BUFFALO BILLS (15-4)

Projected 2021 win total: 10.5

LAST YEAR: Josh Allen’s breakout season propelled the Bills to their first AFC East title since 1995, and to their deepest playoff run in 27 years. Buffalo’s season ended with 38-24 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship game. The Bills’ defense sagged in losing to the Chiefs for a second time last year. Allen set numerous single-season team records, including yards passing (4,544 yards passing) and touchdowns passing (37). The third-year starter teamed with offseason addition Stefon Diggs, who became Buffalo’s first player to lead the NFL in yards receiving (1,535) and receptions (127). IMPORTANT ADDITIONS: WR Emmanuel Sanders, RB Matt Breida, TE Jacob Hollister, QB Mitchell Trubisky, P Matt Haack, DE Greg Rousseau (1stround draft pick).

IMPORTANT LOSSES: WRs John Brown and Andre Roberts, DE Trent Murphy, DL Quinton Jefferson, S Dean Marlowe, CB Josh Norman, TE Tyler Kroft, QB Matt Barkley, RB T.J. Yeldon, OLs Ty Nsekhe and Brian Winters, P Corey Bojorquez.

NOTES: The Bills need to improve a defense which sagged for parts of last season, and had difficulty applying pressure. Veteran defensive tackle Star Lotulelei’s return should help after he opted out from playing last season due to COVID-19 reasons. Buffalo is also counting on Rousseau and second-round pick Carlos Basham to improve its pass rush. EXPECTATIONS: The Bills are bona fide contenders, with little to suggest they’ll take a step back. They have a majority of offensive starters back, plus coordinator Brian Daboll, putting Buffalo in position to match and even build upon last year’s production. The question is whether the defense can shore up its inconsistencies to contain some of the NFL’s more dynamic offenses. The schedule features a December matchup against Buffalo’s former AFC East nemesis Tom Brady and the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers.