NFL on CBS play-by-play man Andrew Catalon possesses a keen insight into the Buffalo Bills, considering his work on their preseason telecasts. So when the national broadcaster opines about their Super Bowl chances, it’s worth listening.
And Catalon is all-in on the Bills this season.
During an interview on the “Howard and Jeremy Show” on Tuesday, Catalon said he thinks Buffalo is the favorite in the AFC right now.
“I have them as the AFC favorite — I really do,” he said with Howard Simon and Jeremy White on WGR. “I think the Derrick Henry news will change Tennessee’s course a little bit the rest of the season. I really do feel like this Bills team is the favorite to win the AFC, especially with the schedule they have. If they can get hot and get positioned to host some games in the playoffs, I think that’s a tough place to play. You guys know it.”
The Bills are currently playing like Super Bowl favorites. They’ve won five of six games since their Week 1 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, with their only defeat coming against the Titans, who just lost Henry for some time - potentially the season - with a foot injury.
Josh Allen led the Bills on a dominant second half comeback against the Miami Dolphins this past Sunday, throwing two touchdowns and rushing for another over the final two quarters. The freshly minted superstar is putting up an encore to his breakout 2020 season, with 17 touchdowns over seven games.
Meanwhile, the Buffalo defense leads the NFL in yards allowed per-game. The Bills are excellent on both sides of the ball.
With a soft spot in their schedule coming up, with their next two games against the Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Jets, Catalon believes the Bills are in prime position to build their division lead over the New England Patriots, who have won three of their last four games.
“I think from a Bills perspective, you’re looking at a New England team that will continue to improve, which is why I think it’s really important for the Bills, especially with this part of the schedule coming up, to take advantage of their opportunities and build a nice cushion in the division,” he said.
At 5-2, the Bills are in contention for a first round bye. Hosting a home playoff game in front of a packed Highmark Stadium would be a boon to their Super Bowl chances. Catalon was on the call of this past week's win over the Dolphins, and said the atmosphere in Orchard Park was electric.
“That place was just rocking,” he said. “With Halloween you knew it was going to be a little extra special, but they were just so ready to go. If the Bills can host playoff games like they did last year, I think they’re the team to beat.”
Catalon will be back on the broadcast for this Sunday's matchup between the Bills and Jaguars in Jacksonville alongside color analyst James Lofton.
You can listen to Catalon's entire interview during the "Howard and Jeremy Show" below:
