NFL: Buffalo Bills will be in the playoffs in 2014 if…

Conclusion: It seems very vogue in recent seasons to want to make the Bills a playoff pick, perhaps due to the fact that in this day and age of the NFL it’s hard for a team to stay down for so long.

But the optimism appears to be extremely valid this year and with good reason. General manager Doug Whaley was very aggressive this offseason, making his share of trades both for proven talent as well as moving up to the fourth spot in the draft to select Watkins.

Of course, the rapid development of the team’s young performers is a big key. But the hiring of Schwartz means that the Buffalo defense will be extremely intriguing this season as it transitions from Mike Pettine’s 3-4 scheme back to a 4-3.

Here’s one thing that bears watching. While the Bills obviously have 16 games in 2014, how they fare within the division may hold the key to their season. The last time the club finished above .500 vs. their AFC East rivals was 2007, the last year they didn’t finish at the bottom of the standings. While that doesn’t ensure a return to the playoffs, it would be a big start for a program looking a little more confident these days.