Buffalo Bills remain in Super Bowl contention after ‘giving up’ on Stefon Diggs

There will be some young faces in important roles, but the fundamental pieces remain in place for the Buffalo Bills.

Star quarterback Josh Allen won’t be able to count on WR1 Stefon Diggs, which isn’t necessarily a reason to be pessimistic. The dual-threat Allen, a three-time NFL MVP finalist, is entering his first full season with offensive coordinator Joe Brady as his playmaker. Meanwhile, head coach Sean McDermott, widely respected for his team’s defensive prowess over the years, is trying to lead Buffalo to the playoffs for the seventh time in eight seasons.

Weighing this continuity, Sports Illustrated Editor-in-chief Conor Orr sees the Bills as a legitimate title contender in 2024. Identifying “the 12 teams that can actually win the title next season,” the SI editor ranked Buffalo second, behind the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. In a disclaimer, however, Orr noted that “the teams are not listed in any particular order, but with the AFC teams named first.”

AFC East rivals the New York Jets were among the distinguished dozen, but the Miami Dolphins did not make the cut.

From IF The 12 Teams That Could Actually Win Super Bowl LIX:

“I really liked the idea of ​​Buffalo parting ways with Stefon Diggs. I think it gives Josh Allen more control and makes life a little easier for offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who I suspect will try to marry his New Orleans Saints background with Joe Burrow’s offense at LSU. Just like the Chiefs losing players, Buffalo losing Gabe Davis, Diggs, Jordan Poyer and others could open the door to a much-needed youth movement. The Bills have a confident, solid quarterback and a coach (Sean McDermott) who can still gas as a defensive playmaker from time to time. If the Bills get hot at the right time and Brady can find the right way to move Allen safely, they’ll be a tough team to play against in January.”

The Bills, who have eight starters on offense and eight on defense, have won the AFC East title four straight years. Buffalo has recorded double-digit wins each of the last five seasons.

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The offseason departures of Diggs and WR2 Gabe Davis free up a combined 241 passing targets, but Bills management appears comfortable moving tight end Dalton Kincaid and wide receiver Khalil Shakir to more expansive roles. Buffalo also added versatile veteran Curtis Samuel via free agency and big-time wide receiver Keon Coleman via the draft.

The Bills will report to training camp in Rochester on July 23.

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