Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (l7) leads his team onto the field for an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
The Buffalo Bills have been ranked as the number one team in the NFL in multiple national network’s post-draft power rankings. Below is a list of where they appear ranked as the top dog in the league as well as a snippet of the kind words directed at Brandon Beane, Sean McDermott, Josh Allen and company. It’s safe to say the Bills are no longer any sort of underdog and they’re more than on the radar of every major national network.
NFL.com
NFL.com’s Dan Hanzus ranked the Bills number one in his May 2 power rankings. He had this to say about the Bills following last week’s draft:
“The Bills used the draft to put the finishing touches on a loaded roster that has balance on both sides of the ball. First-round pick Kaiir Elam fills the void across from standout cornerback Tre’Davious White, while second-round pick James Cook — brother of Vikings stud Dalvin — adds some needed juice to the running back room. Josh Allen wasn’t exactly hurting for weapons to begin with, but Cook’s versatility, along with the quiet signing of underrated slot man Jamison Crowder, will make Buffalo’s attack even more difficult to contend with. Good luck, AFC.”
Sports Illustrated
Liam Willerup of Sports Illustrated released his rankings on May 5 and provided convincing reasons why Buffalo should be considered the league’s top team:
“The Bills land the number one spot on these power rankings for a few reasons,” Willerup said. “A team that was a coin toss away from potentially being Super Bowl Champions, the Bills continued to build up their roster this off season in an effort to help quarterback Josh Allen. They signed OG Rodger Saffold III, LB Von Miller and WR Jamison Crowder, all of which should be impact players from day one. On top of that, they should be expecting a breakout from Gabriel Davis, who had a record-setting performance in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game with four touchdown receptions, an NFL record. Draft selections James Cook and Kaiir Elam both have chances to earn starting roles early on as well. With some other teams at the top getting weaker, it makes sense that Buffalo holds the top spot.”
FanDuel
Pro Football Network
Dalton Miller of Pro Football Network released his rankings on April 30 following the draft. He had this to say about the Bills:
“The Bills only really had one dire need heading into the 2022 NFL Draft, and they addressed it by drafting Kaiir Elam in the first round. He’ll pair nicely with Tre’Davious White. They also needed some juice at running back. A receiving weapon out of the backfield is something Josh Allen could use to take another step forward in his insane progression. They got that with James Cook. Terrel Bernard simply adds depth to an already ridiculous group of linebackers.”
ESPN
ESPN had the Bills ranked No.1 in their March power rankings, noting that the only hole on the roster was cornerback. Well, adding Kaiir Elam in round one assures that the Bills stay atop ESPN’s rankings. Bills reporter Alaina Getzenberg had the following to say in late March:
“The Bills could be without both of last year’s starting cornerbacks for Week 1, with Tre’Davious White rehabbing a torn ACL and Levi Wallaceleaving for the Steelers in free agency. Entering his third season, Dane Jackson should have an opportunity to compete for the starting role opposite White, but the depth at the position is limited, especially for what should be a top defense in the NFL. Adding a veteran corner through free agency and investing in the position at the draft makes sense for Buffalo.”
Bleacher Report Gridiron
Connor Rogers of Bleacher Report ranked his top ten NFL teams following the draft, with the Bills coming in yet again number one.
There you have it. The Bills are at the top of the totem pole according to many national networks. The nation has seen the Bills at their highest point, which was during the 2021 postseason, and they’re ready to see more of the high-powered offense headed by Josh Allen and the stifling defense which led the league in both points and yards allowed by a big margin.
Not to mention that they’re high on Vegas’ radar as they’re the betting odds favorite to win the 2022 Super Bowl (+650) and Josh Allen is the MVP betting odds favorite (+700).
What a time, Bills Mafia.
