FORWARD PROGRESS

Bills control AFC East at season's halfway point

- MARK LUDWICZAK

Through eight weeks, the 2020 season hasbeen both fascinating and entertaining forthe Buffalo Bills. There’s been highs (the hot start out of the gates), and lows (the ensuing fall) and no shortage of news both on and off the field.

The Bills remain in a strong position moving forward considering their direct competition in the AFC East, though a difficult schedule appears to only become more daunting over the next several weeks.

With eight more games left to go, here’s our annual look at the most noteworthy developments from the first half of the season. All statistics are through Week 7.

THE HOT START

Through the first four weeks of the season, the Bills appeared to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender. While they’ve fallen a bit since then, their sprint through the month of September was a sight to see.

Buffalo opened up 4-0 for the first time since 2008 and only the ninth time in team history. Buffalo had 30 or more points in three straight games for the first time in 2011. Stefon Diggs had an instant impact after coming over from Minnesota, becoming the first Bills receiver since Eric Moulds with 26 or more receptions and 400 or more receiving yards through four weeks. And, of course, it was all led by Josh Allen, who for a little while looked like a potential MVP candidate.

The offense has cooled since then, which partially was to be expected. But it remains the strength of the team heading into the second half of the season

ALLEN IS THE REAL DEAL