The Buffalo Bills look to head into the 2021 season riding the momentum of a very impressive season in which the Buffalo Bills swept the Division (6-0) and finished the regular season with a 13-3 record. Although the season didn’t end the way they would’ve hoped, they still managed to win two playoff games. Something they haven’t accomplished since 1995, in large part due to the major leap Josh Allen made entering his third NFL season.
The Buffalo Bills have a Las Vegas O/U of 11 regular season wins for 2021. I love taking the over on that bet, and here’s why.
The Quarterback
This offseason, Josh Allen became the first QB in his 2018 draft class to sign an extension. This wasn’t your “regular” extension; the 6-year extension worth $258M with $150M guaranteed and makes him one of the highest-paid players in NFL history. Good for him! It’s well-deserved after the numbers he put up last year! He surpassed all the “relevant QB stats” in his first two seasons, and he proved that he can be the face of the franchise for years to come. Throwing for 4,544 yards, 37 TDs, and a 107.2 QB rating is no small feat for Allen. However, the addition of Stefon Diggs to the receiving corps played a major part in Allen’s step forward.
The Wide Receivers
Stefon Diggs landed in a perfect situation. The Vikings traded him to Buffalo prior to the 2020 season after Diggs played in Minnesota his first five years in the league. He posted his best numbers in targets (166), receptions (127), and yards (1,535) last season. Diggs and Allen are arguably the best QB-WR tandem in the league right now and likely for years to come. The Emmanuel Sanders signing in free agency this offseason adds another weapon to this already potent offense. Some think that Sanders won’t be a factor, but I can see Sanders climbing up the depth chart and becoming the WR3 for them behind Cole Beasley. Gabriel Davis should have a strong sophomore season after finishing his rookie season with 599 receiving yards and 7 TDs.
The Defense
Even though they managed to finish the season 13-3, the defense gave up a lot of points last season. Ed Oliver is considered a bust thus far after not living up to all the hype after being drafted 9th overall in the 2019 draft out of the University of Houston. Head Coach Sean McDermott is a great defensive mind, but there’s only so much that he can do from the sidelines. I look for the defense to improve this year, but ultimately, the offense is what will carry them this year…again!
Outlook
Looking at their upcoming schedule, I’m optimistic they can replicate or exceed the success they achieved last season. They face some teams that didn’t make it to the playoffs or are rebuilding this season. Love the spot they’re in to go over 11 wins and possibly advance further in the playoffs.
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