In the fourth of a 32-part series, we will feature all National Football League teams with a prediction of where each team will finish within their division, key off-season acquisitions and their top fantasy stars. Today we will look at the Buffalo Bills.
Key Off-Season Acquisitions
The Bills most notable acquisition in the offseason was on defense. There they acquired linebacker Von Miller to a six-year deal worth $120 million. The Bills are hoping that Miller can continue his postseason magic as he has won Super Bowls with Denver and the Los Angeles Rams. Meanwhile, the Bills also came to terms with defensive tackle DaQuan Jones to a two-year deal worth $14 million. Jones played last year with the Carolina Panthers.
Buffalo also used the 2022 NFL Draft to select an impact player who could help them in the immediate future. With the 23rd pick, the Bills selected cornerback Kaiir Elam out of the University of Florida. There is a belief according to Nick Fierro of Sports Illustrated, he could be a starting cornerback right away.
The Bills upgraded their wide receiving depth with the acquisition of Jamison Crowder, who signed a one-year deal worth $2 million. Last year Crowder had 51 catches for 447 yards and two touchdowns with the New York Jets.
Fantasy Stars
Many Bills are worth selecting in NFL Drafts. There is a Bills player ranked in the top 10 in every fantasy position except wide receiver. At quarterback, Josh Allen is number one. A season ago, Allen completed 409 passes in 646 attempts for 4407 yards, 36 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. He also displayed great mobility in having 122 rushes for 763 yards and six touchdowns. Allen’s 6.3 yards per carry was tied with Seattle Seahawks running back Rashaad Penny for the most yards per carry in the NFL in 2021.
At defense, the Bills are also ranked number one. Last season, they gave up only 289 points, the least in the NFL. In fact, Buffalo was the only team in the league that gave up less than 300 points. Now with Elam, Miller, and Jones in the mix, they are even deeper.
At wide receiver, Stefon Diggs is ranked fifth. Last season he had 103 catches for 1225 yards and 10 touchdowns. At tight end, Dawson Knox is ranked eighth. Last season he had 49 catches for 587 yards and nine touchdowns.
Finally at kicker, Tyler Bass is ranked second in most fantasy rankings. Be cautious in drafting Bass though because the South Carolina native will be kicking half of his games in the cold climate of Buffalo, which has a swirling wind.
Prediction
The Bills are clearly the best team in the AFC East and it is not even remotely close. Buffalo should have its sights set on the Super Bowl and an attempt to win its first NFL title in franchise history.
