The soaring expectations that once surrounded the Buffalo Bills, heralding them as Super Bowl favorites, have noticeably cooled off. There was a time when the aura of quarterback Josh Allen’s arm strength and mobility was thought to lift the franchise to their most successful stint since the early ’90s.
The Bills-related chatter filled the airwaves, establishing them as the team to beat. However, the narrative has shifted dramatically.
A recent poll among NFL.com writers about Super Bowl LIX predictions illuminated this change in perception: only a single analyst, Gregg Rosenthal, now sees the Bills clinching the Lombardi Trophy. In contrast, the New York Jets, once considered lower-tier contenders, saw three writers propelling them to the Super Bowl stage, with one predicting a championship victory. This stark shift highlights the volatile nature of NFL prognostications.
Rosenthal imagines a dramatic Super Bowl victory for the Bills over the Detroit Lions, two franchises perennially starved for that elusive title. He envisions a game-winning scenario where Josh Allen secures an MVP-worthy performance by overcoming Lions’ defender Levi Onwuzurike at the goal line with just 17 seconds remaining—a moment that would be both a breakthrough and heartbreak, depending on one’s allegiance.
The cooling on the Bills can be traced back to significant offseason changes. The departures of critical talents such as wide receiver Stefon Diggs, cornerback Tre’Davious White, center Mitch Morse, and safety Jordan Poyer have stirred doubts about the team’s continuing competitiveness. Such roster upheavals naturally temper expectations, but may also siphon off some pressure.
Detractors notwithstanding, Josh Allen’s presence under center keeps Buffalo firmly in the conversation for the Super Bowl. Historical postseason struggles aside, Allen’s dynamic play gives the Bills a puncher’s chance in any contest. Critics and analysts will have their say, but the ultimate narrative is shaped on the field, where Buffalo hopes to defy the odds and capture their first-ever Super Bowl, validating the faith of the fans and perhaps, sweetening the journey all the more for the hardships endured.