By: Salil Karkhanis
Let’s go, Buffalo! With the 2024-2025 NFL season halfway through the books, a quick recap of what our hometown favorites have been up to is very much needed. So far, over the course of 10 weeks, Allen and the boys have boasted an 8-2 record and are the #2 seed in the AFC. They’ve had a stellar season and will host long-time rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs, this Sunday at 4:25 PM.
Recap
The Bills’ only two losses have come at the hands of the Houston Texans (20-23) and the Baltimore Ravens (10-35), both away games. The Bills are perfect in the division so far, with a 2-0 sweep of the Dolphins and a tight win against the New York Jets at Met-Life Stadium. While it’s only week 11, the Bills are the faraway runners to be the 2024-2025 AFC East champions. The Dolphins are in second place with a record of 3-6, trailing the Bills by four games.
Big-Time Wins
Notable wins for the Bills start with a shootout season opener against the Arizona Cardinals (34-28). Josh Allen threw for 232 yards and rushed for 2 touchdowns. The leading receiver was first-round pick Keon Coleman. Then in week 3, the Bills pummeled the struggling Jacksonville Jaguars (47-10) as Josh Allen threw 4 touchdowns with 0 interceptions. In week 8, the Bills entered Seattle for a real test and absolutely aced it. They played lights out as if it were a home game and stunned the Seattle Seahawks (31-10). In week 9, the Bills started off hot against the Dolphins, but after the Dolphins tied the game with 1:38 left, everyone assumed it would go to overtime. Then, after some late Josh Allen heroics and a crucial defensive pass interference call, the Bills entered field goal range. Finally, after some early season struggles, Tyler Bass rejuvenated Highmark Stadium with a 61-yard, game-winning field goal.
Season Stats
Through the first ten games, Josh Allen is 190/299 with 2,281 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. Allen has taken 17 sacks, however, and his poor 9/30 performance against the Texans and the blowout loss against the Ravens have weakened his MVP conversations with Lamar Jackson taking the front-runner position. The Bills’ run game features a two-pronged attack with James Cook rushing for 576 yards and 8 touchdowns while Ray Davis has 268 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Bills receiving game has been dynamic this season, with no single receiver having more than 50 receptions, allowing for a committee approach. For example, the Jacksonville game featured touchdowns from Dalton Kincaid, Keon Coleman, Khalil Shakir, and Ty Johnson.
Crushing Expectations
After losing Stefon Diggs in the offseason to the Houston Texans, the Bills made a trade with the Cleveland Browns to obtain Amari Cooper. Over two games played for the Bills, he has 5 receptions for 69 yards and 1 touchdown. Compared to the rest of the league, the Bills rank 8th in passing yards, 10th in receiving yards, 14th in first downs, 13th for rushing yards, and 3rd for points scored.
The Bills have certainly exceeded expectations for a rebuilding season thanks to contributions from new recruits and veterans alike. The season isn’t over yet, so make sure to root for the Bills as they face their toughest challenge of the season this weekend!
