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Right now, Buffalo is still the favorite to win the division. The only way New England can flip that is by significantly upgrading at quarterback. You can read a lot of fans trying to talk themselves into believing Newton really wasn't all that bad, it was more about the lack of weapons. As much as Newton's supporting cast was pathetic, and as much as they may have improved with the FA acquisitions, Newton is a washed up stiff who would make the '89 49ers look bad. Two breakout hopefuls at TE and two middling WR's aren't going to compensate for Newton's limitations as a passer.
Will New England have the best defense in the division? Probably. Special teams? Sure but whatever. Best running game? Ok, maybe. Coaching staffs? It's legitimately debatable, McDermott is no fool, and there's no better OC & QB duo in the NFL right now than Daboll & Allen.
However, here's where you come across the biggest difference maker...
QB: Cam Newton
WR: Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne, Jakobi Meyers & Julian Edelman
TE: Hunter Henry & Jonnu Smith
QB: Josh Allen
WR: Stefon Diggs, Emmanuel Sanders, Gabriel Davis & Cole Beasley
TE: Dawson Knox & Jacob Hollister
Check mark at TE for New England for sure, but at WR and especially at QB, Buffalo has a big enough of an advantage that it'll make up the difference and then some.
If New England wants to contend for the division next year then they need an upgrade at quarterback. Otherwise with Newton their ceiling is 10 wins, which is Buffalo's floor. So, as it stands now, Buffalo is still a strong favorite to win the division, because of practically one position.
Will New England have the best defense in the division? Probably. Special teams? Sure but whatever. Best running game? Ok, maybe. Coaching staffs? It's legitimately debatable, McDermott is no fool, and there's no better OC & QB duo in the NFL right now than Daboll & Allen.
However, here's where you come across the biggest difference maker...
QB: Cam Newton
WR: Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne, Jakobi Meyers & Julian Edelman
TE: Hunter Henry & Jonnu Smith
QB: Josh Allen
WR: Stefon Diggs, Emmanuel Sanders, Gabriel Davis & Cole Beasley
TE: Dawson Knox & Jacob Hollister
Check mark at TE for New England for sure, but at WR and especially at QB, Buffalo has a big enough of an advantage that it'll make up the difference and then some.
If New England wants to contend for the division next year then they need an upgrade at quarterback. Otherwise with Newton their ceiling is 10 wins, which is Buffalo's floor. So, as it stands now, Buffalo is still a strong favorite to win the division, because of practically one position.