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NFL/2026/Team Previews

Can Joe Brady's Bills Finally Get Josh Allen a Ring?

Buffalo enters the Joe Brady era with Josh Allen, a new No. 1 receiver, and the same expectations to get to the Super Bowl.

Headshot of Brian Wright.
Brian Wright
Bills quarterback Josh Allen stands on the field in his blue No. 17 uniform while holding his helmet.
Allen enters the 2026 season looking to lead Buffalo back to the Super Bowl

At a glance

The Buffalo Bills enter 2026 with Joe Brady taking over for Sean McDermott, Josh Allen still at the center of the offense, and DJ Moore added as a new No. 1 receiver. The expectations remain Super Bowl-level, but questions about the supporting cast and defensive transition remain.

Key takeaways

  • Buffalo finished 12-5 in 2025 and lost to Denver in overtime in the divisional round.
  • Joe Brady replaces Sean McDermott as head coach after nine seasons of the McDermott era.
  • DJ Moore joins the receiving corps, while Bradley Chubb, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Geno Stone and Dee Alford bolster the defense.
  • The biggest question remains whether Josh Allen has enough support around him to break through in the AFC.
  • The preview predicts Buffalo will finish 10-7 and make the playoffs as a Wild Card.

Season Outlook:

Is this the year? Josh Allen has put the Bills in position to reach the Super Bowl and even win it. But Buffalo still can’t break through. Last season, which resulted in a 12-5 record and ended in a heart-wrenching overtime loss at Denver in the divisional round, was enough to get Sean McDermott fired. First-time head coach Joe Brady takes over, but the expectations are the same. Maybe there’s new stadium luck.

What's Changed:

Nine seasons of the McDermott era couldn’t push the Bills past the AFC Championship. Now it’s up to Brady, promoted from offensive coordinator, and his MVP QB. The receiving group looks different with DJ Moore coming over from Chicago via trade. On defense, they added pass rusher Bradley Chubb (three years, $43.5 million) and three pieces to the secondary: safeties C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Geno Stone along with cornerback Dee Alford.

Bigger Role & Sophomore Breakout:

Cornerback Maxwell Hairston overcame a knee injury to record 18 tackles, five pass breakups, and two interceptions in 11 games. Three of those appearances were starting assignments. He’ll earn more in his second season as he’s expected to be the regular on the outside and is shaping up to be Buffalo’s best young defender. A fourth-round draft pick last season, Deone Walker proved to be a disruption on the interior. The 6-7, 331-pound tackle from Kentucky generated 20 pressures on 283 pass-rushing snaps.

Key Question:

Is there enough around Josh Allen? This has been the prevailing question for years. Even if Allen plays at an MVP level, does he have the necessary support to facilitate an AFC titleist and beyond? James Cook, fresh off a league-leading rushing total, more than holds up his end. But even with Moore, it might be hard to expect the receivers to step up. Plus, there are doubts that new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard’s 3-4 scheme can lead to improvement.

Prediction:

Keep waiting, Buffalo. The margin for error in their schedule is limited, especially early with Houston, Detroit, the Chargers, New England, and the Rams to start. The Bills make the postseason as a Wild Card at 10-7, but can’t move up the AFC hierarchy. Having the ball in Josh Allen’s hands (running or passing) proves highly beneficial. However, the skepticism is valid. It's a recurring theme: too many limitations around the league's best quarterback, from the receiving corps to secondary depth

X-Factor:

DJ Moore can provide Allen the top wideout he needs. Moore’s effectiveness in Chicago last year was in contrast to the Bears’ resurgence. How quickly he builds chemistry with his new quarterback determines whether the passing game becomes a problem for opposing defenses.

Final Scorecard:

  • Offense: 9
  • Defense: 7
  • Coaching: 7
  • X-Factor Upside: 8
  • Schedule Strength: 7

Frequently asked questions

What is the Buffalo Bills' outlook for the 2026 season?

Buffalo enters 2026 with the same Super Bowl expectations, but under first-time head coach Joe Brady after Sean McDermott was fired following a 12-5 season and divisional-round loss.

Who is the Buffalo Bills' head coach in 2026?

Joe Brady takes over as head coach after being promoted from offensive coordinator.

What changed for the Bills entering 2026?

Buffalo added DJ Moore to the receiving corps and brought in Bradley Chubb, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Geno Stone and Dee Alford on defense.

What is the biggest question for the Bills in 2026?

The biggest question is whether Josh Allen has enough support around him, particularly at wide receiver and across a defense adjusting to Jim Leonhard’s 3-4 scheme.

What record does this preview predict for the Bills in 2026?

The preview predicts Buffalo will finish 10-7 and make the playoffs as a Wild Card.