Buffalo Bills, Broncos could be surprise teams in AFC

The Buffalo Bills have only reached the playoffs once since 2000. The Denver Broncos have not seen the postseason since winning Super Bowl 50 in the 2015 season.

Both are expected by most pundits to miss against this time around. While it’s somewhat of a long shot for each club, don’t count Buffalo and Denver out from the jump.

The Buffalo Bills are relying on second-year quarterback Josh Allen to build off what was an uneven rookie campaign. Allen had almost no weapons around him last year. He watched as general manager Brandon Beane added receivers Cole Beasley and John Brown, tight end Tyler Kroft and rookie running back Devin Singletary this summer. As well as that, the signing of veteran center Mitch Morse will stabilize the offensive line. As a result, the Bills are putting an actual supporting cast around Allen.

Want $250 to bet on NFL Week 1?

Defensively, Buffalo has ample talent. The Buffalo Bills appeared to have stolen defensive tackle Ed Oliver in the draft, landing him with the No. 9 overall selection. Oliver will hopefully become a disruptive force on the interior, with a secondary behind him anchored by third-year cornerback Tre’Davious White and safety Micah Hyde.

Playing in a weak AFC East, Buffalo could end up winning four games in the division before taking on the NFC East and AFC North. Winning nine games won’t be out of the question.

As for the Broncos, there’s reason for optimism.

Denver hired a new head coach in Vic Fangio, the mastermind behind the phenomenal defense with the Chicago Bears. Fangio brought slot corner Bryce Callahan with him to the Mile High City, adding to a secondary which already includes Chris Harris Jr. Up front, the edge rushers are elite with Von Miller and Bradley Chubb screaming off the edges.

Read: Can the Philadelphia Eagles Attack Their Way to the Super Bow?

Of course, the main question in Denver revolves around the offense. Joe Flacco is taking over for Case Keenum, who struggled mightily as the unquestioned starter in 2018. Flacco comes over from the Baltimore Ravens, who traded him to Denver instead of simply cutting him. Flacco has a handful of weapons to work with including first-round tight end Noah Fant, running back Phillip Lindsay and receivers Courtland Sutton and Emmanuel Sanders.

All told, the Bills and Broncos aren’t winning their divisions, but wild card spots are in play. The AFC is relatively weak compared to the NFC, and the talent is sufficient enough that with good health and a few breaks, we could see Buffalo and Denver playing into January.