After the loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, the Buffalo Bills tumble in most power rankings
Weekly power rankings are designed to rank NFL teams, from best to worse, among their sister organizations. These rankings do not determine playoff seeding, but they provide fans with an overview of the national media’s opinion of a franchise’s pedigree within the league.
After a deflating loss on Sunday, the Buffalo Bills are no longer considered a Top 5 team in most opinions listed here. Buffalo’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers saw them drop multiple spots in many lists even after being considered a preseason Super Bowl favorite. Here are where the Bills rank in this week’s power ranking roundup.
ESPN: Football Power Index (FPI): Bills sink in latest power rankings
Current Rank: 5
Last Week: 3
ESPN’s FPI ranks the Bills as the fifth best team in the league. After a stale performance on offense, NFL Nation reporter, Alaina Getzenberg says Buffalo’s pass rush is still a work in progress. What’s notably missing from the review is how poorly the offense executed in a matchup they should have won by two or more scores.
"“Despite not registering a sack, Rousseau made his presence felt, especially early in the game. The Bills’ pass rush, one of the team’s biggest issues last season, remains a work in progress.” — Alaina Getzenberg"
In Week 2 Buffalo travels to Hard Rock Stadium to play the Miami Dolphins. The team can ill afford to drop a second-consecutive conference game to what appears to be another formidable opponent.
CBS Sports: Buffalo Bills fall five spots in CBS’s Week 2 NFL Power Rankings
Current Rank: 7
Last Week: 2
Buffalo’s spot on this list took a major hit following Week 1. Peter Prisco was one of a number of national media members who predicted the club to earn its first-ever Super Bowl title. Evidently, a lack-luster performance on Sunday resulted in Prisco somewhat walking back his preseason prophecy.
"“They can quiet the Super Bowl talk for a week after losing to the Steelers at home.” —Peter Prisco"
Quieting the Super Bowl talk is exactly what should happen after the Bills suffered a disappointing loss last Sunday. However, one loss should not determine a season, unless the Bills are not capable of bouncing back.
NFL.com: Buffalo Bills drop three spots in Week 2 rankings
Current Rank: 6
Last Week: 3
It’s no secret that the Bills gave up a winnable game last Sunday. But Dan Hanzus believes the Pittsburgh Steelers are a better team than Buffalo. In these rankings, Buffalo sits at the sixth spot, right behind the Steelers after dropping their head-to-head contest.
"“Josh Allen looked much more like the QB he was in his first two seasons, while Stefon Diggs and the rest of the Buffalo playmakers struggled to gain separation and deliver the splash plays that were a signature in 2020. It’s not all on the QB and wideouts, though: The Bills’ offensive line was bullied by a Pittsburgh pass rush that got home repeatedly with four-man fronts. Another tough D awaits for Week 2’s trip to the Dolphins.” —Dan Hanzus"
It was a long day for Buffalo’s offensive line against the Steelers’ front four. They’ll need to protect Josh Allen a lot better in Week 2 to have success against the Dolphins in the passing game.
Bleacher Report: Buffalo Bills remain a Top 5 team in this listing
Current Rank: 5
Last Week: 5
After being relatively low on Buffalo in their preseason power rankings, the Bills stay put at no. 5. Bleacher Report’s NFL Staff believes Buffalo will need to improve on offense to be successful, especially in the next few weeks.
"…”the coma that the Bills offense slipped into in the second half is concerning, especially given their upcoming schedule. The Bills play at Miami in Week 2 and home against Washington in Week 3. Neither of those teams are exactly defensive pushovers, either. Miami was sixth in scoring defense in 2020, while Washington was fourth.”—Bleacher Report, NFL Staff"
It’s a long way until the NFL postseason. So, Buffalo will have every opportunity to reclaim the optimism that many media members proclaimed prior to Week 1. A win next week in Miami could see the Bills climb back into a consensus Top 3 team among the national media.