Predicting the Buffalo Bills starting defense for Week 1 of the 2023 season

The Buffalo Bills have had one of the best defenses in the NFL the past few seasons but have struggled at the worst possible times the past two seasons. However, injuries played a major role in that with losing Tre'Davious White near the end of the 2021 season and then being without Von Miller, Micah Hyde, and Damar Hamlin by the end of last season.

This season, the Bills are going to begin the year without Von Miller but are entering the season relatively healthy on that side of the ball. However, the defense still has some uncertainty with a few starting spots up for grabs, I will predict what I believe the starting lineup will be Week 1 against the New York Jets.

Predicting the Buffalo Bills starting defense for Week 1 against the New York Jets

Defensive Ends: Greg Rousseau, A.J. Epenesa

If Von Miller was activated off the PUP list, this was a position that probably wouldn't have had any question as Miller and Greg Rousseau would have been the starters. However, with Miller not available for the first four games, it creates an opportunity for another player to step into the starting lineup.

While Leonard Floyd is the second best pass rusher, I think A.J. Epenesa will actually get the start based on how the preseason has played out. He has typically been on the field with the starters and the Bills might be trying to limit Floyd's snaps and make him more of a pass rush specialist.