Fred Jackson

Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson (22) makes a catch during their NFL football training camp in Pittsford, N.Y., Monday, July 21, 2014. (AP Photo/Bill Wippert)

(Bill Wippert)

Orchard Park, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills are entering a pivotal year. By the end of the 2014 season, we will know the new owner of the franchise, we'll have a better idea of the kind of quarterback EJ Manuel is, and the future of the front office will be a bit more settled.

The Bills are rarely being picked to make the postseason after a rough preseason for the first-team offense. In the weak AFC, though, anything is possible. That's why we outlined how the Bills could get to 10 wins, as unlikely as it seems right now.

Now, here are five bold predictions for the upcoming season. Not every one of these predictions will come true. Heck, maybe none will. But there's reason to believe in each of them. So let's step out on a limb, shall we?

1. Kyle Orton will start more games than EJ Manuel

Yes, Kyle Orton said he's here to be the backup to EJ Manuel. Manuel will also have every chance to show he's the guy in just his second season in the NFL. But it's not hard to envision a scenario in which Orton could start more games than Manuel. For starters, Manuel suffered three separate knee injuries last year, so he's no lock to stay healthy. Also consider the sense of urgency the Bills' front office has to win this season, particularly with a new owner taking over by season's end. The Bills are paying Orton more than any backup quarterback in the league. If things start to turn south, the Bills may considering making a change.

2. Fred Jackson will have more rushing yards than C.J. Spiller

This is titled bold predictions for a reason. C.J. Spiller is younger and more talented than Fred Jackson, but that won't necessarily translate to better production. Neither running back rushed for 1,000 yards a year ago, and Spiller out-rushed Jackson despite fewer carries. But Jackson had more total yards, and the 33-year old is a better fit for the power running game the Bills use. The Bills will again have a committee approach to the running back position, so Spiller and Jackson could be close in production. If the Bills limit Spiller to keep him healthy the entire season, Jackson could rush for more yards.

3. Jerry Hughes will have double-digit sacks again

Doug Whaley pulled off an incredible trade by dealing Kelvin Sheppard to the Colts for Jerry Hughes prior to 2013. Sheppard was recently cut by Indianapolis, while Hughes is coming off a double-digit sack season. He could repeat that effort in 2014. Later in the week, we'll break down why the Colts misjudged Hughes' value, but he has ideal physical traits for a pass rusher, and entering a contract year, he should continue to perform.

4. Mike WIlliams will lead the Bills in receiving touchdowns

Sammy Watkins has been getting all of the hype, but Mike Williams may the more productive of the two wide receivers added this offseason. Williams has hyper-efficient in the red zone throughout his career. He's averaged more than 12 targets in the red zone per season and has 25 touchdowns on 215 career catches. That's 8.6 percent of his catches that have gone for touchdowns. He'll be the Bills' best chance of converting touchdowns in the red zone.

5. The Bills will have a top 10 run defense

This is going out on a limb, but the Buffalo Bills' first-team defense has been dominant against the run at times this preseason. The defensive line is one of the best in football, and the additions of Brandon Spikes and Keith Rivers have made a big difference in Buffalo's ability to stop the run. New Bills defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has traditionally had defenses that play strong against the run. That should continue in Buffalo.