Strongest Conference Foe

[Big Blitz]

In order:

 

Bengals 

[Ethan in Cleveland]

3 hours ago, Alphadawg7 said:

People are under estimating the Raiders.  Not only do I think the Raiders will make the playoffs, but I think they will challenge to win their division.  They get to the QB better than any team in their division, they have a lot of weapons on offense, and they shown they could win the close games last year, things all their divisional rivals struggled with.  

 

An offense led by Carr and featuring Devante Adams, Renfrow and Darren Waller is going to be tough to defend, plus they have a strong running game as well.  Adding Chandler Jones to that pass rush should see them lead the division in sacks.  

 

KC has big questions on both sides of the ball and turnover losing key players.  While you cant count out Mahomes, I think its reasonable they are in line for a struggle in their own division this year, plus they still have to play us as well.  This is a team I could see winning the division and at the same time seeing them miss the playoffs all together.  Its going to really come down to what kind of impact their rookies and young players can make, especially someone like Skyy.  

 

LAC were terrible in all 3 phases of their defense last year, so I don't think an aging Mack who hasn't had double digit sacks in 3 years and JC to the secondary is going to turn that defense around.  Could it be improved, sure...but I still think its no better than 3rd in the division.  Not to mention, their best play makers seem to all struggle with staying healthy.  

 

Den added Wilson, but he is coming off a down year, in a new system, and doesn't have the same level of weapons to work with.  And while I agree that Denver has a solid WR group, I don't think they are as good as DK and Lockett are, nor do they have the same rapport and chemistry with Wilson that takes time to develop.  And now one has been arrested and involved in some off field issues.  They also lost Noah Fant in the trade.  

 

I totally get why anyone would make a case for any of these 4 to win the division, there is a valid argument for all of them.  But the least talked about team I think could be a sleeper and surprise some people this year out there in Las Vegas.  They kept all of their key players in tact and added major playmaker to both sides of the ball to get even better.  And Adams and Carr already played with each other in college too, shouldn't take them long to get comfortable with each other.  

Good take but you left out the Raiders may have one of the weakest HCs in the league.  McDaniels will have a better QB than he did in Denver but he was still a failure in his first stint as a HC.  Add the fact the Belichick tree is littered with failures, I have them 1 game ahead of Denver in third place

[Alphadawg7]

27 minutes ago, Ethan in Portland said:

Good take but you left out the Raiders may have one of the weakest HCs in the league.  McDaniels will have a better QB than he did in Denver but he was still a failure in his first stint as a HC.  Add the fact the Belichick tree is littered with failures, I have them 1 game ahead of Denver in third place

Thats certainly a fair rebuttal, he is a major question mark

[GunnerBill]

3 hours ago, Alphadawg7 said:

Thats certainly a fair rebuttal, he is a major question mark

 

It's the trenches for me. While Kolton Miller has got better if he is still your left tackle you have offensive line issues and he is arguably their best starter up front. Vernon Butler is currently expected to start at defensive tackle, and while they do have good looking edge rush with Crosby and Jones the interior of their Dline leaves something to be desired. I know I sound boringly coach like in saying "it starts up front" but that is still true and that is where I think the biggest questions are for the Raiders. 

 

As for the answer to the question, I'd go Chargers too. To me the two best rosters in the conference top to bottom are Buffalo and Los Angeles. 

[Greg S]

The AFC is loaded with good teams but I would say the top challengers for the Bills will be the Chargers, Colts, Bengals, and Broncos assuming Wilson can still play at a high level.

[CincyBillsFan]

KC until we can beat them in the playoffs.

 

Cincinnati.  IMO the Bengals are again running under the radar.  They improved their O-line substantially and like the Bills sport an elite QB.

 

 

6 hours ago, Big Blitz said:

In order:

 

Bengals 

I agree. Living in Cincinnati I can see how much they improved their O-line and they have an elite QB. And their D is underrated.

 

I also think there is a bit of the 2021 Browns in all the hype around the Broncos & Chargers.

 

 

[TheFunPolice]

Bills vs. Chargers in the AFC Title Game this year is my prediction, so I go with the Chargers as strongest foe. 

 

Ravens will also be very good. Last year their entire team was hammered by injuries before the season even got going. Then Lamar got hurt as well. 

 

Browns are the AFC's version of the Cowboys. If the NFL were like the college system the Cowboys and Browns would be voted into the 4 team playoff every year. 

[Patrick Duffy]

When talking AFC Conference, As of now, I don't see how KC isn't the biggest still. 

 

As for Division I guess I'd go with Fins

[Greg S]

5 minutes ago, Sheneneh Jenkins said:

When talking AFC Conference, As of now, I don't see how KC isn't the biggest still. 

 

As for Division I guess I'd go with Fins

 

KC is going to have their hands full trying to win their own division. My pick for the west is the Chargers but you could make a case for any of the four teams. Assuming the Bills win the east then a Bills-Chiefs playoff game next season probably takes place in OP. I think we get by the Chiefs this season.  If Miami had a QB I would say they could challenge the Bills but they don't. 

[Patrick Duffy]

3 minutes ago, Greg S said:

 

KC is going to have their hands full trying to win their own division. My pick for the west is the Chargers but you could make a case for any of the four teams. Assuming the Bills win the east then a Bills-Chiefs playoff game next season probably takes place in OP. I think we get by the Chiefs this season.  If Miami had a QB I would say they could challenge the Bills but they don't. 

Their Division definitely will be tougher. I'm just saying it still has to be KC until we can take them out in the playoffs.

[Greg S]

Just now, Sheneneh Jenkins said:

Their Division definitely will be tougher. I'm just saying it still has to be KC until we can take them out in the playoffs.

 

Losing Hill tips the scales in the Bills favor. Without Hill then covering Kelce becomes easier. You are right if the Bills play them in the playoffs then they will have to prove it on the field. Of course beating them in the regular season will go along way in getting a playoff game vs them in OP. I know that didn't help last year but with the AFCW being stronger it probably makes a difference this year.

[PrimeTime101]

21 hours ago, BTB said:

Kansas City. Now what about “strongest league foe”?

well i did hear this is  a "copy cat" league yes? Get it? lol

[billybrew1]

Much to my surprise, the Colts have a really tough schedule. They are matched-up against the dreaded AFC West.

It’s surprisingly tough, check it out…

That makes me feel better about our chances to get home-field…

Mark my words though… The Bills defense is going to need time.

I don’t like it, but I think that it is a reality.

The Defensive Line? They don’t even know eachother. Five new DL.

The ends? Von and three kids. Are they ready? They Should be. No rookies at least.

Do they have the talent? We’re going to find out.

Then we don’t know when Tre is going to be ready and we all know what our D is like without Tre…

We have a great rookie on the other side but still, he’s a rookie, he is going to take some time….

I see our defense really molding into something after our Bye. I think it ends up being much better than last year.

Once they get to really know eachother and start to play for eachother. Once they get to know Buffalo and start playing for the fans.

Once they but into the defense (I hope they buy into the defense, I hope Leslie has them Billieving, I hope so) and Once Tre and Kaiir are comfortable. Once Kaiir is a part of that D just as comfortable as the other four starters in the secondary. And on the same page with the front six. I think it’s going to take time.

I think this is OK as our team, our offense and our STs are pretty strong. We can get by and get some wins without the best defense.

My only worry is that we lose too many games early to win home-field. I think barring injuries, our team really takes off after that bye. The NFL will question whether the Bills can beat the better teams after this but the answer to that question is an astounding YES. We will be a very different by the end of the year as the defense catches up to the offense and STs…. I think the Bills really kick ass in the playoffs this year if they avoid the injury bug. Once Tre, Hyde, Poyer, TJ and Kaiir marry, once the Von gets that DL to also marry, Tremaine links the DL and the Secondary and we kick the s*** out of teams. 

[HamptonBillsfan]

KC is the biggest foe until the Bills prove they're better. Getting home field is mandatory. Denver, LA, and Vegas are all capable of winning a playoff game, but not in Buffalo come January. Baltimore has to prove they have enough weapons in the passing game to scare the Bills. If the Bills can show a multidimensional offense with an actual running threat, the opposition better score 30 or more. Let's see how Miller and our young D-line play against good offenses. If they dominate, I don’t think we will be denied. 

[BADOLBILZ]

23 hours ago, MJS said:

The Chargers need to show they can even make the playoffs.

 

The Bengals won 4 games in 2020 and won the AFC in 2021.

 

So no, a team doesn't have to show they can make the playoffs before they make a SB run.

[MJS]

6 hours ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

The Bengals won 4 games in 2020 and won the AFC in 2021.

 

So no, a team doesn't have to show they can make the playoffs before they make a SB run.

They have to show it before I believe they are the strongest conference foe.

 

Nobody thought the Bengals were the strongest conference foe heading into last season.

[KingBoots8]

Tough question to answer, but as of today (on paper) I’d say the following:

 

1. Chiefs. Until they either fall off or we vanquish them, they are the biggest threat. We know we can hang, we know we can win, and we know they lost a few pieces this off-season, but they’re always a tough out. I think with their division making strides they aren’t as potent and not as big a threat for the #1 seed, but they won’t go down without a serious bloodbath of a fight.

 

2. Colts. Yes, they somehow missed the playoffs last year, but they crushed us regular season, and the 2020 playoff came was down to the wire: I think Ryan is capable of doing at least as good as Rivers. JT is a freak, and we still struggle with the run a little bit.

 

3. Bengals. They were a good team that nearly won the Super Bowl last year, and they got better this off-season. Joey B is great, Chase is a beast, and while they may be good I still think we can pull off a win.

 

4. Ravens. They literally all got hurt last year. They’re going to bounce back and give the Bengals a run for their money for that division. That being said, we know how to defend Lamar, and we are good at it.

 

5. Chargers. Great skill players, great qb, good defense. They have the pieces to go far, but play in a tough division where they are gonna have to really earn their spot. Also; they tend to be hurt a lot 

 

6. Broncos. A great team with some solid defensive players. Russ is great for them but he isn’t Russ form 2012 anymore. 

[dma0034]

It's the Colts and it isn't even close. Matt Ryan is capable and they are loaded everywhere else. 

 

Chargers have to show they don't choke

Chiefs have to overcome their defense and loss of Hill

Broncos need to show they can put it together

Ravens aren't very good. Lamar is starting to get some injuries. Their defense has weakened, their top WR is gone, what run game and can they figure out how to not get injuried?

Bengals are a bit flukey. Bad OLine and average defense. I think they caught some teams by surprise lazt year.

Dolphins - Tua sucks

Titans - what WRs?

Browns - if Watson plays > WRs? Secondary?

[Ethan in Cleveland]

19 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

It's the trenches for me. While Kolton Miller has got better if he is still your left tackle you have offensive line issues and he is arguably their best starter up front. Vernon Butler is currently expected to start at defensive tackle, and while they do have good looking edge rush with Crosby and Jones the interior of their Dline leaves something to be desired. I know I sound boringly coach like in saying "it starts up front" but that is still true and that is where I think the biggest questions are for the Raiders. 

 

As for the answer to the question, I'd go Chargers too. To me the two best rosters in the conference top to bottom are Buffalo and Los Angeles. 

Wow we agree. The universe may end now.

[BADOLBILZ]

12 hours ago, MJS said:

They have to show it before I believe they are the strongest conference foe.

 

Nobody thought the Bengals were the strongest conference foe heading into last season.

 

 

Well either way really.........Vegas ranks the Chargers as the #3 team in the AFC behind Buffalo and KC so they like their odds regardless of whether they've proven anything or not.

 

But if what "nobody thought" made any difference then the preseason favorites wouldn't mean much.

 

It's generally proven to be about a 15% chance that the preseason SB favorite cashes that ticket since the last repeat champion.    

 

The Bills are the consensus "favorite" this year but in some places they are given as little as a 7% chance.    For comparison sake........the Chiefs were given a 19% chance at the same gaming company last year.

 

One of the late 2010's NE teams was a heavy favorite........given a 28% chance in preseason..........so if what people think is your barometer then I wouldn't get too carried away with the Bills favorite status.    The competition is seen as fierce.

 

[Nextmanup]

On 5/18/2022 at 11:41 PM, Richard Noggin said:

The diversity of answers in this thread likely indicates, as most of us would agree, that the AFC is stacked with so many high-end QBs and dangerous teams in general that it's difficult to predict which will weather the regular season intraconference gauntlet healthy enough and clicking when it matters most.

 

It also suggests that putting any single AFC team, including the Bills, on a predictive pedestal is unwise. Even the odds-on favorite to win it all has a roughly 15% probability at best, which might even be generous.

 

The sheer volume of variables baked into a grueling 17-game NFL season, followed by a 14-team, single-elimination tournament, is calculus that laughs at predictions. No other sport is quite like this. 

 

Add to all the uncertainty the seemingly unprecedented offseason player movement of impactful guys, and it's a puzzle.

Great post.  Says it all.  Not much more to say on this topic.

 

 

[TBBills]

Browns wouldn't be even with Watson.

[Tanoros]

On 5/18/2022 at 3:10 PM, FilthyBeast said:

For me it's still Mahomes and the Chiefs until proven otherwise. And as much as some folks believe that Mahomes and the Chiefs are going to steeply decline this year deep down I think Mahomes is going to have his best season ever and prove what a generational talent he truly is especially with all the doubts cast after Hill was traded to Miami. Also let's not kid ourselves here, until the Bills beat the Chiefs in a playoff game nothing else truly matters so hopefully they get that matchup again sometime next January.

Best season statistically? If so, what makes you say that? the Chiefs will continue to see 2 high looks, limiting the big plays, and now no Tyreek who was good for big time plays and thus big time stats. 
 

Of course Mahomes will play very well this season, but I believe it’s a stretch to think he will have his best season yet (statistically speaking). Perhaps best season as far as taking what’s available, moving the ball, and overall offensive success (as in points scored, not so much stats success). If that’s the case, I certainly can’t discount that. 
 

The AFC is loaded and the Chiefs have a hard schedule to go with their very hard division.  Like many say, the Chiefs can’t be discounted, however, that doesn’t mean Mahomes is going to have his best year. I don’t think Mahomes has best statistical season this year, too much going against that. 

[FilthyBeast]

4 minutes ago, Tanoros said:

Best season statistically? If so, what makes you say that? the Chiefs will continue to see 2 high looks, limiting the big plays, and now no Tyreek who was good for big time plays and thus big time stats. 
 

Of course Mahomes will play very well this season, but I believe it’s a stretch to think he will have his best season yet (statistically speaking). Perhaps best season as far as taking what’s available, moving the ball, and overall offensive success (as in points scored, not so much stats success). If that’s the case, I certainly can’t discount that. 
 

The AFC is loaded and the Chiefs have a hard schedule to go with their very hard division.  Like many say, the Chiefs can’t be discounted, however, that doesn’t mean Mahomes is going to have his best year. I don’t think Mahomes has best statistical season this year, too much going against that. 

 

Not necessarily the best season statistically but still gaudy numbers like Brady used to post year in and year out with marginal talent around him at the skill positions.

 

And what I really mean is he'll be front and center in the MVP discussion again because I do agree that KC is probably going to fall off a bit this year and there's a good chance they don't win the division and finally go the WC route in the playoffs and on the road for the first time in Mahomes career not including the SB.

[frostbitmic]

Allen and Mahomes are the best QB's in the AFC... The Chiefs are our main competition.

[ganesh]

On 5/19/2022 at 2:32 AM, Ethan in Portland said:

Great Division foe thread.  There was good conversation on the topic of AFC competition during free agency and leading up to the draft. Now that most of the moves have been made let's revisit it.

 

My take is the Chargers are the biggest obstacle to the Bills making the SB.  They have a superstar QB, multiple weapons on offense and they have on paper made significant upgrades to their defense.  I think they will win their division but will only be third in the conference standings because of how competitive their division is.  I believe it will be Buffalo #1 followed by Indianapolis at #2.  I think Tenn takes a step back and the Colts win that division by 2+ games.  Bills get home-field in the playoffs and win at home in the Conference game.

 

Why not KC?  It's reasonable to pick KC again and despite moving Hill they did make some nice additions in free agency and the draft.  Just seems like their star is fading while other teams are on the ascent.  

You don't bring down the Chiefs until and unless they fall down. The Chiefs will always start as the Conference favourite.  

Mahomes is clutch when it comes to winning close games.   Justin Herbert lost too many last year that knocked them off the playoffs.

Edited May 22, 2022 by ganesh

[wppete]

Chargers look scary. Bengals will be improved and KC will always be elite. 

[eball]

On 5/18/2022 at 7:57 PM, Ethan in Portland said:

Good take but you left out the Raiders may have one of the weakest HCs in the league.  McDaniels will have a better QB than he did in Denver but he was still a failure in his first stint as a HC.  Add the fact the Belichick tree is littered with failures, I have them 1 game ahead of Denver in third place

 

McDaniels may be the 2nd best HC in his division.  Nathaniel “run him until he pukes” Hackett is a 1st-timer and Brandon “I’m smarter than you” Staley was a tire fire with his in-game decisions last year.  McDaniels has likely learned a lot since his first stint as a HC and will be better than you think.

 

[Ethan in Cleveland]

19 minutes ago, eball said:

 

McDaniels may be the 2nd best HC in his division.  Nathaniel “run him until he pukes” Hackett is a 1st-timer and Brandon “I’m smarter than you” Staley was a tire fire with his in-game decisions last year.  McDaniels has likely learned a lot since his first stint as a HC and will be better than you think.

 

He may be 

[Sammy Watkins' Rib]

I'll say in order:

 

Bengals

Chargers

Chiefs

Broncos (hard to gauge them. they could be #1 or #2 if Wilson is elite and makes everyone better)

Steelers

Ravens

Colts

Titans

Browns

Raiders

Dolphins

Patriots

 

A lot of people seem to be sleeping on the Bengals. They might have the best receiving trio in the league and their QB will probably take another step forward. O-line can only get better. Defense should still be at least as good as last year. 

 

3 hours ago, ganesh said:

You don't bring down the Chiefs until and unless they fall down. The Chiefs will always start as the Conference favourite.  

Mahomes is clutch when it comes to winning close games.   Justin Herbert lost too many last year that knocked them off the playoffs.

 

Mahomes lost to Burrow not once but twice last year. How are the Chiefs the conference favorites? I would not make the Chiefs the conference favorites. And that was before Adams and Wilson joined the division and Hill left. 

[Sammy Watkins' Rib]

On 5/20/2022 at 11:13 AM, FilthyBeast said:

 

Not necessarily the best season statistically but still gaudy numbers like Brady used to post year in and year out with marginal talent around him at the skill positions.

 

And what I really mean is he'll be front and center in the MVP discussion again because I do agree that KC is probably going to fall off a bit this year and there's a good chance they don't win the division and finally go the WC route in the playoffs and on the road for the first time in Mahomes career not including the SB.

 

He won't be in the MVP discussion if the Chiefs don't win the division. Historically, to win the MVP you not only have to win your division but you have to have the #1 seed in your conference. I guess he could be in the fringe discussion just like Allen was this past season. Allen's stats were good enough but with no realistic way of obtaining the #1 seed he wasn't a serious contender over Rodgers or Brady. 

 

 

[Kaenon]

The Conference is so loaded this year.

It's everyone!

 

Almost every week is going to feel like a playoff game.

Except against the Pats, Jests, and Steelers. Jury is out in the Browns, depending on what happens with Watson.

[machine gun kelly]

Baltimore has a lot of people coming back off injuries and even with the injuries they were still in the race until

Lamar was injured.  I’d also add KC even without Hill, and Cincy we’ll see if there a flash in the pan or for real.  They upgraded their O line.  
 

Im not concerned with anyone in the AFCE.  It’s too early to tell with Denver, but they had a defense and with Wilson it wouldn’t surprise me.  I do think the West is going to beat each other up.  As much as I like and respect Herbert, they never seem to go anywhere.

[Greg S]

On 5/21/2022 at 6:35 PM, frostbitmic said:

Allen and Mahomes are the best QB's in the AFC... The Chiefs are our main competition.

 

Chiefs are going to have their hands full with their division. I wouldn't be surprised if they make the playoffs as a WC. My pick for the division is LAC.

[frostbitmic]

3 hours ago, Greg S said:

 

Chiefs are going to have their hands full with their division. I wouldn't be surprised if they make the playoffs as a WC. My pick for the division is LAC.

Luckily for all of the teams in the AFC West, they play 11 games against non division rivals.

[Apocalypse Nuts]

On 5/18/2022 at 5:02 PM, Ethan in Portland said:

Great Division foe thread.  There was good conversation on the topic of AFC competition during free agency and leading up to the draft. Now that most of the moves have been made let's revisit it.

 

My take is the Chargers are the biggest obstacle to the Bills making the SB.  They have a superstar QB, multiple weapons on offense and they have on paper made significant upgrades to their defense.  I think they will win their division but will only be third in the conference standings because of how competitive their division is.  I believe it will be Buffalo #1 followed by Indianapolis at #2.  I think Tenn takes a step back and the Colts win that division by 2+ games.  Bills get home-field in the playoffs and win at home in the Conference game.

 

Why not KC?  It's reasonable to pick KC again and despite moving Hill they did make some nice additions in free agency and the draft.  Just seems like their star is fading while other teams are on the ascent.  

 

IMO, Tenn has a sort of old-school, smash mouth, super physical playing style that's hard to replicate year after year unless you stay really young up front.  Henry is the definition of a beast but he's only human.  And Tannehill kind of looked like he hit a wall last post season.

 

KC is in a prove it year IMO without Hill.  I think they were insane to trade him/let him walk/whatever.  I've just never seen anyone with that kind of speed, plus the hands and the chemistry he and Mahomes had.  I just don't think you plug-and-play just anyone into his spot and think they won't skip a beat.

 

I can't believe I'm actually agreeing with Ethan in Portland!  So weird.  New found respect, brother.

 

 

[Greg S]

1 hour ago, frostbitmic said:

Luckily for all of the teams in the AFC West, they play 11 games against non division rivals.

 

True but that division will probably beat itself up. I could see the winner in that division being something 12-5 or 11-6. The Bills have a relatively easy division compared to the west. The Bills should have a good shot at getting the #1 seed.