Why The Buffalo Bills Can Win Super Bowl LIX - Conference Championship Week Edition

January 21, 2025

John dives into how and why the Washington Commanders can win Super Bowl LIX and come out on top for the 2024-25 season. Josh Allen, James Cook, and the defense could be the keys to victory.

The Buffalo Bills knocked off the Baltimore Ravens 27-25 in the Divisional round of the 2024-2025 NFL playoffs. The likely-to-be MVP, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, one of the best running backs in the NFL in Baltimore's lead RB Derrick Henry, and a surging defense that played well against everyone not named Ja'Marr Chase and Joe Burrow were no match for Buffalo.

In doing so, the Bills may have beaten the other best team in the league this year. While the Ravens had some shocking losses down the stretch, the strength of their roster on both sides of the ball and Jackson's (non-playoff) resume have been impressive.

Here's why the Bills have what it takes to bring the Lombardi Trophy home, though.

Why The Buffalo Bills Can Win Super Bowl LIX

The first and most obvious answer here is quarterback Josh Allen. He's been on a tear since his first playoff game, and his incredibly high level of play elevates his team throughout the postseason. Unlike Jackson, who has a 3-4 playoff record despite having great offensive and defensive talent around him and still crumbles when the lights shine the brightest, Allen's play actually improves when the stakes are higher.

Career in playoffs:
Lamar Jackson: 12 total TD, 11 turnovers
Josh Allen: 30 total TD, 6 turnovers
Pat Mahomes: 47 total TD, 9 turnovers

There are legitimate reasons for narratives. Two more quarters from one narrative ratcheting up.

— Micah Adams (@MAdamsStatGuy) January 20, 2025

If your QB produces five times the amount of touchdowns as he does turnovers, you'll have a chance if you can make it to the big game. The problem is making it there first, but if they manage to squeeze past the Kansas City Chiefs, who have similarly elite-level play from their signal-caller, Patrick Mahomes, they've likely cleared their most significant hurdle to immortality.

The offensive line is another big piece of the puzzle. They've played at an elite level all season, allowing Allen plenty of time to throw and running back James Cook to score 19 total touchdowns and rack up 1,536 total yards of offense, averaging 4.8 yards per carry.

James Cook leading all running backs in TD’s and not being a pro bowler is definitely something #BillsMafia | #GoBills
pic.twitter.com/QQNaOG3YBv

— Peter DiBiasi (@DibiasiPeter) January 2, 2025

He was able to do all this despite averaging less than 50% of his team's offensive snaps, underscoring how great the blocking was. He was also seventh in yards before contact per attempt among RBs who had 150 or more rushing attempts, further evidence that the OL played at a high level.

The last piece is the defense, who played fantastically in both their playoff games. When they're fully healthy, they can make fantastic, tide-turning plays that can elevate them over the two remaining NFC teams. They're the definition of clutch.

.@Ravens @BuffaloBills Matt Milano with this tipped pass to break up the first 2 point try. Could have made it 21-21 easily if not for MM. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/98Q71msEbK

— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) January 20, 2025

If the injured defenders return, they can help the Bills win their first ring in team history.

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