Josh Allen snagged the 2024 NFL MVP, a massive achievement for any player, but what if I told you that award was a warning sign for the Bills, not just a celebration? Get this: Allen was the first player in over 20 years to win MVP without being a first-team All-Pro himself. Even wilder, it was only the second time in league history a quarterback won the award with zero other All-Pros on his entire roster. That’s a truly unique, almost solitary, accomplishment for an elite player in the modern NFL.
The Lone Wolf MVP and Playoff Pain
For Allen’s first eight years, that was the story, wasn’t it? He ascended to elite status, Buffalo had a deep, quality roster, but real supporting superstars, outside of those years with Stefon Diggs, just weren’t there. Sure, the Bills stacked up wins. They’ve got the most regular season wins in the NFL since 2020, and five straight AFC East titles, which is absolutely the crowning achievement of the Sean McDermott era. But when the lights got brightest, in the playoffs, against the Chiefs, Bengals, or Broncos, Buffalo’s lack of premier, All-Pro caliber players beyond Allen got exposed. They fell victim to absolute game-wreckers like Tyreek Hill, Chris Jones, Ja’Marr Chase, Nik Bonitto, and Zach Allen. Think about it, even their rare regular season losses since 2020 often took All-Pro level performances to beat them. Guys like Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer, Matt Milano, Cole Beasley, and Taron Johnson definitely made All-Pro teams and were key pieces, but the consistent, across-the-board star power seemed to vanish when it mattered most.
Lions Roar: A True Superstar Squad Rolls into Town
Tonight, as the Bills open their brand new stadium in Week 2, they are getting a full taste of a truly superstar-driven roster. The Lions are absolutely that team, no question. Penei Sewell has been a first-team All-Pro for three straight seasons. Amon-Ra St. Brown? He was a first-teamer in 2023 and a second-team All-Pro in both 2022 and 2025. Aidan Hutchinson snagged a second-team All-Pro nod last year. Even a newer face like linebacker Jack Campbell earned a First-Team All-Pro distinction last season! And you know what? Nobody on Earth would be surprised if Jahmyr Gibbs finishes this season with an All-Pro distinction too.
This isn’t just another game for the Bills. This Week 2 TNF matchup is a serious gut-check against a team built with the kind of individual star power Buffalo has often lacked. Tonight, we find out if Allen and the Bills can finally overcome that historical weakness, or if the Lions’ loaded roster proves that you really do need a full squad of elite talent to win when it counts.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Buffalo Rumblings.
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