The departure of Stefon Diggs and a few defensive executives suggested that the Bills could be behind this season. Nay! They marched on the competition and largely dominated the debates in their division. The emergence of new executives and a superstar Josh Allen have repositioned them as contenders.
How did they get there?
Unlike 2023 where they had to work hard at the end of the season to seek qualification, the Bills had a fairly quiet 2024 year. They took advantage of the poor start of their division rivals to take off and quickly secure qualification. Josh Allen soared through the season and dazzled his opponents and the entire league with his talent.
They took on the lead-cutting role by knocking off the invincible Chiefs in Week 12 and ending the Lions' 11-game winning streak.
The key player: James Cook (RB)
How can we not mention Josh Allen when we talk about the key player of the Bills, the favorite for the MVP trophy is at the top of his game and carries the attack and the team. But another player will have a key role in these playoffs so that Buffalo can achieve its ambitions. If he was a little less productive in terms of yards covered this season, James Cook was much more decisive. With 18 touchdowns in total including 16 on the ground, the running back scored in 12 of the 16 games in which he participated.
Always used with caution by the staff, Cook attacks the playoffs fresh having worn leather 30% less than Barkley, Henry or Jacobs. Having become a real finisher, he relieves Allen in the red zone and offers more solutions than the attack had in previous years.
Why are they going to go through with it?
Buffalo has a lot of assets to take on the role of the ideal contender. Talent, results and experience. Led by Josh Allen who plays like an MVP, the attack is able to take over any defense. In the air or on the ground, the threat is plural and permanent. It must be said that the quarterback plays in an armchair. Sacked only 14 times (1st NFL), he has time to throw, and to make the right decisions.
If the defense concedes more yards than in recent years, it does have the advantage of stealing a lot of balls. With 32 turnovers, Buffalo has the 3rd record in the league. The ability to create a big play is a key element especially in the playoffs. To make a break, gain momentum, or seal a match, turnovers are decisive. Their stolen ball/lost ball balance is the best in the NFL by a long way (+24).
Why won't they go?
The Bills and the playoffs: an often conflicting story. The only team to have lost four straight Super Bowls, they have the label of the cursed team. And the recent disillusionments haven't helped matters. While they regularly have the upper hand over the Chiefs in the regular season, Patrick Mahomes' men have taken a huge psychological advantage in the elimination matches. Defeating this Indian sign will undoubtedly be the biggest challenge for this team.
If Josh Allen is close to the stars this season, he does not have a squad of top targets. Certainly, the squad was reinforced by Amari Cooper during the season, but the former Brown is struggling to express his full level. No receiver emerges as a real number 1 target. A deficiency that could be lacking in Buffalo in tight games where it would be necessary to go for the score.
Injured players
Unlike past years when the squad arrived deprived of several important starters in the playoffs, Buffalo approaches the decisive matches in full possession of its means. Only four players are on the injured list and only replacements or rotation players. Matt Milano, soul of the defense, returned from injury at the end of the season and had time to gain rhythm to be 100% for the playoffs.
Prognosis
Complete and sure of their strength, the men of Buffalo advance with the label of assumed favorite in the AFC. Led by Josh Allen, they seem to have reached the fullness of their capacity and the necessary maturity. If the adversity will be formidable, the Bills, who could play at home until the end in the event of the Chiefs' exit in the divisional, have proven this season that they can get the better of the best. It remains to conquer the ghosts of the past and overcome any complexes. The scars of past failures will serve as fuel to finally seek their Grail.
Super Bowl
