Days Until Football is a series in which I preview every NFL team, one a day at a time until the NFL season starts on September 6th. It will preview offense, defense, and give a prediction for the team’s record. Also, I will list a fantasy star and sleeper. Here is the Buffalo Bills preview.
Last year, the Bills exceeded expectations by making the Wild Card. Tyrod Taylor was a game manager, LeSean McCoy carried the offense, and the defense was average. In the Wild Card game, they were kicked in the teeth and lost to Jacksonville by a score of 10-3. Over the offseason, Tyrod Taylor was shipped to Cleveland and AJ McCarron and Josh Allen were brought on.
Bills Offense
The most important position on the field, the quarterback, seems to be up in the air for the Bills. Bleacher Report tagged Josh Allen as a disappointment, but local media shot that down pretty quickly. AJ McCarron was brought over from Cincinnati and has been pretty good in his seven career regular season stats. Nathan Peterman was awful in his only start, throwing five picks in one half, so I would start McCarron week one. LeSean McCoy is an elite running back, but there is a lot of turnover on the offensive line. The loss of a mobile quarterback has also been shown to hurt the running game overall.They have a receiving core is inexperienced, but has plenty of potential. Kelvin Benjamin is capable of being a top wideout, and he is expected to lead this bunch.
Bills Defense
The Bills defense last year looked worse on paper than they actually were. They ranked 26th in total defense, 18th in points per game, and 20th in yards per game. Also, they ranked 25th in completion percentage allowed. They have a good front seven, highlighted by Alexander, Hughes, Lawson, Lotulelei and Williams. However, their secondary is not very good. Micah Hyde is a talented, versatile player, but Jordan Poyer, Tre’Davious White and Vontae Davis need to step up. They drafted cornerback Taron Johnson in the fourth round in hopes he can develop into the type of defensive back they need, though he may need time to grow into that role.
Predictions for Bills
I think the Bills will go 7-9, and second in the AFC East. The offense has potential, but I do not think the receiving core is very deep. They do not know who the starting quarterback will be week one, and I do not think any of them are going to light it up. On defense, their front seven is solid, but the secondary is shaky. Playing the Patriots is always hard, but the four games against the Dolphins and Jets should be winnable.
Fantasy Star: LeSean McCoy
Fantasy Sleeper: Zay Jones
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