The Buffalo Bills remain the team best positioned to take down the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC, at least according to one prominent NFL expert.
On Friday, ESPN NFL insider Field Yates outlined his case for why the Bills will be Kansas City’s top challenger again this season.
“Buffalo retained nearly all of its core pieces this season,” Yates said. “I know Josh Allen made this quantum leap that’s going to be difficult to replicate, but he still has room to grow. He’s only entering his fourth season in the NFL, his confidence is sky high. This Bills culture is excellent and going nowhere any time soon.”
There are a couple of components to Yates’ argument.
First, he’s correct in saying the Bills were able to bring back almost every free agent of consequence — re-signing linebacker Matt Milano, offensive lineman Jon Feliciano, wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie, and even extending safety Micah Hyde to below market deals. They did lose wide receiver John Brown, but replaced him with Emmanuel Sanders, which is a net gain.
All of these moves speak to the Bills’ incredible culture. Head coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane have built one of the best programs in the NFL.
In addition, Allen is only 24-years-old — one year younger than Patrick Mahomes, for what that’s worth. As Yates mentioned, he made a giant leap during his third season, finishing second in MVP voting. Allen completed 69.2% of his passes to go along with 4,544 yards, 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
There’s reason to think Allen could cut down his picks, and be even better.
Though the Chiefs may retain the edge against Buffalo on paper, it is exceedingly rare for teams to make the Super Bowl for three straight seasons. The Miami Dolphins (1971-73), New England Patriots (2016-18), and of course, the Bills, are the only two clubs with that accomplishment. And that’s perhaps the most convincing argument in Buffalo’s favor.
History shows the Chiefs could take a slight step back in 2021. The Bills are ready to take over.
