The Buffalo Bills have come up short again. Going into the season, many thought Buffalo would take a step back. They lost many of their long-time staples on offense and defense, and it was seen as a slight rebuilding year. The Bills did the opposite. They dominated the AFC East, wrapping up the division in record time, and took down the Baltimore Ravens to make it to the AFC Championship Game against the Kansas City Chiefs. That game ended the same way the other three playoff matchups did, with Buffalo heading home. Here are three important questions for the Bills this offseason.
1. Can The Buffalo Bills Get More Weapons For Josh Allen?
Let me start by saying this. The Buffalo Bills did the right thing in getting rid of Stefon Diggs. That’s not what this question is about. Allen made the best of the weapons he was given, but the team cannot go into 2025 with Khalil Shakir, Mack Hollins, and Keon Coleman as the top three receivers. Shakir was the leading receiver with 821 yards with the next closest being Colman at 556. This isn’t necessarily a knock against any of those players, but the Bills need a player they can count on in big spots.
When the Bills are down by three and driving to score the game-winning touchdown, who is the player you would trust the most? Teams can operate without a true number on,e but the group as a whole needs to get better. Their cap situation makes it tricky to sign a big-name free age,nt and they pick late enough in the draft that it would be unlikely they get a top receiver. Coleman could become the WR1 if he makes a leap and that may be what the Buffalo Bills have to hope for.
2. Can The 2025 Draft Class Give The Team A Spark?
Why do good teams stay good? They draft well. No GM is going to hit on 100% of picks. However, good GMs find one or two high-quality players in each class. Missing doesn’t mean a team will be bad, but it has an impact. If a team gets more than that, it has the potential to significantly boost their chances of winning. Draft picks are cheap. If two out of the 22 starters are on rookie deals, it makes a difference. Let me show you an example.
The Cincinnati Bengals have been one of the best teams in the AFC over the past few years. They are the only ones to beat the Chiefs in the playoffs, making an appearance after the 2021 season. Things seemed to be looking up, but they needed fresh young talent to come in and replace stars who became too expensive. Furthermore, the need for cheap talent is even greater now that Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase are set to be on massive extensions. The team has gotten barely any production out of the last three draft classes.
The best player has been Chase Brown, who was a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Cam Taylor-Britt, a second-round pick in 2022, also has found a solid role with the team. Outside of those two, it’s not great. Daxton Hill hasn’t blossomed into the safety they thought he would. Myles Murphy recorded zero sacks in 13 games this year. No one is giving the team anything, and it has had an effect on the team’s performance.
The Buffalo Bills have not had much success in the NFL Draft as of late (though nothing like the Bengals). They’ve found some good players here and there but really need to nail this year’s draft. Let me be clear. This isn’t easy. A lot of how draft picks do depends on the coaching staff as much as the front office. Even if the Bills could find one starter in this year’s class, it would go a long way into helping them make another run at the Super Bowl.
3. Will There Be A Hangover From This Year’s Loss?
There’s no great way of putting it. This year’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs felt more defeating than past ones. You could see it on Allen’s face after the game. He looked completely downtrodden. It makes sense as to why. This loss put him 0-4 against Kansas City in the playoffs. They have gotten the better of them in the regular season but cannot beat them when it matters most.
How much of an effect does this have on the 2025 season? This isn’t about anything dealing with football. The Buffalo Bills could have the best scheme, the best roster, and the best coaching staff, but it might not matter. It is hard to win in the NFL. It is hard to get to conference championship games. To constantly come up short to the same team over and over takes a toll. I hope this doesn’t happen. I hope the team comes out with a fire to take down their rival. However, it is something to watch when the season begins.
Final Thoughts
The Buffalo Bills still have an MVP-caliber quarterback in Josh Allen. That will put them in the conversation for the AFC in 2025. Many had them written off this year in the preseason, but Allen showed how he can buoy a roster. James Cook has developed into a premier back, and there’s still a lot to like. Can they retool this roster and gear up for another run?
