Josh AllenBryan M. Bennett/Getty Images
Week 16 was a good reminder for the Bills that winning isn’t easy in the NFL.
On paper, they should have blown out the Patriots. Josh Allen is trying to win the MVP and the Bills are trying to secure the easiest path to the Super Bowl, while the New England Patriots are just looking to finish the season under first-year head coach Jerod Mayo.
Instead, Buffalo found itself in a dogfight that highlighted some of its weak points. The Pats were able to churn out 126 yards on the ground, and Drake Maye was able to expose the secondary for 261 yards and two touchdowns.
That being said, this is still a legitimate threat to win it all and Allen is likely the MVP this year.
- Cornerback
- Edge-Rusher
- Linebacker
- Interior Defensive Line
- Safety
Move to Make Now: Work on some answers for Cover 1
Regardless of where the Bills are seeded, they are now heading into the hyper-individualized game planning that goes into playoff games.
Every weakness is exploited in the playoffs, and the Patriots might have laid out a blueprint for other teams to trip up the Buffalo passing attack. According to Next Gen StatsAllen was 6-of-17 for 50 yards with a touchdown and a pick against Cover 1 on Sunday.
It’s not the end of the world and Allen still made plays when he had to, but the Bills are going to have to work to ensure it isn’t something they don’t have an answer for.
2025 Free Agency: WR Josh Palmer, Los Angeles Chargers
The Bills did a lot to overhaul their receiver room this offseason, and the results have been better than most expected.
Khalil Shakir works as the trusted slot option who finds a way to get open, and Keon Coleman has become the chief downfield threat. Mack Hollins has worked as the other outside receiver who does the dirty work and has reliable hands, but he’s an upcoming free agent and the Bills should look to upgrade.
Josh Palmer is never going to be a star, but he’s become a consistent producer as a third option for the Chargers. He would likely receive a boost just from being in an offense as dynamic as Buffalo’s.
2025 NFL Draft: DT Nazir Stackhouse, Georgia
Ed Oliver is obviously the star of the Bills’ interior, but DaQuan Jones has also played a critical role as the team’s nose tackle.
However, the 33-year-old’s time as a run-stuffer could be coming to an end soon, and the Bills need to be prepared for that. That’s where Nazir Stackhouse could come in.
The 6’3″, 320-pounder has the frame and athleticism to become a good NFL nose tackle. He’s not the most explosive player, but he has a good first-step for his size and plays with power.
Stackhouse is the kind of prospect who isn’t going to be flashy or crush the combine, but he could carve out a lengthy NFL career as a role player.
