Success

QB is close. The only thing Mahomes has the Allen doesn't is rings - and that has a lot to do w/ coaching & the Chiefs having had a better roster to this point. WR? That's a stretch. The Bills have a good, versatile corps, top to bottom. The Chiefs are scrambling a bit to replace guys who produced. I don't think even Chiefs fans would say they're better at WR. RB? No way. We probably have one of the better RB groups in the AFC right now. LB - edge to Chiefs because of our uncertainty at MLB. CB? No way.

He has some serious raw skills. Who knows. We have seen so many guys like that, and it runs the gamut - from Jemarcus Russell to Josh Allen. A boom or bust type of project. Allen benefitted greatly from having Daboll as a coach, and I think AR would need something like that.

The jury is out on the O-line. Brown & Torrence have looked good - and we know the other positions are pretty set. If both of those players live up to expectations, our line could be a strong unit.

I don't disagree w/ most of that. I had them ranked #3 this year, and it would be clueless to say they won't be a tough out. They'll be like that as long as they have Mahomes & Reid. I was probably a BIT over the top, because I bristle a bit when an opposing fan comes here and starts laughing at posts that have the Bills #1, or don't give proper kudos to KC. I get why fans are like that, and don't think he's trolling - but it's why I don't post on other boards. I'd inevitably be the same way. It's probably too defensive on my part. He's welcome here, and has the right to do that & stand up for his team. I think we're all in the same place. We have good teams, and are hoping for the best. Cheers to you also!

It has nothing to do w/ feelings. Objectively, when healthy and not dealing w/ the brutal stuff the Bills had to deal w/ late in the season - Buffalo was a better team. I think the Bengals were, too, and thought that they should have won the AFCCG. If the only standard is "they won the SB last year, so they must be the best this year," there is really not much point to this thread. The Eagles would get #2, because they were runner ups. The Bengals would be #3, because they had the better game in the conf. championship. Then, of course, SF. The thread would just be about who everyone ranks as the #5.

We beat them last season. In KC. So did Cincy.

I see your point. Poor wording on my part. I'd revise my comments to say, "I don't think they'll be nearly as good, and I think they probably should have been AFC runner-ups last year as it was." That's more accurate.

It sounds like you're viewing rankings such as this like power rankings usually are. Most national power rankings always put the SB champ #1, w/ the justification that "until someone proves otherwise." I don't think KC should have been in the SB, or should have won the SB. They were the beneficiary of some egregious calls that I thought determined both outcomes, and I'm hardly alone in that POV. I also don't view preseason rankings as a reward for past accomplishment. So, my assessment is based on some of the factors I listed. An aging Kelce, and the weakest WR group KC has had since prior to their 1st SB win. There has also been only one repeat champion this century.

We'll know soon enough. But yeah - that's my take. They are trending down. I don't think they will contend for the 1 seed this year. The main thing they have going for them is an easy-as-pie schedule. Kelce is going to be 34 this year. They lost Juju. They're hoping players like Toney can step up. Just not seeing it. I think they'll struggle to get the 3 seed.

1) Bills - this is the best roster we've had. When healthy, no one can really touch us (imo) 2) Bengals - they should have probably been in the SB last year. 3) Chiefs - they're trending down. Kelce a year older, WR corps questionable 4) Eagles - on a mission 5) 49ers - still a really good team, and great defense

He was good, regardless of the circumstances. I'd feel better w/ him as QB2 right now.

Man, would I love to see us run it down opposing team's throats this year. The offense has been pretty one-dimensional in the JA era so far. To establish a real running game, with great blocking - I mean, look out NFL.

Their line wasn't that good last year - and arguably got worse. Reading some of the Pats boards, it's their biggest concern heading into the season (aside from whether or not Jones can take the next step).

Are you joking?

I still feel terrible for Hines. But looking at this, where would he have landed if healthy? Is it possible he wouldn't have made the active roster?

Especially w/ the addition of Harris (who is definitely better than Singletary), and Cook coming into his 2nd season after picking up steam at the end of his 1st. I think our offense is going to look a lot different this year. It was great last season, but we haven't been able to run consistently aside from JA.

It would be SO cool if Bernard panned out, and turned into a legit starter and playmaker. Every time I read an update or article about him, "good instincts" are always mentioned. Gotta love that quality in a MLB.

100% agree. I think the conventional take on the Bills is that it's Diggs & then everybody else, but Beane has really built out a versatile, talented group in the past year. Sherfield and Harty were both great additions, and it's exciting to hear that Davis is having a great camp and looks like a true #2. Add Kincaid into the mix, along w/ the improved line & running game, and this offense could be a nightmare for opposing DC's.

Elam is the next Revis.

I've never heard of Aaron Schatz - but I really like him.

Same. I haven't looked at all of them, but I've seen a lot, and it does seem like we have one of the better ones. But Chiefsplanet is the WORST, by a mile - and I don't have to look at all of them to judge that. I'm astounded whenever I go there. It's repugnant. The Pats boards are what anyone might expect. They're not necessarily toxic, but completely entitled and out of touch. Kind of like a board of billionaires trying to discuss what it's like to be a working person.

I have also seen that more pundits and fans that I'd imagine barely have JA in their top 5 now. Some don't even put him in that group. It's all kind of funny. Choosing a hot take over objective information has become ingrained at this point. The Cincy game is now what people think JA is capable of. Sometimes, I get a little annoyed. But then I remember how it is when either Allen or the Bills are overhyped. I'll take the alternative. Better to be underestimated.

This staff is always cautious, imo. I'd be surprised if they let him play until they were 100% on it - I'd guess sometime in October at the earliest.

"NFL coach admits he doesn't watch Bills games"

He practiced yesterday...right? So yeah - he's healthy.