Buffalo Bills
Offense
This year is essentially a rookie season for second-year quarterback E.J. Manuel, who was sidelined with a knee injury in 2013. Thus far, Manuel has looked shaky in the preseason. But all the former first-round pick has to do is be a game-manager in order for the Bills to have a chance.
The Bills traded up to draft Sammy Watkins and traded for Mike Williams to bolster a receiving corps that includes Robert Woods. The team also traded for Bryce Brown to create a three-prong rushing attack featuring the veteran Fred Jackson and explosive C.J. Spiller.
The team has talent and depth at the skill positions, and a very solid offensive line. Manuel will determine how far the offense goes.
Defense
Buffalo quietly finished with the AFC’s fourth-best defense in 2013, but the team lost coordinator Mike Pettine to the Browns, ballhawking safety Jairus Byrd in free agency and Kiko Alonso to injury.
Jim Schwartz takes over the unit with a reputation for assembling stout D-lines, which he has again with Kyle and Mario Williams. His big task will be getting production from his depleted linebacking corps and inexperienced secondary.
The Bills have a chance to surprise people again with their defense, so long as Schwartz can plug-in the right players.
Outlook
There’s talent on both sides of the ball, but the team will only be as good as its play at the quarterback position. The bill is out still on Manuel, but this year will be a major indicator of whether he has what it takes to be an NFL quarterback.
Even a Mark Sanchez-esque season might propel the Bills into second place in the AFC East, but it probably won’t be enough to sneak into the postseason.
