The 1971 Buffalo Bills season was the franchise's second season in the National Football League, and the 12th overall. For the second time in four seasons, the Bills finished with only one victory. The Bills 1âÂÂ13 record (a 0.071 winning percentage) remains the worst in franchise history. The team allowed 394 points, the most in franchise history for a 14-game season.
The season began in turmoil when coach John Rauch resigned, forcing pro personnel director Harvey Johnson to assume the position for the second time on an interim basis.
Buffalo lost their first ten games of the season, extending their losing streak to 15 and winless streak to 17, dating back to the previous season. The Bills were held scoreless in four games; and their minus 210-point differential is the worst in the team's history, and one of the forty worst point-differentials in NFL history.
Despite their horrid record, running back O. J. Simpson still had a stellar year, rushing for 742 yards on 183 attempts. However, Simpson only scoref 5 touchdowns, which would be the fewest in his career. The Bills would only score 21 touchdowns as a team during the 1971 season, a franchise low. The Bills did not field any pro bowlers after the season.
The Bills had a strong draft in 1971, selecting several players who would have long-term impact with the team.