Number 1: Ed Oliver
Without question, the biggest X-factor for the Buffalo Bills this season is former Top 10 pick Ed Oliver. He was drafted to be a disruptive presence in the middle of this defensive line and has the athleticism and quickness rarely found at the position to do just that.
He showed flashes in the second half of his rookie season in 2019 of what he can do, like a stretch where he had four sacks in three games.
However, this past season was considered a down year for Oliver but this was likely due to him being played out of position. The Buffalo Bills didn’t have Star Lotulelei last year after he opted out and this forced Oliver to play more one-tech defensive tackle. The responsibilities are very different between one-tech and three-tech which limited Oliver from making plays behind the line of scrimmage.
Now that he is entering a season with Lotulelei back, along with more talent at defensive end, Oliver has a chance to really break out this season. Opposing offensive lines are not going to be able to double team him on a regular basis and it will be up to Oliver to win those one-on-one