Why this year is Josh Allen and the Bills' best shot at a Super Bowl

The Buffalo Bills just sent a loud message to the rest of the NFL, and it may have come at the perfect time.

After pulling off a stunning 35–31 comeback win on the road against the New England Patriots — a game where Buffalo trailed by 21 points — the Bills kept the AFC East race alive and reminded everyone exactly who they are. More importantly, it reinforced a growing belief around the league: this season might be Josh Allen and the Bills’ best chance yet to finally reach the Super Bowl.

Buffalo’s win over New England wasn’t just another regular-season comeback. It was proof that the Bills can survive adversity, stay composed, and finish games when everything seems to be going wrong. And now, with the Patriots no longer looking untouchable, Buffalo heads toward the postseason knowing they can beat their biggest divisional rival when it matters most.

Even bigger than the Patriots situation is what’s happening elsewhere in the AFC. The Kansas City Chiefs — Buffalo’s long-time playoff roadblock — have been mathematically eliminated, and Patrick Mahomes is dealing with an unfortunate injury. For years, Kansas City has stood in Buffalo’s way.

The Chiefs beat the Bills in the 2020 AFC Championship Game.
They broke Buffalo’s heart again in the 2021 Divisional Round with the infamous “13 seconds” game.
They knocked the Bills out once more in the 2022 Divisional Round.

No opponent has haunted Josh Allen and the Bills more than Kansas City. And now, for the first time in the Allen era, the path to the Super Bowl doesn’t include them.

That alone changes everything.

This AFC also doesn’t have a clear front-runner. There’s no dominant, unbeatable team separating itself from the pack. Week to week, it looks like anybody can beat anybody. That kind of chaos usually favors a team with an elite quarterback, playoff experience, and a defense that can make timely plays — all things Buffalo has.

That said, one team did stand out after yesterday: Denver. The Broncos look dangerous, physical, and confident, and they may be the toughest matchup left in the conference. Still, even Denver doesn’t feel untouchable.

For Josh Allen and the Bills, the stars are finally lining up. The Chiefs are out. The Patriots are vulnerable. The AFC is wide open. And Buffalo is battle-tested, confident, and playing its best football when it matters most.

If the Bills are ever going to break through and reach the Super Bowl, it feels like this is the year.