Is it postseason or bust for the Bills in 2024?
The 2024 NFL season is approaching, and the Buffalo Bills find themselves with a mix of expectations and the pressure that comes with being yearly contenders. The Bills have steadily built a reputation as one of the AFC’s powerhouses, thanks to quarterback Josh Allen’s elite play, a solid defense, and a good coaching staff led by Sean McDermott (this is not the article for that debate).
As we gear up for the 2024 season, Buffalo faces a multitude of intriguing questions. With Joe Brady stepping in as the new offensive coordinator, how will the Bills’ offense evolve? The departures of wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis raises concerns about the offense’s firepower: Can the revamped wide receiver group deliver at the same level as in past seasons?
On the defensive side, McDermott has entrusted Bobby Babich with the role of defensive coordinator for the first time. The defense will also be dealing with the loss of key players. Linebacker Matt Milano’s injury is a significant blow, likely sidelining him, best-case outcome, for a large part of the season. Edge rusher Von Miller’s age and injury history are also under scrutiny. Can he still perform at an elite level, or are his best days behind him? Additionally, the secondary faces challenges with the loss of the incomparable safety tandem of Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer. How will these changes impact the Bills’ ability to remain a top-tier defense?
Perhaps the most pressing question heading into the season is how many games Tyler Bass will influence — whether by nailing a game-winning field goal... or due to missing one.
How Will the Buffalo Bills’ 2024 Season Shake Out?
After analyzing every game on Buffalo’s 2024 schedule, my final prediction for their record stands at 12-5.
This season will be a true test for the Bills, as they face a challenging schedule packed with multiple playoff contenders, including both teams from the 2023 Super Bowl. The Bills are set to take on tough opponents like the Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, and Baltimore Ravens. On top of that, they’ll face division rivals in the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins twice each.
However, One Bills Drive has built a team to handle adversity, and the results have proved that several times over the last few years. I expect them to once again be amongst the top teams in the AFC. A 12-5 record should position them well for a playoff run. I’m predicting they’ll claim the AFC East Division title for the fifth straight year and secure the three seed in the conference, just behind the Ravens and the Chiefs.
As always, the key to the Bills’ success this season will be the health and performance of Josh Allen. If he can stay healthy and continue to play at an elite level, there’s no reason why the Bills can’t compete with the best in the league.
Stayed tuned to Buffalo Rumblings to read the rest of my 2024 NFL season predictions!
Sara Larson is a writer for Buffalo Rumblings and SBNation, deeply embedded in the world of Buffalo Bills coverage. Beyond her writing, Sara is a content creator for shows like “Unplugged” and “The Crew,” and has previously hosted “Line 2 Gain” and “Three Man Rush.” Currently, she serves as the Podcast and Vidcast Director for the Rumblings Network, where she oversees a variety of engaging content for Bills fans. You can follow her on Twitter/X @sara_larson.
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