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

Defensive Tackles: Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones

For the second year in a row, the Buffalo Bills are going to have the same starting defensive tackles with Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones responsible for the middle of the line. These two play well off each other as Jones is more of a one-tech and allows Ed Oliver to utilize the athleticism he has to win one-on-one matchups and make plays in the backfield.

While these two players will be the starters, the Bills are going to rotate frequently at the position along with Tim Settle Jr., Poona Ford, and Jordan Phillips

Linebackers: Matt Milano, Tyrel Dodson

Entering training camp, the Buffalo Bills had a big question mark at middle linebacker but seemed to have enough options that one would emerge as a starter. However, that hasn't worked out the way they hoped as Terrel Bernard has not been able to play in the preseason due to a hamstring injury, while Tyrel Dodson and A.J. Klein struggled during their snaps.

The Bills have some options between now and the first regular season game with Bernard working his way back from his injury and recently signed veteran Christian Kirksey to the practice squad. It remains to be seen if either are able to gain the confidence in short period of time so for now, it will be Tyrel Dodson. However, it would be surprising if he finished the year as the starter.