When the Buffalo Bills drafted Josh Allen back in 2018, it was the start of the organization turning around for the better and eventually becoming one of the best teams in the NFL. Not to mention, they also had to build up around Allen which they did a great job with overall. However, Buffalo’s roster construction has faced criticism the last two seasons due to the overall lack of top talent outside of guys like Allen and James Cook.
Now with Sean McDermott out and Joe Brady in, maybe things will look different. Even just this offseason and the preseason, the Bills seem different for the better. Now we will just have to wait and see how this all comes together for the games that actually count.
Even though the Bills may not have always have the best supporting cast around Allen, they have become a team that all fans in the NFL will watch because of how they dominate, or even win in a dramatic fashion. They can do it in either a 1PM timeslot or under the lights in primetime football. Despite them showing their greatness, ESPN's Ben Solak isn't necessarily buying in on the watchability for the Bills like how fans may.
Latest "watchability" list doesn't reflect Bills among top contenders
Solak recently created a list of all 32 team’s “watchability” going into the 2026 season and the Bills were ranked at No. 16 which is very low considering all the changes that they went through, and still having Josh Allen in his prime under center.
"It's hard to have the Bills this far down in the watchability rankings on account of their quarterback. Josh Allen is not just elite, he is perhaps the most watchable among the elite quarterbacks. Allen's best plays are physical marvels, and his worst plays are jaw-dropping head-scratchers. The issue is that the reason to watch the Bills -- Allen is sick -- is the same reason we've had for the past five seasons. DJ Moore is not enough of a star receiver to move that needle." said Solak.
"Perhaps coach Joe Brady will open up the offense, as the Bills were third in the league in called run rate last season (54.7%) and Allen was 25th in air yards per attempt (7.0). Jim Leonhard might do the same to the defense, which was notoriously uncreative in Sean McDermott's tenure -- but I'm not sure the personnel is in hand for a good unit in Year 1 of the transition." Solak added.
First off, DJ Moore joining the Bills immediately upgrades the receiving room and it wasn’t too long ago where he caught over 1,300+ yards with Justin Fields as his quarterback. Let’s not forget either, he has played under Joe Brady back in Carolina.
With Brady being promoted to head coach, we could very well see this offense be elevated more than what they have been able to do back when he was just the offensive coordinator. He is still calling plays as well, so he is really in charge and has full say over everything.
As for the addition of Jim Leonhard to run the defense, he was bound to be a defensive coordinator sooner than later. The Bills were extremely lucky to get him due to when they started their head coaching search. Leonhard brings a new look and new energy that the defense needs. He has gained a lot of respect from the players and fans. It would not be surprising to see him get head coaching looks after the 2026 season.
Overall, Buffalo may not always be the greatest team every week. However, to say that they are not near the top in terms of watchability is just nonsense. They can light up the scoreboard, and they can put on some of the best plays of the year.
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