AFC EAST
BUF: Can the Bills handle the pressure?
There’s no signs of weakness yet but 17 weeks is a long time to play full tilt with playoffs afterwards. But we’re looking at a team where you wonder where 30-40 points per game will go. Most teams are wondering how to score 24 points per game.
All arrows are pointing up on the Bills this season. No matter the matchup, Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, Devin Singletary and Dawson Knox are locked in as weekly starters. With an offense that is this explosive, why would you sit any of these player down? But can they keep this up month after month, with the 15th toughest schedule? You bet they can.
MIA: Can the Dolphins play spoiler?
The Dolphins already have a defense that can at least compete with the rest of the division. The run defense is slightly better than their pass defense. It’s just been the offense that needs an identity, a run game, and some excitement.
Enter head coach Mike McDaniel, wide receiver Tyreek Hill and running back Chase Edmonds. These three additions push this offense into the ones we want to see from Week 1. Is it enough to be more competitive? Absolutely. Right now their strength of schedule is right in the middle of the pack, but they need to be respected and considered a team that will push for a wildcard playoff spot in December.
Let’s not get too ahead of ourselves. We’ve got to see this all in motion for a few weeks before we can say if the Dolphins are going to be in the competitive mix. But it’s Tua Tagovailoa that has to elevate his play or else he’ll be on the hot-seat.
NEP: Will the coaching overshadow the play?
The only thing we’ve heard in the offseason is how Joe Judge and Matt Patricia are sharing the task of calling the offense. This is happening because Josh McDaniels left to coach the Raiders and based on the preseason, a lot needs to be figured out. The one thing we can gather is that Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson are going to be a tough 1-2 punch.
As a result, fantasy owners are anticipating a lot of run plays and Mac Jones is being ignored in drafts. Jakobi Meyers is being disrespected too. It’s usually never pretty for New England at the start of the season, but provided they can put it all together, we’ll know if the coaches and players are right for the job.
