The Buffalo Bills right now are easy targets during their bye week, and on a two-game losing streak.
It is low-hanging fruit to target Sean McDermott's team, but it's hard to argue against it, especially considering the team's performance over the past two weeks: they've been giving the ball away, their offense has struggled to score, and their defense has been vulnerable on the ground.
Just two games of football ago, the Bills were thought to be on their way to dominating the AFC East and getting the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Oh, how times have changed.
With the New England Patriots a game clear in the lead for the division at 5-2 while also owning the tie-breaker over Buffalo, that is a good spot to be for Drake Maye and Co., but will it last?
In what is a huge take, BuffaloSI's Alex Brasky, in one of his four bold predictions, has the Bills in New England's shadow.
"New England already beat Buffalo once this season and has gone on to dominate its next few matchups. Barring an unforeseen change, the Bills will be performing in the Patriots' shadow for the foreseeable future," Brasky wrote.
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Tap the brakes on Buffalo's demise
It isn't like the Patriots are world-beaters, and the Bills are an absolute shambles. It is worth noting that the Bills similarly started last year before finding their groove and steamrolling through the NFL.
There are still tough games with the Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Philadelphia Eagles on the schedule, but it might be a little premature to say the Bills will be in New England's shadow for the foreseeable future at Week 8.
Still, this is the bed the Bills have made for themselves, and having been wobbly after the last two weeks, they have to show that they can steady the ship and navigate the stormy seas ahead.
Because if they can't and this ship goes down, the Patriots are more than capable of taking advantage.
Buffalo is still the bully in the AFC East, but maybe, just maybe, that title might be slipping from its grasp if its current form continues.
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