The Buffalo Bills have been a model of consistency for the past four years. Unfortunately, along with consistently winning the AFC East, they have also been consistent in losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in January. Following a 27-24 Divisional Round loss at home to Kansas City, the Bills made some pivots in terms of their roster construction for 2024. On the defense, the Bills let go of All-Pro Safety Jordan Poyer and his counterpart Micah Hyde, Defensive Ends Leonard Floyd and Shaq Lawson, as well as Cornerback Tre’Davious White. On offense, Center Mitch Morse, Receivers Gabe Davis were both let go. The biggest departure for the Bills, however, was All-Pro Wideout Stefon Diggs. While Diggs has taken a step back the last year or two, his absence creates a looming question mark in the Bills Wide Receiver room.

However, with Josh Allen under center, any team will have a chance with even decently competent support. And while the Bills do have uncertainty, their is potential for very good production. Newly acquired Curtis Samuel comes over from Washington, where he had a disappointing three year stint. Samuel is still just 27 with great speed, heading into an offense with Joe Brady’s innovative play calling. Khalil Shakir is perhaps the most intriguing weapon in the Receiving room for Buffalo. Shakir enters year three, after a season where he put up 600 yards, with more playing time coming his way later in the season. Along with these two, newly drafted Keon Coleman from Florida State presents a new jump ball threat for Allen.

In terms of weapons who have been there, Allen has Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid, who look to be one of the league’s top TE duos. Kincaid had nearly 700 yards in his rookie campaign and will see an elevated role. The most proven asset will be James Cook, who went for nearly 1600 All-Purpose yards in 2024.

The other question for Buffalo, aside from pass catchers, is the front seven. Matt Milano mans the middle with Ed Oliver on the interior. On the edge is where the questions lie. AJ Epenesa and Greg Rosseau will start at Defensive End, along with a 35 year old Von Miller. In the secondary, things will be held down by Rasul Douglas and Taron Johnson.

The Offensive Line returns 4 starters, possibly 3 if La’el Collins starts over David Edwards. Dion Dawkins anchors Josh Allen’s blindside, and Center Connor McGovern comes over from New York. The line ranked top 8 in both pass block win rate and run block win rate in 2023, so they look to continue those ways in 2024.

Schedule

Final Record: 12-5 (2nd in AFC East)

The Bills will likely be playing in January again, but for the first time since 2019, it will not be as AFC East Champs. With a tough schedule late in the season, they will fall behind the Jets, including a crushing Week 17 loss at home to the Jets. Last year, we saw Allen and the team start off cold and then win the East, nearly making it to the AFC Title Game. They can easily make a run in 2024, but the AFC is stacked, and they will have to show they can exorcise their Mahomes demons.

Key Additions:

WR Curtis Samuel, WR Mack Hollins, WR Keon Coleman, Safety Cole Bishop

2023 Metrics

Defense