NFL Power Rankings: Bills Enter Top 5?
The Buffalo Bills have looked like the Super Bowl contenders they've been billed to be in the last two weeks.
Buffalo handed the Washington Commanders their first loss of the season in dominant fashion, winning 37-3 on Sunday at FedEx Field. With the win, the Bills (2-1) have outscored their last two opponents 75-13.
After back-to-back blowout wins, Buffalo has moved up to fourth in Sports Illustrated's Power Rankings.
Second in points, second in points surrendered," SI writes. "Sixth in first downs picked up, second in (fewest) first downs allowed. The Bills are gearing up to possibly give us the Super Bowl run we had expected a year later than we thought. While it’s early, Josh Allen’s poor throw percentage, according to Pro Football Reference, is about half of what it’s been in previous seasons. He seems a little unburdened back there, and has been punching the gas over the previous two weeks."
Josh Allen
USA TODAY
Buffalo only trails the Kansas City Chiefs (3rd), San Francisco 49ers (2nd) and Miami Dolphins (1st).
There is a bevy of reasons for the Bills' hot start to the season. Buffalo's defense is chief among them, as the unit has forced nine turnovers and has 16 sacks in three games. Linebacker Terrel Bernard has stepped up in a big way after Tremaine Edmunds signed with the Chicago Bears in the offseason. The second-year linebacker has two interceptions, two passes defended, two sacks, two tackles for loss and 24 tackles for the Bills.
The Bills' offense has also found balance and thrived without Josh Allen having to carry the unit. James Cook has emerged as Buffalo's top running back, as he's run for 221 yards on 32 carries in the last two games. Cook is averaging 6.1 yards a carry this season.
With the Bills rolling on both sides of the ball, they've proved they're still among the NFL's elite. The Bills will have a chance to cement themselves as the top team in the AFC East when they host the Dolphins (3-0) at 1 p.m. on Sunday at Highmark Stadium.
