After an offseason of change for the Buffalo Bills, can they compete for a playoff spot in 2017?
The Buffalo Bills roster would appear to be in place with training camp now in sight. They made more noise in the front office this season than they did on the field as a result of little activity during free agency. They decided to take the safe route and trade down in the draft, rather than take Patrick Mahomes at No. 10.
After an offseason of rebuilding on and off the field, are the Bills ready to compete for a playoff spot in 2017?
When you play in the AFC East and have to face the New England Patriots twice every season, a team’s postseason prospects are daunting. The Patriots are easily the favorites to win the AFC and the Super Bowl after having a terrific offseason — and being defending champs.
Not only did the Patriots get better, but the Dolphins will also be a playoff contender in 2017. The Dolphins will bring back the majority of their 2016 playoff team, and if Ryan Tannehill can stay healthy, the Dolphins should be fighting for a Wild Card spot.
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The New York Jets, on the other hand, are in full rebuild mode, and should be in contention for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 draft. They do not have a legitimate quarterback (as far as anyone knows, including the Jets), and ought to be dead last in the AFC East all season.
Outside of the division, the Bills have the rest of their schedule going against them. Buffalo has arguably one of the toughest schedules in the NFL, and the first seven games could put them out of contention early.
Besides what should be a win at home against the Jets Week 1, the Bills play in Cincinnati, Atlanta and Carolina, and also face the Broncos, Raiders and Bucs at home in the next six games. That could easily be a 1-6 stretch to start the season for the Bills. This kind of start could be insurmountable. Even if the Bills somehow sneak out of those first 7 games close to 500, they still have to play the Patriots twice in the last 5 weeks of the season.
The franchise is in an obvious transition period. They have completely overhauled their front office, and have gone in a different direction on the sidelines with the hiring of McDermott. Having said that, the Bills still have plenty of talent on the roster. If Tyrod Taylor can be a top 10 or 15 quarterback this season, he and running back LeSean McCoy can comprise a formidable quarterback/running back duo.
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With the combination of a solid offensive line, the Bills offense has potential. Additionally, if McDermott can get the best out of his defense, Buffalo has a chance to compete in 2017. It will all come down to if they can hold their own during the first seven games of their season. A bad start will most certainly make for a long season for these Bills