Predictions for the 2021 NFL season are starting roll in. Unsurprisingly, the Buffalo Bills are the early favorite to win the AFC East again.
USA TODAY columnist Nate Davis released his annual predictions this week, marking the Bills to finish with a 12-5 record (remember: there’s an 18th week this season) and capture the division by one game over the 11-6 Miami Dolphins.
The New England Patriots, despite their historic offensive spending spree this offseason, are pegged to finish just one game above .500 at 9-8. The Jets are, once again, in the basement of the division, projected to finish 5-12.
Coming off an AFC Championship season, the Bills are the easy favorite to repeat in the AFC East. They obtained virtually all of their core players this offseason, except they subbed in veteran wideout Emmanuel Sanders for John Brown.
With Josh Allen back under center — and Stefon Diggs lining up beside him — the Bills can, once again, expect to finish towards the top of the league in points scored. Interestingly enough, however, ESPN NFL writer Bill Barnwell gives the Bills’ offensive weapons a slightly lower grade than last year (they’ve dropped from 8 to 9).
Even if the Bills suffer some regression, they have the best roster in the division. In addition, head coach Sean McDermott has proven himself to be one of the best head coaches around. He doesn’t have the aura of Bill Belichick, obviously, but Buffalo is now a top destination for NFL players.
The proof is in the hometown discounts. Linebacker Matt Milano and safety Micah Hyde each signed favorable contract extensions with the Bills this offseason.
As long as Allen is at quarterback, the Bills can expect to compete. No other team in the division can say the same about their quarterback, including the Dolphins, who replaced a struggling Tua Tagovailoa with Ryan Fitzpatrick at points in 2020.
USA TODAY thinks Miami will come close, but smartly picks the Bills to finish ahead.
