3. Buffalo Bills
We mentioned the Bills as an opponent the Saints could easily beat. But we will look closely at the other side of the coin and examine some reasons the Western New York football team could surprise with a playoff run.
The Bills cleaned house and rid themselves of former head coach Rex Ryan. Sean McDermott was hired and is already working on an all-business approach during the offseason. McDermott arrives in Buffalo after spending six years as the defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers. His past experience should help boost a Buffalo defense that finished 19th in 2016.
Besides hiring McDermott, the Bills disposed of all other coaching staff other than special team coordinator Danny Grossman.
As for the team’s quarterback situation, the Bills wisely chose to commit to Tyrod Taylor for 2017. Taylor is developing nicely, scoring 47 touchdowns compared to just 12 interceptions in his his two seasons as Buffalo’s starter. If Sammy Watkins can stay healthy, then all the better. Taylor’s efforts compliment a rushing offense that finished as the best the NFL had to offer last year.
Buffalo will likely have to outperform the Miami Dolphins to make a run at the playoffs. As things stand, that does not seem too much out of the realm of possibility, does it?