The Buffalo Bills are led by one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks in reigning MVP Josh Allen, yet their quest for a Super Bowl appearance continues to fall short—largely due to concerns about the supporting cast around him.
According to NFL insider Moe Moton of Bleacher Report, this could once again be a critical issue in 2025. He questioned whether Buffalo has assembled the necessary talent and depth to finally break through, especially when compared to perennial AFC powerhouse Kansas City. Moton emphasized that the lack of star power beyond Allen may prove to be a significant obstacle in the Bills’ championship pursuit this season.
Bills Relying Too Heavily on Josh Allen
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report recently raised concerns about the Buffalo Bills’ offensive firepower, suggesting that their lack of a true playmaking star beyond Josh Allen could once again be their undoing in 2025—especially when trying to overcome teams like the Kansas City Chiefs.
Moton pointed to the contrast between the Bills and the Chiefs, who boast not one but two emerging offensive threats.
“Last offseason, Kansas City drafted explosive wide receiver Xavier Worthy, who made strides late in the 2024 campaign,” Moton noted. “He caught 19 passes for 287 yards and three touchdowns in the playoffs. He has momentum entering his second year, and fellow wide receiver Rashee Rice will return from injury.”
While the Bills have solid depth with receivers like Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, Elijah Moore, Joshua Palmer, and Curtis Samuel, Moton questioned whether any of them can consistently deliver in high-pressure playoff moments.
“Buffalo has great depth at wide receiver,” Moton wrote, “but who’s going to be the go-to target in clutch moments?”
He highlighted Shakir’s 2024 production—76 receptions for 821 yards—but also pointed out that Shakir failed to top 67 receiving yards in either of Buffalo’s playoff games, and his explosiveness diminished with increased usage.
This pattern of underperformance in critical moments isn’t new for Buffalo. In recent playoff losses to the Chiefs, star players came up short—Stefon Diggs dropped a crucial pass in the 2023 Divisional Round, and Dalton Kincaid let one slip in last year’s AFC Championship Game.
Moton warned that the situation could get even worse if running back James Cook were to miss time due to his ongoing contract dispute.
“The Bills shouldn’t have to rely on Allen having an MVP year to reach the NFL mountaintop,” Moton concluded. “If two-time Pro Bowl running back James Cook holds out in the summer after reporting to mandatory minicamp, Allen may not have the playmakers around him to get this team over the hump.”
Bills Get Good News on James Cook
The Bills may have avoided the worst-case scenario outlined by Moe Moton, as signs now indicate that James Cook will remain with the team despite his unresolved contract situation.
The Pro Bowl running back has made it clear he’s seeking a significant raise—reportedly eyeing a deal worth around \$15 million per season. However, Bills general manager Brandon Beane recently stated that the two sides are far apart and that no further negotiations are currently planned.
Even with the uncertainty surrounding his contract and speculation that he might skip mandatory minicamp, Cook ultimately joined his teammates for practices this week. Head coach Sean McDermott expressed his appreciation for Cook’s presence.
“I really appreciate him being here,” McDermott said.
McDermott also emphasized that despite the business side of things, Cook remains committed to the team.
“I credit James,” he added. “Business is business, but at the end of the day, I know he loves being around this team and the guys in this locker room, and he loves to play football. So I respect his decision to be here and be amongst the team and get some work in, and we’re looking forward to that.”