The Buffalo Bills have shown everyone over the last couple of years that they are an NFL team that should be counted when it comes down to potential Super Bowl contenders.
The AFC East side might not have been able to win its maiden title yet, nor have they been able to appear in the Championship game recently, but they have shown signs of progression and if it were not for the Kansas City Chiefs the last two years, perhaps the history books would say something a little different.
While we are still six weeks or so from the very first game of the 2022 NFL season – a game that will see the Buffalo Bills take on the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on September 8 – this article will examine what could potentially happen for the Bills and their quest for the elusive Super Bowl title.
Buffalo Bills: So Close Yet So Far Last Season
Source: https://www.nuevaeradeportiva.com/2020/09/previa-de-la-temporada-2020-de-la-nfl.html
If you cast your mind back to the postseason, you might remember that the Bills were involved in one of the craziest and most entertaining games in recent memory when they took on the Kansas City Chiefs for a place in the AFC Championship Game.
Indeed, the game was sent to overtime after an incredible showing from both sides, with quarterbacks Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes driving their teams up the field and putting on a clinic while simultaneously showing everyone why they can be considered among the best QB’s in the NFL at the moment.
The franchise from Buffalo was just 13 seconds from winning the game and advancing, however, with the Chiefs getting the ball in overtime, Mahomes slung a touchdown pass which subsequently ended the Bills’ season and their dreams of going to the AFC Championship Game where they would have met eventual Super Bowl finalists Cincinnati Bengals.
It will have been a tough loss to take and one that you can imagine the franchise has been sitting on ever since it happened, therefore many are expecting big things from the organization in the 2022 campaign.
However, will the franchise be able to put it behind them? Will they be able to get past that imaginary wall in an AFC that has since gotten stronger following free agency and the NFL Draft? Let’s take a look at why the Bills could be potential Super Bowl champions and why the coming year might not be their year, again.
Why the 2022 NFL Season will be a success for the Bills
Source: https://nflhu.blog.hu/2018/11/13/a_bills_elkuldte_a_liga_tortenetenek_legrosszabb_iranyitojat
If you were to take a look at all of the sports betting odds that have been provided regarding the Buffalo Bills ahead of the upcoming 2022 NFL season, then you would perhaps feel that the franchise has a good chance of succeeding.
Indeed, the odds Caesars Sportsbook NY offers for the Bills are currently showing at +650; the favorite to win the Super Bowl this season. For context, they lead the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+750) and the Kansas City Chiefs (+1,000).
If you were interested in the odds for the AFC East title, then the Bills blow everyone out of the water. Priced at -220, the New England Patriots (+450), Miami Dolphins (+450), and New York Jets (+2,200), Allen’s Bills appear to be a safe bet.
Let’s not forget that the franchise has also been able to strengthen over the course of free agency, with perhaps the biggest free agent available in the offseason having decided to join them at the Highmark Stadium.
Von Miller left Super Bowl Champions LA Rams after winning the Vince Lombardi trophy in California and will be looking to win his third ring after winning with the Denver Broncos at Super Bowl 50. The experienced head in defense could be a vital component for Sean McDermott’s side, as he could help them to be more solid on their side of the ball and help tidy certain areas of their football game up.
Additionally, it is important to note that there have not been any departures from the playing roster up to this point. This means the team will all still be together and with everyone likely to be hurting from the 13-second defeat last year, there will be a hunger and desire to finally push past the AFC Divisional Game.
Why 2022 might not be the Buffalo Bills’ year
There will have been many that may have felt that the best opportunity for the Buffalo Bills to finally capture the elusive Super Bowl championship was last year, and those that are sat in that particular camp will have a number of reasons they believe highlight why that is the case.
For instance, some will point to the fact that while Allen has improved incredibly during his time with the franchise, the departure of his former offensive coordinator – Brian Daboll to the New York Giants as Head Coach – may cause some concern.
The pair had worked together ever since the QB was drafted, meaning he will have someone new that he needs to learn from. Ken Dorsey is that man, though, and he is familiar with as he was the former QB coach before earning his promotion to this new role; a role that teams in the past had sounded him out about.
Others will point to the fact that the AFC has started to get a little stronger, with a number of notable player trades having taken place, as well as free agency acquisitions. For example, both the Denver Broncos and the Indianapolis Colts have strengthened with the addition of extremely experienced former NFC quarterbacks, with Russell Wilson and Matt Ryan making the switch respectively. This could make the year more challenging for the Bills as there could be more options to deal with when it comes down to the postseason.
Final Thoughts
In truth, it would be difficult not to see the Bills run away with the AFC East title once again given the roster that they have managed to keep, while it would not be a surprise to see McDermott’s franchise go deep into the postseason.
Whether they are able to capture their maiden Super Bowl title is up for debate, but there is no denying that they have a very good chance of doing so!
