What is a scenario for each of the division rivals in the AFC East that would help the Buffalo Bills chances to win their fourth straight division title?
Over the past 20 years, the AFC East has not had much parity in terms of the division winner. The New England Patriots would win 17 out of 19 years from 2001 to 2019 but after that run, it has been the Buffalo Bills that have led the division.
The Bills would win their first of three straight division titles in 2020 and enter this season hoping to extend that streak to four. There is no question that the AFC East is much more competitive this season and the Buffalo Bills' path to that title is going to be much tougher.
However, these are one scenario for each division rival that would help the Buffalo Bills chances this season.
New England Patriots wide receivers struggle
While the New England Patriots haven't been as dominant as they were with Tom Brady under center, they have certainly been competitive over the past three seasons. They would even make the playoffs in 2021 and their success has been due in large part to the strength of their defense.
The question marks have been on the offensive side of the ball and whether or not Mac Jones can take that next step as a quarterback. The Patriots were able to bring in Bill O'Brien to run the offense and that should help but they have not added much talent around him.
The Patriots did sign Mike Gesicki and Juju Smith-Schuster this offseason and still have Hunter Henry. However, there isn't much else in the passing game with a group that consists of DeVante Parker, Kendrick Bourne and rookie Tyquan Thurston.
In a division with the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, and Miami Dolphins the Patriots likely don't have the offensive scoring power to keep pace, especially if the wide receivers struggle this season.