Buffalo Bills: Top 5 non-divisional matchups on 2023 schedule

What the five toughest non-divisional opponents on the Buffalo Bills schedule in 2023?

The NFL Combine is in the rearview, as is the bulk of free agency and the draft. As the offseason schedule continues, we now have the 2023 NFL schedule. We know the Bills' divisional opponents and on paper it is shaping up to be the toughest division in the NFL.

The non-divisional foes will be just as important for the Bills as they begin the new season. The Buffalo Bills are in a dogfight with the likes of the Chiefs and Bengals for the number one seed but who else can challenge these three for that coveted spot? The AFC seems to only get stronger each year and now Aaron Rodgers decided he wants to be part of the AFC, joining the Jets.

We can't forget the Denver Broncos potentially got better too, bringing in a new head coach, with Sean Payton joining the fun in the AFC as well. The Baltimore Ravens got their franchise quarterback healthy and under contract while bringing on Odell Beckham Jr. and drafting Zay Flowers. The Jacksonville Jaguars look close to being ready to be part of the Super Bowl conversation too.

Pittsburgh's Kenny Pickett is no longer a rookie quarterback and the Steelers seem ready to roll and be part of the AFC party that is about to ensue. Like it or not Deshaun Watson has a season under his belt to shake off the rust and we'll see if he can return to the Watson that defeated the Bills in Josh Allen's first playoff game.

Let's not forget the Bills are taking on the NFC East, the other toughest division in the NFL. So, what non-divisional opponents from the NFC made my top-five list here? As I'm writing this, I'm starting to think maybe I got it wrong, the Bills schedule is loaded with some of the best teams in the NFL. Nine of the Bills' 17 games are against 2022 playoff teams and for the most part, several of the other eight are vastly improved heading into 2023 and appear to be in a position to make a playoff push.