Bills fans have seen this movie too many times. Double-digit wins, winning the AFC East, hopeful playoff run expectations, and a failure to get past the Kansas City Chiefs. That would accurately summarize the Bills organization in the last five seasons. However, there is good reason to believe that the 2025 Bills are not in the same category as previous teams.
The most significant difference between Bills teams of the past and this current team is that the sum is more important than one. When Stefon Diggs was traded, the storyline was how the Bills would replace his production. The answer was eight players recording 20+ receptions on the season compared to six last year. Furthermore, nine players have recorded 200+ receiving yards compared to the previous year’s five.
For an opposing defense, the shift into the “everybody eats” mentality is much more difficult to stop when the roster is constructed correctly. That was shown with the Bills scoring 30+ points in 12 games this season, scoring the most points in franchise history, and Josh Allen being the betting favorite to win the MVP.
As for the Bills’ defense, many stats will show they are having a down year compared to the past. Although the previous point is valid, the defense ranks second in the league in takeaways (32) and is first in the league by far in turnover margin (+24). Compared to last season, the Bills were ranked 12th in turnover margin and gave the ball away the 8th most in the league. The turnover margin stat is crucial as teams that win the turnover margin win 77.6% of games, per Wollen.org. The team has consistently played complimentary football, with the Bills giving the ball away less and taking it away more.
Contrary to popular belief, the Bills are 5-2 in one-score games this season, excluding a week 18 game in which they played their backups. Last season, the Bills went 2-7 in one-score games.
The ability to pull out close games when teams don’t play on their A-game makes teams special. For instance, the Chiefs. Kansas City has won an NFL-record 16 consecutive one-score games. Making plays in the clutch is what puts them on a different level. That is what previous Bills teams have lacked and with a roster overhaul and retooling in culture, the Bills look to give the Chiefs another run for their money if the two meet.
That said, the pressure is undoubtedly on at One Bills Drive for this to finally be the season. The organization has been regular-season warriors for the last five seasons but is not the same in the postseason. Having an undefeated record at home this year and being guaranteed a home-field advantage for the first two rounds should not be ignored, regardless of the outcome of recent home playoff games. Time will tell if this is the Bills’ year. First test: Denver at 1 p.m. on Sunday.