After years of skepticism, FS1 host Nick Wright has finally acknowledged the Buffalo Bills as a legitimate AFC powerhouse. Despite his well-documented admiration for Patrick Mahomes and frequent criticisms of Buffalo in the past, Wright now concedes that as long as Josh Allen remains healthy, the Bills will continue to be a force in the conference.
During a discussion on First Things First, Wright weighed in on the ongoing rivalry between the Bills and the Baltimore Ravens. He expressed strong confidence in Buffalo’s ability to maintain its dominance in the AFC over the next few seasons.
“The Bills are the only team in the league that I feel almost 100% certain, including the Chiefs, that over the next three years they’re going to be hosting a playoff game every year,” Wright stated in the “Best Option: Buffalo or Baltimore?” segment.
“The Bills are the only team in the league that I feel almost 100% certain, including the Chiefs, that over the next 3 years they’re going to be hosting a playoff game every year.”
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— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) February 19, 2025
However, his praise wasn’t entirely without conditions. He suggested that Buffalo’s consistency is partially due to the instability of the AFC East.
“The AFC East is in a very similar position it was in for Brady’s career, except for the fact it’s now the Bills being where the Patriots were. It’s a constant upheaval of coaches, a constant upheaval of quarterbacks for those other spots,” he added.
Beyond the shortcomings of their divisional rivals, Buffalo has built a strong foundation. Their offensive line, which allowed the fewest sacks in the league last season (14), has been instrumental in protecting Allen and paving the way for running back James Cook to record his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season.
“Their offensive line is locked up, which was the strength of their team, and I just so trust Josh far more than I trust Lamar down the stretch of the season and in the postseason. I think Josh has earned that. I think Josh has earned the right, right now, to be called the second-best playoff quarterback in football,” Wright explained.
Buffalo has won each of its last four regular-season meetings against Mahomes and the Chiefs, but Kansas City has had the upper hand in the playoffs, going 4-0 in their last four postseason matchups. Since 2020, the Bills rank second in overall win percentage behind only the Chiefs. Within the AFC East, they hold a 26-6 record over their last 32 games, including two playoff victories.
With all five starting offensive linemen returning to protect their 28-year-old MVP quarterback, Buffalo remains in a strong position heading into the future. Even a longtime skeptic like Wright has been forced to recognize their sustained success.