Good news and bad news from Sports Illustrated.
In their latest power rankings released this week, SI pegged the Bills as their No. 10 team in the NFL:
The Bills have been trying to get a top receiver since they (very fortunately, in retrospect) missed on Antonio Brown last year. The trade for Stefon Diggs will help Josh Allen—though they paid a very steep price for a receiver who made no secret of the fact that he wanted out of Minnesota—and the Bills also made moves to beef up their defensive line and secondary. But the success of the Bills is contingent on whether or not Allen can take the next step, which is no certain thing.
The bad news comes in at nine. SI placed the Patriots there, stating they’re “not ready to send the Patriots plunging just yet.” Fair, but the writing seems to be on the wall that the Pats are finally going to take a step back. At least currently.
Without Tom Brady, the Patriots only have Jarrett Stidham as their quarterback. Now, if the Patriots signed a Cam Newton or traded up for a top prospect? This could make more sense. But as things sit now, not so much.
Having said that, the Jets and Dolphins are much further away at 24 and 26, respectively, in terms of the rest of the AFC East.
Leading the way in the power rankings for SI is the Chiefs. The defending champs are followed by the Ravens and Saints.
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