Buffalo Bills: Ranking the 4 biggest X-factors this season

Aug 13, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver (91) reacts after making a sack during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 13, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver (91) reacts after making a sack during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Buffalo Bills
Aug 28, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Gabriel Davis (13) celebrates his touchdown with teammates running back Devin Singletary (26) and wide receiver Cole Beasley (11) against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

These are the four players who are the biggest X-factors for the Buffalo Bills in 2021.

The talent on the Buffalo Bills roster is undeniable as they have players like Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, Tre’Davious White, and Jordan Poyer. These are some of the players that are going to be critical to the team’s success this season. If they play well, the Bills are going to be competitive most weeks.

However, there is a group of players that have the potential to be impact players or drastically change their position group if they improve this season. I am defining these as my X-factors and rank them based on their impact to the team’s success if they are able to take that next step.

Number 4: Gabriel Davis

Last year’s fourth-round pick is going to be a big part of this offense over the next few years. He should form a great duo with Stefon Diggs for years to come. The question is whether or not that future is this season.

In his rookie season, Davis was a great deep threat for Josh Allen winning those 50/50 balls down the sidelines. He finished the year averaging 17.1 yards per reception and was second on the team in receiving touchdowns with seven.

The reason that Davis is ranked number fourth is that the Buffalo Bills have great depth this season with Cole Beasley and Emmanuel Sanders. The offense doesn’t necessarily need him this year to take that next step but if he does, this is going to be a problem for opposing defenses.