'24 Preview: Buffalo Bills
All Access Football previews the 2024 Buffalo Bills. All Access. All Football. All The Time.
Volume XXIV Edition XL | 2024 Preview: Buffalo Bills
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AFC EAST || 2023 Record: 11-6 || AAF Preseason Power Ranking: 11
Team Brass
Owner: Terry and Kim Pegula || General Manager: Brandon Beane || Head Coach: Sean McDermott || Offensive Coordinator: Joe Brady || Defensive Coordinator: Bobby Babich || Special Teams: Matthew Smiley
2024 NFLPA Report Card || Overall Ranking (11 of 32)
Offense Rankings
Total Offense: 374.5 (4th) || Passing: 244.4 (8th) || Rushing: 130.1 (7th) || Points: 26.5 (6th) || Sacked: 24 (1st) || 3rd Down: 49.8% (1st)
Defense Rankings
Total Defense: 307.2 (9th) || Passing: 196.6 (7th) || Rushing: 110.6 (15th)|| Points Allowed: 18.3 (4th) || Sacks: 54 (4th) || Turnover Differential: 2 (T-12th)
Top 10 Franchise Players
QB Josh Allen (photo credit: Buffalo Bills)
DT Ed Oliver
LB Von Miller
CB Taron Johnson
OT Dion Dawkins
TE Dalton Kincaid
RB James Cook
C Connor McGovern
WR Curtis Samuel
LB Terrel Bernard
Key Additions
QB Mitch Trubisky (Steelers) || WR Curtis Samuel (Commanders) || WR Chase Claypool (Dolphins) || WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Chiefs) || WR Mack Hollins (Falcons) || OT La’el Collins (Cowboys) || C Will Clapp (Chargers) || DE DeShawn Williams (Panthers) || DE Casey Toohill (Commanders) || DT Austin Johnson (Chargers) || LB Nicholas Morrow (Eagles) || LB Deion Jones (Panthers) || S Mike Edwards (Chiefs)
Key Losses
QB Kyle Allen (Steelers) || WR Stefon Diggs (Texans) || WR Gabriel Davis (Jaguars) || C Mitch Morse (Jaguars) || DE Leonard Floyd (49ers) || DE Shaq Lawson || DT Jordan Phillips (Giants) || LB Tyrel Dodson (Seahawks) || CB Tre’Davious White (Rams) || CB Dane Jackson (Panthers) || S Jordan Poyer (Dolphins) || S Micah Hyde
Breakout Players
WR Khalil Shakir - We featured Shakir right here in this very spot this time last year. He responded by hauling in 39 balls, for 611 yards and two touchdowns–66% of his catches went for first downs. With Stefon Diggs (Texans) shipped out of town and Gabriel Davis (Jaguars) opting for warmer weather, Buffalo will need to depend on Shakir even more.
TE Dalton Kincaid - The first round investment of Kincaid a year ago began to pay dividends down the stretch of last season. After recording just 17 catches through the first six weeks of the year, Kincaid assumed a starting role and finished with 73 receptions, for 673 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns. Look for his numbers to take a bump across the board, as he assumes a more involved red zone role and could elevate his profile to All-Pro status.
CB Christian Benford - The dependable cornerback has stepped up admirably when injuries have occurred, starting a combined 19 games during his first two seasons. He enters year three as a projected starter for the first time and the Villanova product appears to be up to the task.
2024 NFL Draft Class
While Keon Coleman could turn into a fantastic addition, it’s puzzling that Buffalo would trade with Kansas City, a team they’ve been unable to knock off the mountain. In the blink of an eye, Andy Reid and Co. landed the fastest player in the NFL, which is sure to be a nightmare for opponents. Otherwise, it appears to be a rather low-impact draft full of players who could carve out situational roles. Initial Overall Rookie Assessment: Low Level Impact
Rd.2 No.33 - WR Keon Coleman, Florida State (photo credit: Buffalo Bills)
Rd.2 No.60 - S Cole Bishop, Utah
Rd.3 No.95 - DT DeWayne Carter, Duke
Rd.4 No.128 - RB Ray Davis, Kentucky
Rd.5 No.141 - C Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, Georgia
Rd.5 No.160 - LB Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington
Rd.5 No.168 - LB Javon Solomon, Troy
Rd.6 No.204 - OT Tylan Grable, UCF
Rd.6 No.219 - CB Daequan Hardy, Penn State
Rd.7 No.221 - OT Travis Clayton, England (IPP)
UDFA Watch
RB Frank Gore Jr., Southern Mississippi
WR Xavier Johnson, Ohio State
OG Keaton Bills, Utah
Top 10 Players Under 25
TE Dalton Kincaid (24)
RB James Cook (24)
WR Keon Coleman (21)
CB Christian Benford (23)
WR Khalil Shakir (24)
OG O'Cyrus Torrence (24)
DE Greg Rousseau (24)
S Cole Bishop (21)
C Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (23)
RB Ray Davis (24)
Prediction
Vegas O/U Win Total: 10.5 - Late season surge could make Bills dangerous, 10-7.