting this vibrant red ensemble.
Notably, two significant victories stand out in the Color Rush red. The first was the iconic “Snowvertime” win against the Indianapolis Colts in 2017, a game that fueled their playoff push. The second came in 2020 on Sunday Night Football against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a statement win that solidified their contender status. Interestingly, that Colts game marked the first time an NFL team wore Color Rush uniforms on a Sunday, adding a unique chapter to the Buffalo Bills uniform history.
Blue Jersey, White Pants: A Consistent Winner at 65% (15-8)
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The classic blue jersey and white pants combination isn’t just a fan favorite aesthetically; it’s also statistically the most successful regular uniform for the Buffalo Bills. With a solid 65% win percentage since 2017, this uniform pairing has been a staple of the Sean McDermott era.
Their last significant loss in this combination dates back to September 2019 against Tom Brady’s New England Patriots. However, the blue-on-white look was proudly worn during both of their memorable playoff victories in 2020, cementing its place in positive Buffalo Bills uniform history. This combination has seen more Bills wins than any other, proving its reliability.
White Jersey, White Pants: Clean Look, Solid Record at 61% (13-8)
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The all-white uniform, recently enhanced by the switch to white facemasks, presents a crisp and clean visual on the field. This look is associated with some high-flying moments, boasting a 61% win rate. Notably, the Bills sported this combination in their impressive victory over the Kansas City Chiefs earlier in the 2021 season.
Images of quarterback Josh Allen soaring over defenders often feature him in the white-on-white uniform, including the memorable leap against the Chiefs and a similar highlight against the Minnesota Vikings in 2018. However, this pairing isn’t without its blemishes, including a Week 1 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021 and a regular-season defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020.
White Jersey, Blue Pants: The Underperforming Combo at 47% (9-10)
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Statistically, the least successful uniform combination for the Buffalo Bills since 2017 is the white jersey with blue pants, recording a win percentage of just 47%. While subjective opinions on aesthetics vary, these numbers suggest this uniform doesn’t translate to on-field success as often as others.
Despite the lower win rate, this combination did witness one significant victory: a Monday Night Football win against the New England Patriots in 2020, a game that symbolically marked the Bills’ ascension to AFC East dominance. However, this win is an outlier in a sea of significant losses when wearing this uniform. The list of painful defeats in white-on-blue is substantial, including the Wild Card games in 2017 and 2019, the “Hail Murray” game against Arizona in 2020, the 2020 AFC Championship game, and another loss to the Titans in 2021. This uniform has been present for virtually every major loss in the Sean McDermott era, fueling the superstition.
Blue Jersey, Blue Pants: The Rare “Smurfs” Look at 43% (3-4)
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Often jokingly referred to as the “Smurfs” by fans, the all-blue uniform combination is the rarest for the Bills and carries the lowest win percentage at 43%. While visually distinctive, this uniform hasn’t translated into consistent wins.
The most notable victory in the blue-on-blue uniforms was on Thanksgiving Day in 2019. The Bills tend to reserve this bolder uniform choice for nationally televised or high-profile matchups, perhaps hoping to make a statement.
Data Speaks: Buffalo Bills Record by Uniform Combo (2017-Present)
Ultimately, while wins aren’t determined by pants color, the data presents an intriguing narrative within Buffalo Bills uniform history. Here’s a breakdown of the raw data for those who want to draw their own conclusions:
2021 Season
- White jersey, white pants: 1-1
- White jersey, blue pants: 0-1
- Blue jersey, white pants: 3-0
2020 Season
- White jersey, white pants: 5-0
- White jersey, blue pants: 3-3
- Blue jersey, white pants: 5-0
- Blue jersey, blue pants: 1-1
- Red jersey, red pants: 1-0
2019 Season
- White jersey, white pants: 2-1
- White jersey, blue pants: 4-2
- Blue jersey, white pants: 2-2
- Blue jersey, blue pants: 1-1
- Red jersey, red pants: 1-1
2018 Season
- White jersey, white pants: 3-4
- White jersey, blue pants: 0-2
- Blue jersey, white pants: 1-3
- Blue jersey, blue pants: 1-1
- Red jersey, red pants: 1-0
2017 Season
- White jersey, white pants: 2-2
- White jersey, blue pants: 2-2
- Blue jersey, white pants: 4-3
- Blue jersey, blue pants: 0-1
- Red jersey, red pants: 1-0
Buffalo Bills Record by Uniform Combination, 2017-Present
| Uniform Combination | Wins | Losses | Total Games | Win Percentage | Notable Wins | Notable Losses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White top, white bottom | 13 | 8 | 21 | 61.90% | Chiefs 2021, Josh Allen hurdle highlights | Steelers 2021 |
| White top, blue bottom | 9 | 10 | 19 | 47.37% | 2020 MNF Patriots | Titans 2021, AFC Championship Game 2020, “Hail Murray”, Titans 2020, Wild Card 2019, Wild Card 2017 |
| Blue top, white bottom | 15 | 8 | 23 | 65.22% | AFC Wild Card 2020, AFC Divisional Round 2020 | 2019 season finale |
| Blue top, blue bottom | 3 | 4 | 7 | 42.86% | Thanksgiving 2019 | |
| Red top, red bottom | 4 | 1 | 5 | 80.00% | 2020 SNF Steelers, Snowvertime | |
| Totals | 44 | 31 | 75 |
Data as of 10/25/2021
Conclusion: Uniforms and Fortune?
While this analysis is intended to be lighthearted and statistically curious, the data does raise eyebrows. Whether it’s pure coincidence, psychological factors, or something else entirely, the Buffalo Bills’ uniform history under Sean McDermott reveals a clear disparity in win percentages across different uniform combinations.
Perhaps it’s time for the equipment manager, or whoever makes the call, to consider archiving the blue pants and leaning into the statistically favored combinations. After all, in a league as competitive as the NFL, every potential edge, even a sartorial one, might be worth considering.
