The Buffalo Bills enter the 2021 season with what is considered a relatively easy schedule based on strength of schedule, currently ranked as the 10th easiest in the NFL.
However, that is sometimes misleading because strength of schedule is based on the team’s win-loss record from the prior season. This doesn’t necessarily take into account moves made in the offseason and teams that have been able to get better through free agency and the 2021 NFL Draft.
When looking at the Bills schedule for this coming season, these are four teams that improved the most this offseason and should improve on their win totals from a season ago.
New England Patriots
Key Additions: Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith, Nelson Agholor, Matt Judon, Kyle Van Noy, Mac Jones, Christian Barmore
The New England Patriots missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008 as they struggled in their first season with Tom Brady. However, Bill Belichick knew that their issues went beyond just the quarterback and they were very aggressive in free agency.
The team focused on upgrading the offensive side of the ball and did just that with the additions of tight ends Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith, who are likely to be the focus for this team in 2021. These two should help whoever is under center, whether that is Cam Newton or first round pick Mac Jones.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Patriots improved their pass rush with the signing of Matt Judon and the linebacker position with Kyle Van Noy, who was released by the Miami Dolphins.
After a 7-9 season, the New England Patriots should be able to improve on that total and compete for a division title with the Buffalo Bills.