After another divisional round exit last season, the Buffalo Bills are reloading. Some people might say that they are rebuilding because of the major changes this offseason but the Bills are far away from a rebuild. Josh Allen is in his prime, younger players stepped up last season, and there is coaching continuity. In the last two years, the Bills have come up short of expectations. After building their way up as one of the best teams in the league, they have yet to reach the Super Bowl and have only reached the conference championship one time the last four seasons.
The 2024 season is going to be different for the Bills. It is a new look team but with the same leaders. Bills fans have every right to be concerned about any uncertainties, but they should also look forward to seeing what this team can produce.
Depending on who you talk to, the Bills may not be expected to go far next season. However, once the doubters start to talk that is when the Bills shine.
We take a look at three Buffalo Bills who could win major NFL awards in 2024.
James Cook, Offensive Player of the Year
The Bills have found their rushing attack that is finally not led by Josh Allen. Running back James Cook took over the starter role that was held by Devin Singletary the year prior and he took advantage of his opportunity. Despite only having two rushing touchdowns, Cook became the first Bills running back to rush for over 1,000 yards since LeSean McCoy. He also served as a receiving weapon for the pass attack with 44 receptions for 445 yards and 4 touchdowns.
If Cook is able to build off of his production last year, he will be in the conversation as a finalist for this award. It’s also important to consider the fact that with Joe Brady calling the plays, we saw how involved Cook was in both the run and the pass game.
Matt Milano, Comeback Player of the Year
It was a gut punch in Week 5 for the Bills when they lost their All-Pro linebacker for the season. Matt Milano is the most important player on this defense due to the fact that he has a high IQ and knows where to be at all times. It seems like every time the player is over, he is either near the ball or ends up being the one that makes the play. Milano earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2022 and was on his way to have a repeat of a season last year up until his injury.
If Milano is able to stay healthy this season, he has a great shot at winning the Comeback Player of the Year award. Not to mention, his linebacker coach in Bobby Babich was promoted to defensive coordinator this offseason and Babich is part of the reason why Milano had a breakout year in 2022.
Josh Allen, MVP
In three of the last four seasons, Josh Allen has finished in the top five of MVP voting. It is a matter of time before he eventually wins the award and he has a great chance to do so in 2024. Say what you want about his turnovers, he is a dynamic player who plays as the best player on the field and it is not close. He has not missed a game since his rookie season and has grown as a player to the point where the Bills feel confident in him not having a true number one receiver.
Allen is always going to have his critics and sure, he always has a couple games where he looks off. However, we cannot ignore the presence that he has when he is on his game. Now that he has some pressure off of him when it comes to the running game, it will allow him to keep growing as a passer in this league and he has the chance to elevate his receivers around. Nothing would be better than for Allen to set career highs in most if not all categories and lead the Bills to another division championship and even make it to the Super Bowl.