Bills Lead AFC East in NFL Power Rankings

The Buffalo Bills kick off the season ranked 7th in Sports Illustrated's Week 1 power rankings, leading the AFC East as they face a pivotal year of transformation. With the Miami Dolphins at 13th, the New York Jets at 15th, and the New England Patriots trailing at 31st, the Bills are positioned as the division's top contender.

However, the challenge remains for quarterback Josh Allen to guide a retooled offense in the absence of key playmakers Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis.

Conor Orr of Sports Illustrated views this season as a defining moment for Josh Allen , who is expected to shoulder the offensive load and contend for MVP. The Bills are looking to fill the void left by key departures with emerging talents like Khalil Shakir —recently named to Bleacher Report's "All-Underrated Team"—alongside rookie Keon Coleman and veteran Curtis Samuel, adding depth to the receiving corps.

The Buffalo Bills enter the season ahead of the Miami Dolphins, ranked 13th, and the New York Jets, who sit at 15th, both considered strong contenders but with questions surrounding their consistency and roster depth. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots find themselves at 31st, facing a challenging rebuild. With the Bills at the top, the division is set for a competitive season, as Buffalo aims to capitalize on its ranking advantage and fend off its rivals to secure another AFC East title.

Related: Bills Depth Chart, Damar Hamlin a Starter?

As the Bills prepare to face the Arizona Cardinals in their season opener , they aim to prove that they can maintain their position at the top of the AFC East. Despite being left off NFL Analyst Bucky Brooks' "2024 NFL All-22 Roster," the Bills remain focused on their potential. The pressure will be on Allen and his new arsenal of weapons to demonstrate that they can rise to the occasion and stay ahead of their division rivals.