2023 Season-In-Review

Record: 11-6, Lost vs. Kansas City Chiefs in AFC Divisional Round (27-24)

The Bills were one of the most interesting teams last season. They entered with high hopes of coming out of the AFC. After a season-opening loss to the New York Jets, Buffalo scored 37 or more points in three consecutive games, all victories. The bills would hit a rough patch of the season and entered a Week 13 bye at 6-6. Coming out of the bye, adjustments seemed to work as the Bills entered the season with five consecutive wins and an AFC East title. They defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers before being knocked out in the AFC Divisional Round by the Kansas City Chiefs once again.

2024 Buffalo Bills Season Preview

Offense

Key Additions: WR Curtis Samuel, WR Mack Hollins, OT La’el Collins, C Will Clapp, WR Keon Coleman

Key Losses: WR Stefon Diggs, WR Gabe Davis, C Mitch Morse, RB Damien Harris

The offense for the Bills comes into the season better in many ways but also took some hits this offseason. First and foremost, Josh Allen is back to work with Joe Brady. Ken Dorsey did not work last season and was immediately replaced by Brady, who found success using his system.

On the ground, James Cook emerged as a reliable No. 1 back and the team added Ray Davis in the draft as well. The duo in the backfield will be productive. Now the question is, who does Allen have to throw the ball to?

Buffalo traded Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans while Gabe Davis left in free agency. It is difficult for any team to lose its top two receivers in one offseason. The front office went to work to find replacements and this led to Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins. The Bills also used a second-round pick on Florida State’s Keon Coleman, who will be a major x-factor this season. The Bills will need Khalil Shakir and Dawson Knox to keep king steps forward as well.

Along the offensive line, the Bills return All-Pro caliber tackle Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown on the right side. The interior brings more question marks. Connor McGovern will move from guard to center with the loss of Mitch Morse. This means David Edwards will have to step into guard and Cyrus O’Torrence is looking to improve on his rookie season in 2023. It’s a major domino effect along the offensive line.

The Bills have the All-Pro quarterback in place. That is a positive. The run game can be productive and the tackles are strong. The major question is, can the receiving corps do enough to keep the Bills near the top of the AFC?

Defense

Key Additions: S Mike Edwards, DE Casey Toohill, DT Austin Johnson, LB Nicholas Morrow, S Cole Bishop, DT DeWayne Carter

Key Losses: DE Shaw Lawson, DE Leonard Floyd, CB Tre’Davious White, S Micah Hyde, S Jordan Poyer, DT Linval Joseph, DT Tim Settle, CB Dane Jackson

The Bills defense was as good as anyone last season. It allowed 30 points just once last season and limited their first four opponents to 22 or less points. There are major losses to make up for but the linebackers can be as good as ever.

Matt Milano returns this season after suffering an injury in 2023. This allowed Terrel Bernard to emerge in his sophomore campaign. This duo has a chance to be one of the best in the league. Ed Oliver is the Bills returning sack leader with 9.5 last season. Despite being a non-factor in the run game, Oliver can disrupt a game by getting to the quarterback. AJ Epenesa and Greg Rousseau will have to combine to make up for the loss of Leonard Floyd and his 10.5 sacks.

At the safety position, people got used to seeing the duo of Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer on the field but both are gone this season. This means Taylor Rapp will be the new leader in the last line of defense after being a major contributor in Los Angeles. Second-round draft pick Cole Bishop will also show off his athleticism in the secondary.

Buffalo saw plenty of losses this offseason but made sure to replace big names that were lost. Just like the offense however, there are certain question marks that will be asked to step into extended roles.

Schedule

• Week 1: vs. Arizona Cardinals
• Week 2: at Miami Dolphins
• Week 3: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
• Week 4: at Baltimore Ravens
• Week 5: at Houston Texans
• Week 6: at New York Jets
• Week 7: vs. Tennessee Titans
• Week 8: at Seattle Seahawks
• Week 9: vs. Miami Dolphins
• Week 10: at Indianapolis Colts
• Week 11: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
• Week 12: BYE WEEK
• Week 13: vs. San Francisco 49ers
• Week 14: at Los Angeles Rams
• Week 15: at Detroit Lions
• Week 16: vs. New England Patriots
• Week 17: vs. New York Jets
• Week 18: at New England Patriots

Record Prediction: 10-7