After a strong start to the season, the Buffalo Bills have completely lost their way. However, their strong start was only on paper. These Bills are currently just pretenders. A commentary.

What a difference two weeks can make in the NFL.

After week four, the Buffalo Bills were the last remaining undefeated team in the AFC. No one really doubted that the East Division would belong to the franchise.

Two weeks and a mini reality check later, the Bills seem to have hit rock bottom, even losing their lead in the division. Because one thing is clear from the first four games, and especially the last two: the Bills are currently nowhere near being contenders.

Buffalo Bills – or rather: the Buffalo Allens?

Admittedly, the NFL seems to be more balanced than ever in 2025. The saying “anyone can beat anyone” is truer than ever this season.

However, the Bills differ from other good teams in one respect: apart from their quarterback Josh Allen, they don’t have a single position where they are outstanding.

Currently, the Bills are dependent on Allen winning games for them with his incredible skills. As things stand, that is the only way for the Bills to win. And that is neither sustainable nor healthy, nor has any team ever won anything in any sport that way.

The truth is also that the Bills’ receiving corps and offensive line are average at best, but the same is true of other teams that are currently performing better.

Just as an example: in weeks one to four, the reigning MVP had only one interception. In the last two games, there were three, for a total of six (!) turnovers by the Bills. Obviously, that’s not how you win games as a team, but no part of the Bills can save the team or carry it on its shoulders if Allen doesn’t deliver.

Buffalo Bills: Record of NFL opponents so far speaks volumes

The 29-year-old delivered in the first four games. But against whom? The Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, and New Orleans Saints. After week six, these four teams have a combined record of 3-21. Any questions?

As soon as two teams that currently have a positive record, the New England Patriots (20-23) and the Atlanta Falcons (14-24), came along, the men from Orchard Park started to have problems.

Sure, running back James Cook is good, but his statistics, which appear strong at first glance (626 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns), can be put into perspective at second glance.

In three games against above-average run defenses, he has recorded a total of only 180 rushing yards. That’s okay—but the Bills currently need more than “okay” to win competitive games.

The defense ranks 17th in the NFL in terms of points allowed. That’s also just “okay,” but considering the opponents so far, it’s questionable at best. Will that be enough against the top teams in the league? Because even though the Patriots and Falcons are good teams, they’re not among the best in the league. That doesn’t mean that can’t change. Even bad teams have to be beaten first. These victories have given the Bills a small “cushion,” and week seven is a bye week. “We have to reset everything and start over,” head coach Sean McDermott emphasized meaningfully after the Falcons defeat. He would probably agree that the Bills are not currently contenders.