Bills Central

SI's NFL win total predictions put Bills before Chiefs as AFC No. 1 seed co-favorite

The Buffalo Bills are one of three AFC teams whose projected win total is set at 11.5
Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) reacts after the AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs
Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) reacts after the AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The Buffalo Bills have won at least 10 regular season games each of the past six years.

In 2024, the Bills reached the 13-win mark for the third time in five seasons, and they show no signs of slowing.

As they approach the 2025 campaign with NFL MVP quarterback Josh Allen leading the way, the Bills' consensus win total (for wagering purposes) has been set at 11.5. That is the highest mark in the AFC, tying the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens in that department.

In terms of whether Buffalo will finish over or under that total, Sports Illustrated's Gilberto Manzano posted bold predictions for each AFC team and the results should please Bills Mafia.

While tabbing the Bills and Ravens to exceed the 11.5-win mark, SI predicted that the reigning AFC champion Chiefs would slip under the total.

Josh Allen (17) dives
Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) dives for a first down against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half in the AFC Championship Game | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Using Manzano's projections, one can infer that the AFC race will come down to Buffalo vs. Baltimore in what would be a rematch of the 2024 AFC Divisional Round.

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The Bills have yet to secure the No. 1 seed during head coach Sean McDermott's tenure, but have come close. A bye coupled with home field advantage over the Ravens and Chiefs could go a long way in getting Buffalo to the Super Bowl.

"Similar to the Ravens, the Bills also have to get over the playoff hump, but just like Jackson, Josh Allen can also be counted on to at least produce 10 wins on a consistent basis. Buffalo has actually won at least 13 games in three of the last five seasons—including two when the league was still on a 16-game schedule. The reigning MVP won’t enjoy many offensive upgrades, but Buffalo should be better on the defensive side, adding veteran edge rusher Joey Bosa and drafting cornerback Maxwell Hairston." — Gilberto Manzano

Josh Allen points
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen points to something he sees in the Ravens line up during first half action at the Buffalo Bills divisional game against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Jan. 19, 2025. | Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

All picks and predictions are suggestions only and not a guarantee of success or profit. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.

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Ralph Ventre
RALPH VENTRE

Ralph, a former college football conference administrator, brings 20+ years of media experience to Buffalo Bills ON SI. Prior to focusing on the Bills, he spent two years covering the New York Jets. Ventre initially joined the ON SI family in 2021, providing NCAA Football Championship Subdivision for NFL Draft Bible on FanNation. Ventre remains as an official voter for the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 and the annual legacy awards. The Fordham University graduate is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America.