Buffalo Bills 2020 Season Preview

2019 Season

If someone would have told the Buffalo fans at the start of last season they would make the playoffs and should have won at least one playoff game they likely would have taken it. However given how the playoff game went it would be surprise if they were a little disappointed at how the season finished. A 10-6 record and the second-best defense in terms of points conceded are great improvements on the previous year. 

The offense rose and fell with the form of Josh Allen, so it was a little hit and miss to say the least. 26th in Passing Yards per game and 23rd in points scored tells its own story. To be fair to Allen the weapons around him were not game changers so a lot of pressure was on his shoulders to make plays and it could be argued that with 10 wins he did that.

Off Season

Buffalo Bills 2020

Buffalo’s number one aim in the offseason had to be to upgrade the offense, and with the trade for Stefon Diggs they have definitely done that. Obviously the price for Diggs was high but if he plays like he did in Minnesota and forms a dynamic relationship with Allen then it will all be worth it.

The signing of Josh Norman is an interesting one. Norman struggled during his time in Washington burdened by the role of CB1. With Tre’Davious White in that role, Norman should flourish at CB2 and improve an already excellent defense

These two moves show one thing about the Buffalo offseason. They are all in!

Offense

Last year our preview focused on how divise the opinion of Josh Allen was, that hasn’t changed, in fact in has probably intensified on both sides. There was an increase in completion percentage and TD’s and also a reduction in INT’s which is all good news. However, the jump wasn’t seismic and there were still major areas of concern specifically his accuracy which was still not good, with a bad throw percentage over 20.

Zack Moss should be a useful addition in the backfield alongside Singletary. Expect the Bills to lean on the run as much as they can, but we all know that the offense will sink or swim with Allen. 

Buffalo Bills 2020

defense

Last season the defense was the strength of the team and it likely will be again in 2020. They may have lost Shaq Lawson, but the defensive line has a chance to be better with the additions of Mario Addison, Quinton Jefferson and A.J. Epenesa. The Bills only had the 12th most sacks in the league last season and will hope to improve that with this squad. 

The strength of the defense in 2019 was the secondary and with Gaines and Norman coming in alongside White there is a chance this unit can be even better. By most metrics they were a top-10 defense last year. In 2020, the Bills will hope they move into the top-five discussion and dominate most teams.

the verdict

Prior to the Cam Newton signing in New England, the Bills were clear favourites for the division. However, Newton’s arrival changes things. Can Allen get to a 60-plus completion percentage and 4000 yards? If so, this team might challenge the Chiefs and the Ravens. If he can’t they will lose in wildcard weekend again.

Buffalo Bills 2020 record prediction

10-6 (2nd in the AFC East)

Paul Mainwaring

NFL Analyst

A former UKEndzone writer, Paul has been dragged out of an enforced retirement to give his thoughts on the NFL and anything else  he can slide past the editorial team.

Paul is most famous (infamous?) as Mainz one half of Waxing Lyrical. alongside his Partner in Crime Neil Dutts Dutton.

Find him @Mainzey7 where all manner of sports are on the menu.

5/5

Image credits: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports , Michael Wyke & USA Today Bills Wire