As the 2024 NFL season marches into its second half, one thing is clear: the Buffalo Bills are once again in the driver’s seat of the AFC East. For the fifth consecutive year, the Bills have proven that they are not just contenders but dominant forces in the division, positioning themselves as one of the top teams in the conference. After Week 9, power rankings place Buffalo firmly in the upper echelon, bolstered by strong performances both offensively and defensively. But what makes this sustained success so impressive, and what do the Bills need to keep doing to secure the AFC East crown once again?
When the Buffalo Bills first emerged as AFC East contenders in 2019, it felt like the start of something new. After years of being overshadowed by the dominance of the New England Patriots, led by Tom Brady, Buffalo quickly ascended to the top of the division, fueled by the meteoric rise of quarterback Josh Allen, an electric defense, and a high-powered offense. Fast forward five years, and the Bills have not only held onto that position but have made it their own.
Entering the 2024 season, the Bills were once again considered one of the best teams in the league. But what sets them apart from previous seasons is their consistency. The AFC East has seen a major transformation in recent years, with teams like the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, and even the New England Patriots evolving in both coaching and talent. Yet, the Bills have remained the standard-bearer in the division. As the calendar flips to November and we look at the power rankings, Buffalo is right where they want to be—on top of the AFC East, with their sights set on deeper playoff runs.
Much of the Bills’ sustained success can be attributed to the continued growth and development of Josh Allen. The 6-foot-5 quarterback has consistently ranked among the best in the NFL, combining a cannon of an arm with athleticism and playmaking ability that make him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
In 2024, Allen has continued to evolve his game. His ability to make quick decisions, his mobility outside the pocket, and his deep-ball accuracy have made him one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league. Through Week 9, Allen ranks near the top in passing yards, touchdowns, and quarterback rating—essentially embodying the quintessential dual-threat quarterback in today’s NFL. His development as a passer, along with his ability to make plays with his legs, ensures that the Bills’ offense remains one of the most dangerous units in the league.
Key to Buffalo’s offensive success has been their balance. While Allen continues to be the star, the supporting cast has flourished as well. Wide receiver Stefon Diggs remains one of the top pass-catchers in the league, capable of turning any play into a game-changing one. With other weapons like Gabriel Davis and Dalton Kincaid stepping up, the Bills have become increasingly unpredictable. The running game, traditionally a weak spot for Buffalo, has also been more effective in 2024, as second-year back James Cook has shown the ability to be a reliable contributor on the ground. This improved balance on offense makes the Bills a multifaceted threat, equally capable of airing it out through the air or wearing down opponents with the run game.
While much of the attention falls on Josh Allen and the offense, the Bills’ defense has been just as integral to their success in 2024. Head coach Sean McDermott, also the defensive coordinator, has created a unit that consistently ranks near the top of the league in points allowed and total yards. Their ability to shut down the opposing offense has been critical in giving Allen and the offense more opportunities to score.
The Bills’ defensive line, led by edge rusher Von Miller (returning from injury in 2024), continues to be one of the most disruptive in the league. Miller, along with players like Greg Rousseau and Ed Oliver, creates havoc in the backfield, forcing turnovers and getting after opposing quarterbacks. Buffalo’s ability to generate pressure without having to blitz frequently allows their secondary to lock down receivers, and this is one of the reasons why they’re among the best in pass defense.
In the secondary, the duo of cornerbacks Tre’Davious White and Christian Benford, along with standout safety Micah Hyde, has been stellar. White has returned to form as one of the top corners in the league, while Hyde provides crucial leadership and stability in the back end. These players, combined with the team’s ability to cover, tackle, and force turnovers, make Buffalo’s defense one of the most well-rounded units in the league.
While the Buffalo Bills have been the dominant force in the AFC East in recent years, they are not without competition. The division has seen significant changes over the past five seasons, and 2024 is no exception. Teams like the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, and New England Patriots all have varying degrees of potential to challenge Buffalo’s supremacy in the East.
The Miami Dolphins, in particular, have emerged as the biggest threat to the Bills in the division. Under the guidance of head coach Mike McDaniel, the Dolphins have developed one of the most potent offenses in the league, led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and the dynamic wide receiver duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. The Dolphins have been explosive, with their ability to stretch the field and score quickly making them a dangerous opponent for any defense. As of Week 9, the Dolphins and Bills have had a thrilling back-and-forth, with both teams staking claims to the division lead.
The New York Jets have struggled to find consistency at quarterback but remain a formidable defensive force. With the likes of Quinnen Williams up front and Sauce Gardner in the secondary, New York’s defense is one of the best in the league, giving any opponent a tough time. However, quarterback play remains a major question mark for the Jets, which could ultimately prevent them from contending for the division.
Meanwhile, the New England Patriots have taken a step back under head coach Bill Belichick, who has faced increasing pressure after years of dominating the AFC East with Tom Brady. While the Patriots have a solid defense and strong coaching, their offensive struggles have kept them from being serious contenders in the division. But Belichick’s ability to adjust could never be underestimated.
In the face of all this competition, Buffalo has consistently found ways to maintain their edge. The Bills’ ability to win key divisional games, both at home and on the road, has been a defining characteristic of their five-year reign atop the AFC East.
As we enter the second half of the 2024 NFL season, the Buffalo Bills are well-positioned to secure their fifth consecutive AFC East title. With a strong offense, a ferocious defense, and a quarterback in Josh Allen who can elevate his team to new heights, the Bills are a well-rounded contender. However, the competition in the AFC East is fierce, and the Bills will have to stay focused and healthy down the stretch.
A few key factors will determine whether the Bills can continue their success. First, they will need to maintain their offensive balance, with Allen continuing to make big plays through the air and the ground. Second, they must avoid injuries, especially to key players like Allen and top defenders like Von Miller and Tre’Davious White. Finally, they must continue to win the close games—particularly against divisional rivals—which often determine the outcome of a division race.
While the Dolphins are nipping at their heels, and the Jets and Patriots are never too far behind, the Bills have shown they are the team to beat in the AFC East. As long as they continue to play to their strengths, Buffalo could very well be “rushing” toward their fifth straight division crown, and perhaps even a deeper run into the playoffs.
For the fifth straight season, the Buffalo Bills have positioned themselves to win the AFC East. With a top-tier quarterback in Josh Allen, a powerful offense, and a defense that can stifle opponents, the Bills have proven to be one of the NFL’s elite teams. As the 2024 season heads into its final stretch, Buffalo remains in control of their destiny, chasing not only another division title but also the ultimate goal: a Super Bowl championship. In a division that has seen dramatic shifts in power, the Bills’ sustained excellence is a testament to their organization’s commitment to greatness. The rush to win the AFC East continues, and for the Bills, the finish line is in sight.