Allen and Shakir Ranked Among NFL's Most Reliable Duo

As the Buffalo Bills prepare for the 2024 NFL season, the connection between quarterback Josh Allen and wide receiver Khalil Shakir is set to play a pivotal role in the team’s offensive strategy.

With the departures of key receivers Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis , much of the focus has been on how the Bills will adjust their passing attack. However, overlooked by many is the fact that Shakir is the only returning receiver who has previously caught a pass from Allen during regular-season play. This existing rapport could prove invaluable as the Bills look to maintain their offensive edge.

Pro Football Focus ( PFF ) recently highlighted the strength of the Allen-Shakir connection by ranking it as the most accurate in the NFL based on their "highest-catchable target rates" metric. According to PFF , Allen delivered 45 passes to Shakir in 2023, and an impressive 91.1% of those passes were deemed "catchable." This statistic underscores the reliability and precision of the duo, which will be essential for the Bills as they navigate the challenges of the upcoming season.

Shakir’s role in the Buffalo offense grew significantly in the latter half of the 2023 season. From Week 7 onward, he became a more consistent target for Allen, recording multiple receptions in 10 games and earning a 76.6 PFF grade. Operating primarily from the slot, Shakir averaged 7.5 yards after the catch per reception, ranking him among the top five slot receivers in this category.

While the 2024 season will bring new dynamics to the Bills’ offense, particularly with Diggs now in Houston, the established connection between Allen and Shakir offers a foundation of stability. Their chemistry, as evidenced by PFF's analysis, will be crucial in maintaining the efficiency of Buffalo's passing game.

As the Bills move forward, the Allen-Shakir connection will be a key storyline to watch, with the potential to become one of the most formidable partnerships in the league this season.