Buffalo Bills (7-9)
It seems like an impossible task for any AFC East team to knock off the New England Patriots, and if any team can do it our first inclination is to look at the Miami Dolphins. But let’s not discount the Bills, who are under new management this year following a couple of years with Rex Ryan at the helm.
The team is still reportedly undecided on quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who is set to earn $27 million if he does stay with the Bills in 2017 (more on that here).
If he remains in Buffalo (they really should keep him as he’s been their best quarterback in quite some time) then the offense should thrive under new offensive coordinator Rick Dennison, who coached Taylor in Baltimore. This is especially true given the team’s success pounding the rock with LeSean McCoy.
Offense wasn’t a huge problem for much of the season in Buffalo, and it will only improve if receiver Sammy Watkins can stay healthy. Additionally, new head coach Sean McDermott should have a very positive influence on the team’s defense going forward. He came to Buffalo after coordinating Carolina’s defense the past six years.
With tremendous cornerbacks on the roster, a rock solid defensive front and some speedy linebackers, Buffalo could feature a much-improved defense in 2017.
We don’t expect they’ll beat the Patriots for the AFC East crown, but if the Bills get into the playoffs anything’s possible.