NFL Futures and News: Bills’ Playoffs Potential

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NFL Futures: Analyzing the Bills’ 3-1 Start and Their Playoff Potential

The Buffalo Bills started the 2024 NFL season on fire, racing to a 3-0 record while averaging an impressive 37 points per game. Their defense, often overlooked, played exceptionally well during this run. 

However, Week 4 brought the Bills back down to earth with a 25-point loss to the Baltimore Ravens, raising questions about the team’s long-term sustainability. As NFL Futures conversations gain momentum, we must assess what we’ve learned from the Bills’ first four games and what they can expect as they move forward.

Josh Allen Leading the Way

Josh Allen’s performance in the season’s first three weeks demonstrated that the Bills’ faith in their franchise quarterback was well-placed. Despite significant offseason changes to their receiving corps, Allen has embraced the challenge of elevating his team. 

Through four weeks, Allen has shown improved efficiency, with only one turnover in the first three games, a marked improvement from previous seasons. He has excelled even without a clear-cut top receiver, forming connections with players like Khalil Shakir, Dalton Kincaid, and Keon Coleman. If Allen can maintain this form, he’s well-positioned to compete for MVP honors this season.

However, the Week 4 loss to Baltimore exposed some vulnerabilities in Buffalo’s offensive line. The Ravens applied pressure on Allen in a way the Bills hadn’t experienced earlier, affecting his ability to control the game. Despite this setback, Allen remains the focal point of Buffalo’s success in 2024. To keep pace in the competitive AFC, the Bills will need Allen to continue leading the charge as he did in the first three weeks.

Joe Brady’s Offensive Overhaul

The Bills’ offense has flourished under new offensive coordinator Joe Brady. After a frustrating 2023 season where the offense relied heavily on Allen’s heroics, Brady has revitalized the play-calling, making Buffalo’s attack more dynamic and unpredictable. 

The Bills now possess a more balanced offensive scheme and can run the ball effectively when necessary. Head coach Sean McDermott has long desired this flexibility, and Brady’s play-calling has breathed new life into the team.

Although Brady’s play-calling misfired with a questionable trick play against Baltimore, his overall impact has been overwhelmingly positive. If Brady continues to find ways to exploit opponent weaknesses, the Bills’ offense should remain a formidable threat throughout the season.

Defensive Setbacks and Adjustments

While the Bills’ defense started the season strong, holding opponents to just 31 points over ten quarters, Week 4 exposed serious issues. Injuries to key players like Matt Milano, Taron Johnson, and Terrel Bernard have forced defensive coordinator Bobby Babich to adjust his game plan, with mixed results. 

The Ravens successfully targeted the Bills’ depleted defense, exposing a lack of pass rush and defensive line pressure, which resulted in just one quarterback pressure in the entire game.

Despite these concerns, the Bills are getting healthier. Bernard and Johnson are expected to return soon, allowing Babich to take more risks in blitzing and providing extra pressure on opposing quarterbacks. With the lowest blitz rate in the NFL through four games, Buffalo’s defense could see improvement as they regain their starting lineup.

Christian Benford Emerging as a Key Defender

One of Buffalo’s bright spots has been the emergence of third-year cornerback Christian Benford. With significant roster turnover on defense, Benford has stepped up as a reliable presence in the secondary. 

His instincts, coverage skills, and tackling ability have helped solidify the Bills’ defense. Benford could be in line for a contract extension in the offseason if he continues on his upward trajectory.

Looking Ahead

Despite the Bills’ Week 4 loss to Baltimore, they have shown enough promise to remain serious contenders in the AFC. 

Josh Allen’s high-level play, combined with the improvements in offensive strategy under Joe Brady, gives Buffalo a solid foundation. As the defense gets healthier, the Bills will look to refine their approach and challenge for a deep playoff run. 

If they can address their weaknesses and maintain the form that led them to a 3-0 start, the Bills are poised to be a significant player in the NFL Futures market for 2024.