Fansided

Bills look to take next step and win AFC East in 2020

By Brandon Croce

Tre'Davious White is a legitimate shutdown corner. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Tre'Davious White is a legitimate shutdown corner. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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After decades of being in the shadow of the New England Patriots, the Buffalo Bills are the frontrunners to win the AFC East.

Best-case scenario

An AFC East title. The departure of Tom Brady from New England gives this team their best chance in two decades to win the division.

Depending on matchups, essentially avoiding the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs, they should be able to win at least one (maybe two) playoff games.

Worst-case scenario

An injury to Josh Allen and the offense is not able to take the leap with the added playmakers like Stefon Diggs and Zack Moss. This offense has a real chance of vaulting into the top 10-15 but with the backup quarterbacks Matt Barkley and Jake Fromm, it is hard to see that happening.

Allen has largely been healthy in his young career, but he plays a reckless style. Everybody in Buffalo should hold their breath.

Biggest offseason move

The trade for Diggs. He is a bonafide top wide receiver and should help Allen take the next step but also take pressure off John Brown and Cole Beasley. It should also help the run game as defenses need to respect the deep threat and won’t be able to crowd the line of scrimmage.

After being an integral part in Minnesota, Diggs is expected to bring Buffalo to the next level offensively, particularly on third down and in the red zone.

Draft pick who makes the big impact

Tyler Bass. He’s already the starting kicker while no other draft pick is expected to be the clear starter at their position. Bass brings a big leg which matters in Buffalo, considering the weather conditions he may need to power through, come November and December.

Overall expectations

The overall expectation for the Bills is to take that next step as a franchise. They look to be a team on the rise with two playoff appearances in the past three years but haven’t been able to secure a win.

The Bills need to show improvements, specifically on the offensive side of the ball, which falls on Allen’s shoulders. The defense has done a good job carrying this franchise so far but if the offense can move into the top half of the league in terms of scoring, the Bills should be able to once again have a double-digit win season, resulting in a division title.