Bills Bold Predictions: Missing Playoffs?!
The Buffalo Bills have played like one of the best teams in the AFC on a yearly basis over the past handful of seasons.
Despite the team's rise and winning the AFC East in three straight seasons, each year has ended with a disappointing playoff exit. Now, could they find themselves on the outside looking in next time the playoffs roll around?
According to Bleacher Report's bold predictions, this season could see the Bills missing the playoffs.
"Josh Allen can only carry this team so much, meaning it should not come as a massive surprise if the Bills are not only overtaken by other teams in the division this year, but also miss the playoffs entirely," Bleacher Report writes.
B/R also cited Buffalo's age on defense and ability to add pieces on offense as reasons it could miss the playoffs. Another key factor in the Bills' potential fall is the improved competition in their division.
The Miami Dolphins should improve after sneaking into the playoffs last season. The additions of cornerback Jalen Ramsey and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio should help improve a defense that was 24th in points allowed per game.
The New York Jets should be much better on offensive with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. His play should also help complement an already strong Jets defense.
The New England Patriots' offense could also see improvement with Bill O'Brien as the playcaller.
Relying on quarterback Josh Allen and aging defensive players could backfire on the Bills. Allen accounted for 5,045 total yards and 42 touchdowns last season. At some point, someone else needs to step up on offense, especially in the running game, to take the pressure off of Allen.
Defense end Von Miller along with safeties Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer are all older than 30, and cornerback Tre'Davious White has struggled to stay on the field. Losing linebacker Tremaine Edmunds in free agency is also a huge blow.
There's a reason why predicting Buffalo to miss the playoffs is a bold prediction. Allen is still one of the best quarterbacks in football and additions like rookie tight end Dalton Kincaid and defense end Leonard Floyd are capable of making a big impact.
But in a crowded AFC, a slight slip in performance could cause Buffalo to fight toward making the playoffs next season.
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