The Buffalo Bills have seen their playoff hopes dashed by the Kansas City Chiefs in four of the past five seasons. While other AFC contenders like the Baltimore Ravens deserve respect, the Bills’ main challenge remains figuring out how to finally get past Kansas City—a task that continues to define their postseason ambitions.
Though he hasn’t said it outright, general manager Brandon Beane is undoubtedly hoping that the players he’s added this offseason will be the difference-makers in a potential playoff clash with Patrick Mahomes and company. After missing key offensive opportunities in back-to-back playoff losses, the team is in need of someone who can rise to the occasion. Could that someone be veteran freshman?
Top star, the Bills’ new wide receiver, might not be the obvious pick to emerge as a playoff hero, especially with the team lacking a clear-cut No. 1 receiver. Still, he has the potential to carve out an important role in the offense. No matter how large or small his role turns out to be, he is thrilled to join forces with reigning MVP Josh Allen.
“When I wasn’t in, I was just watching him, because obviously I’m on the other side of it now,” Moore said, via Mike Moraitis of Buffalo Bills on SI. “I’ve been playing against him for going into four years now, and it just looked better now that he’s on my side. The balls were pretty. The way that he practices, he jokes around, but at the same time, he’s locked in.”
Does Josh Allen have what he needs to lead Bills to a title?
Josh Allen may have received individual accolades last season, but the year still ended in disappointment. It’s clear that both he and the entire city of Buffalo are desperate to move past years of heartbreak and finally break through to the Super Bowl. To achieve that long-sought goal, Allen will need to establish strong chemistry with his receivers.
Khalil Shakir is expected to headline the receiving corps for the second year in a row, while rookie Keon Coleman is poised for a breakout. Free-agent additions—and former high school teammates—Joshua Palmer and Elijah Moore bring valuable depth, with versatile weapon Curtis Samuel and rookie Kaden Prather also in the mix. Though not filled with household names, this wide receiver group has the potential to surprise in 2025.
For Elijah Moore, who joined the Bills this spring on a one-year deal worth up to \$5 million, this is a chance to grow and contribute to a legitimate championship contender for the first time in his NFL career. Drafted early in the second round by the New York Jets in 2021, Moore never quite found his footing—clashing with coaches over his role, requesting a trade, and eventually being moved to the Cleveland Browns. There, he totaled 120 catches for 1,178 yards and three touchdowns over 34 games.
But what happened before doesn’t matter now. In Buffalo, Moore gets a clean slate and a real opportunity to help this long-suffering franchise finally reach the NFL’s biggest stage.