In what many viewed as a retooling year for the Buffalo Bills, they sit at the top of the AFC. They currently sport a 6-1 record with wins over teams like the Houston Texans, Detroit Lions, and Los Angeles Rams.
While most teams on their schedule have had their own struggles, it’s still an impressive start to the season. They’ve taken advantage of what’s in front of them and have set themselves up for success in a tough conference.
However, one question remains: Is this the best team in the AFC? In short, yes. This Bills team is the best in the AFC, but it’s deeper than that. What makes them the best isn’t just where they stand now. Their best football is still ahead of them.
The Best Offense in the League
At times, the Bills offense hasn’t looked pretty, but they continue to put up points anyway. Out of their first seven games, they’ve scored over 30 in five of them. At the end of the day, the only statistic that matters is how many points a team scores. How they get there doesn’t matter.
This season, the Bills lead the league in points per game with 33.3. They also rank second in yards per game, tenth in passing yards per game, and third in rushing yards per game. From top to bottom, no other team has been this successful.
What makes this even more impressive is that their best wide receiver, D.J. Moore, missed three games.
When the Bills’ offense comes onto the field every week, it’s become easy to predict what’s going to happen. Opposing defenses are going to face a balanced attack, while also having to account for Josh Allen’s legs.
Even if the Bills don’t have the most stellar supporting cast outside of James Cook, they keep defenses honest. If they can stop one aspect of the offense, it leaves them vulnerable to another. This makes the Bills’ upcoming Monday Night Football matchup against the Vikings so exciting.
The league’s best offense will face its best defense on primetime. Even if the Vikings’ offense and Bills’ defense leave a lot to be desired, great football will be played.
If the Bills are able to score 30 or more points on Monday Night, them being the best offense will no longer be a debate.
The Defense Will Get Better with Time
If it’s not the offense’s success, the discussion has been about the Bills’ defensive woes. During the first eight weeks of the season, they’ve had their fair share of struggles. However, there are a few positives to take away.
By this point, most people have heard about Greg Rousseau and Deone Walker becoming impactful players. The defense has started showing more bright spots in recent weeks, though.
Rookie corner Davison Igbinosun has slowly taken over as the starting corner opposite Christian Benford. While the beginning of the season was shaky between Igbinosun and Maxwell Hairston, it seems the Bills found their guy.
With the secondary getting healthy, it makes matters easier for defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. Leonhard now has an impactful defensive line and two corners he can have confidence in.
Last week against the Ravens, the defense faced an undrafted free-agent quarterback, but it could be the get-right game they needed. On top of the improved corner play, Cole Bishop finally looked like the player the team expected.
There are a lot of positives going into the Vikings game this week. The team can’t get complacent, though. They might have some momentum, but they need to add more talent at the trade deadline.
There are enough in-house options to patch up the linebacker position, so safety should be the main concern. Acquiring a player like Amani Hooker or Budda Baker would push this team’s defense to new heights.
Taking the momentum they gained in the Ravens game and adding a new player is exactly what they need. With an opportunity like the Bills have this year, they need to seize it. Even with a quarterback like Josh Allen, the league’s best offense is no guarantee.
Special Teams Is the Unsung Hero
For most people, special teams often go overlooked until a huge mistake occurs. In the Bills’ case, their unit doesn’t get enough recognition for the work they’ve put in.
Just a few weeks ago, Greg Rousseau blocked a potential game-winning field goal against the Rams, leading to an overtime win.
Another highlight has been the kick and punt return game for the Bills. Last year’s first-team All-Pro kick returner, Ray Davis, has continued to impress. He ranks second in the league for average yards per return at 31.
The team also added return specialist Greg Dortch for punts. While he ranks fifteenth in average yards per return at 10.7, Dortch looks good doing it. Every time he returns a punt, it feels like he’s just one broken tackle away from a big return. Having not one, but two great returners is something that sets the Bills apart from other contenders.
As if the return game wasn’t enough, the Bills have been great at the other aspects of special teams, too. While they don’t punt a lot, rookie Tommy Doman has been solid. Of his 14 punts this year, he’s pinned the opposing team inside their own 20-yard line six times.
Another player on the special teams unit who deserves their flowers is Tyler Bass. After missing all of last season due to injury, he’s returned and has been better than ever. Other than a missed extra point against the Rams, he’s been incredible. Even the missed extra point can be forgiven because he ended up kicking the game-winner in overtime.
The Bills’ special teams unit as a whole deserves their recognition because without them, this team isn’t 6-1.
How do they stack up?
The AFC is going to be difficult for the Bills to win this year. There are a lot of contenders with elite defenses that could potentially give the Bills’ offense fits. Every single team in the playoff picture could beat each other right now.
This is why the Bills need to continue handling their own business. As the current top seed in the conference, everything is still in front of them. If they’re able to carry their current momentum and progress on defense, they’ll be the best team in the AFC.
It won’t be easy, given their schedule and having the Patriots in the division, but they’re set up to compete. Right now, the Bills are the best team in the AFC, and they’re yet to play their best football.
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