Hall of Fame broadcaster and Dunkirk native Van Miller always set a dramatic tone for Buffalo Bills fans’ with three simple words that brought goosebumps and anticipation: “Fasten your seatbelts.” As one of the most anticipated seasons in the team’s 63-year history opens, his familiar refrain resonates.

So many analysts who are connected to the National Football League see this year’s team as being just as special and talented as those from the early 1990s that went to four Super Bowls. It starts with an all-world quarterback in Josh Allen and a stout defense led by newly acquired Von Miller.

But while the predictors expect big things, the 17 games present plenty of challenges. This year’s schedule includes the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens and Green Bay Packers as well as regional rivals the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Even the oddsmakers have the Bills as the favorite to win it all. How that shakes out all starts tonight — against the defending champion Los Angeles Rams.