5 NFL teams that are going to surprise as contenders

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ORCHARD PARK, NY – NOVEMBER 24: Cole Beasley #10 of the Buffalo Bills warms up before the game against the Denver Broncos at New Era Field on November 24, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo defeats Denver 20-3. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

1. Buffalo Bills

Yes, Buffalo, it’s your time.

The Bills haven’t won the AFC East since 1996, but there’s ample reason to believe the draught ends now.

For starters, head coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane are two of the smartest in the NFL at their jobs. McDermott has helped coached the defense to an elite level, a unit led by cornerback Tre’Davious White, safeties Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde, linebackers Matt Milano and Tremaine Edmunds, and defensive tackle Ed Oliver.

Offensively, Beane has done a terrific job assembling talent around ascending, third-year quarterback Josh Allen. The Bills now have Stefon Diggs, Cole Beasley and John Brown topping the receiver depth chart, while Devin Singletary is one of the better young backs in the game. Factor in an improving offensive line anchored by center Mitch Morse, and Buffalo has a top-eight roster in the game.

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The Bills have plenty to prove as they haven’t won a playoff game since the Jim Kelly era. Still, Buffalo could well be the third-best team in the AFC entering the season.