NFL Power Rankings: Buffalo Bills Top 10?

The Buffalo Bills are 5-3 halfway through the season. Where does that put them in this week's power rankings?

Jeremy Brener | Nov 1, 2023

In this story:

Buffalo Bills | News, Scores, Schedules & Standings

The Buffalo Bills are still among the AFC's elite teams, but things don't feel the same as it did in the past.

The Bills' 5-3 mark through eight games represents a good team, not a great one. However, they have been a great team in years' past. So, what's the difference this year?

The offensive weapons around Josh Allen haven't been utilized the same as they have in the past. It's likely why the Bills rank No. 10 in this week's power rankings from Sports Illustrated.

Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox / USA Today

"Six catches on six targets for Khalil Shakir was encouraging," SI writes. "Less so? Seven more rushes for Josh Allen, who is tied for the NFL lead in designed runs called for him, according to the 33rd Team’s EDGE tool. The dropoff from Stefon Diggs to any other receiver was so stark prior to their victory over Tampa Bay. Gabe Davis has about half the amount of targets at the moment. Turning Allen into more of a big point guard is the secret to getting him through November and December in one piece."

Playmakers have to make plays, and Diggs can't do it by himself. He's going to need the players around him to help him out so that he isn't over-exerted by the time the playoffs come. Perhaps the signing of running back Leonard Fournette could help, but it's going to have to be more than just him in order for the Bills to be taken a little more seriously.

The Bills are back in action Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET inside Paycor Stadium.

Published Nov 1, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.