2018 NFL Power Rankings: Brandin Cooks, Ndamukong Suh puts Rams on top

19. Buffalo Bills

One of the biggest surprises from the 2017 NFL season was the Buffalo Bills emerging out of nowhere to become a playoff contender in the AFC, as they would go on to earn one of the Wild Card spots before falling to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Originally, the Bills were expected to go through at least a year of rebuilding another new head coach Sean McDermott when looking at some of the key players they decided to part ways with, but luckily the defense ended up being one of the most dangerous units in the league.

While the offense clearly needs some work, at least Buffalo has every reason in the world to be thrilled over the direction this team is heading since the defense should be in great shape once again during the 2018 season. Not to mention, the Bills finally pulled the trigger by parting ways with Tyrod Taylor after the quarterback received numerous opportunities to prove himself under center over the last three years.

AJ McCarron may not be the long-term answer, but Buffalo hopes to see him take advantage of earning a starting role after all of the years spent in Cincinnati as a backup. Even if the Bills use this year’s draft to land a quarterback to potentially build the franchise around, at least they can play behind McCarron for a year or two if needed.