The 2024 version of the Buffalo Bills under Josh Allen were one fo the most consistent teams in football. With the gunslinger now reeling in those pesky turnovers, and delivering the ball to whoever is open, the offense thrived.
James Cook, who rushed for 16 touchdowns was a staple of the offense, while Khalil Shakir was a consistent source of production in the passing game and yes, Allen as a runner was again super effective.
Having gotten to just their second AFC Championship game in Allen's tenure and again losing by just three points despite having the ball with a chance to go win the game, Buffalo isn't "that" far off.
As such, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler has put all 32 NFL teams into 2025 tiers, and the Bills, along with the Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens, are in the "on the cusp" tier.
"The Bills have emerged as one of the league's most consistent performers, a perennial contender with Josh Allen ascending into an MVP stratosphere," Fowler wrote. "Their once-stagnant running game is now potent, and the defense is swarming. What became clear through the playoffs, however, is that Buffalo needs to add more true difference-makers to the roster. Many around the league agree: Working a potential trade for Myles Garrett or another high-end pass rusher would make sense."
Figuring out Cook's status is a key offseason move, with the running back wanting $15 million APY, which would make him the second-highest paid back in football behind Christian McCaffrey.
If the Bills do believe they are so close with Allen and Joe Brady calling the plays, then they might double down and reload for a genuine tilt at the Super Bowl.
Allen is now an MVP, and if the Bills do go ahead and attack free agency with, say, Myles Garrett to look at a Tee Higgins, then Buffalo won't be on the cusp anymore; they'll be genuine Super Bowl contenders.
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