After a dominant Week 2 win, the Buffalo Bills were named the top team in Stephen A. Smith’s “Top 5 NFL Power Rankings.” However, fans are questioning the pick as the Bills prepare for a tough stretch of games, including a potential showdown with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.
The Buffalo Bills’ performance in their Week 2 victory against the Miami Dolphins earned them the top spot on Stephen A. Smith’s “Top 5 NFL Power Rankings.” During Tuesday’s episode of First Take on September 17, Smith elevated the Bills to the No. 1 position after their 31-10 blowout at Hard Rock Stadium.
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“Did you see Josh Allen?” Smith exclaimed, explaining his decision to put Buffalo above the Kansas City Chiefs, who sit at No. 2. Smith praised Allen’s leadership and the team’s ability to dismantle a Miami squad many expected to challenge for AFC East dominance this year.
“Josh Allen came near South Beach and just ruined everybody’s evening,” Smith said, while noting his rankings remain fluid week to week.
Smith’s Top 5 list also featured the Chiefs, New Orleans Saints, Los Angeles Chargers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, fans quickly took to social media to debate his rankings, with some Bills fans even expressing doubt.
One fan commented, “Im a Bills fan and this is sus,” while another questioned why teams like the Houston Texans were left out.
As the Bills prepare for a tough slate of games, all eyes are on a potential showdown with Patrick Mahomes, who continues to be a thorn in Josh Allen’s side. Mahomes, leading the Chiefs on their quest for a third Super Bowl championship, has been Allen’s ‘Kryptonite’ in recent seasons, and the two teams could meet later this year with playoff implications on the line.
Buffalo is currently 2-0 and leading the AFC East, but their upcoming schedule won’t be easy. The Bills are set to host Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 3, followed by road matchups against the Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, and New York Jets. With a string of tough quarterbacks ahead, the Bills will need to rely on more than just Josh Allen to maintain their top-tier status.
While Smith credited Allen’s performance for Buffalo’s success, the real Week 2 standout was running back James Cook. Cook recorded 78 rushing yards and three touchdowns, powering the Bills’ offense and helping them dominate time of possession. Additionally, Buffalo’s defense capitalized on Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s costly interceptions.
Despite the debate surrounding Smith’s rankings, the Bills have clearly positioned themselves as a top contender this season. Now, they must prove it by navigating a challenging stretch of games, including the looming possibility of a matchup with Mahomes and the Chiefs.