Captains’ Code: Breaking Down 2025 NFL Team DNA — Buffalo Bills
WELCOME TO MY NEW NFL PREVIEW SERIES, THE CAPTAINS’ CODE!
It’s been a long time coming, but for the next 32 days, we’re going to be previewing each NFL Franchise one by one. We’re also going to have tons of guest posts during the next 32 days1, so we’re not just looking at teams from one angle.
Everyone’s doing season previews — but we’re doing something different. The
Captains’ Code is all about what really makes or breaks an NFL team. It’s not just about rosters or vibes. It’s about the identity, the pressure points, the bold calls, and the one thing that could send everything crashing down… or finally take them over the top. No filler. Just straight-up football breakdowns that tell you what actually matters heading into 2025.
The X-Factor That Will Make or Break This Season
Keon Coleman and Dalton Kincaid have to be on their game this season. The Bills have other things to worry about right now when it comes to investing in a specific position. If they want to finally get past the hill and make it to the Super Bowl this season, one of these guys really has to break out. QB is one of their strongest positions, and they need someone to complement Khalil Shakir. If they can’t break out, the Bills need to shop for a playmaker.
Last Year’s Numbers:
Their offense ranked 2nd in points scored per game with 30.9, 9th in passing yards per game with 227.9, and 9th in rushing yards per game with 131.2. The team ranked 10th in total yards per game with 359.1. Defensively, they allowed 21.6 points per game, ranking 11th, and were 17th in total yards against per game. They ranked 21st in sacks with 37, but 5th in interceptions with 16. Their turnover differential was +24, ranking 1st overall.2
Key Player(s) to Watch: The Heroes and the Wild Cards
Josh Allen has to be right here, I mean, how can you not love watching this guy play football? Joey Bosa is another guy who is going to be extremely important for this Bills team, especially because the Bills know they took a huge risk signing this guy. If he can stay on the field for long enough, we know he could do big things, but if he can’t, it’s not going to be good for the Bills, especially since they lost Von Miller. A million-dollar uncertainty.
Coaching: What’s Different This Year?
Chris Tabor (special teams coordinator), Ryan Nielson (senior defensive assistant), Mike Pellegrino (nickelbacks coach), Jason Rebrovich (assistant defensive line), and Turner West (assistant special teams) are the new hires this offseason.
Offensive coordinator Joe Brady and defensive coordinator Bobby Babich are entering their second seasons in their respective roles.
The Bold Prediction
It’s crazy that I’m doing this in the literal first edition of this series, but I’m saying that this is going to be the year the Bills get past the Ravens and Chiefs and make it to the Super Bowl. Winning, though, heavily depends on 2 things.
Find a way to acquire a new safety. Taylor Rapp isn’t going to cut it.
Acquire a good cornerback to complement Christian Benford.
The Realistic Win Total & Why
If the Bills can find their way to get those 2 goals down, I can definitely see the Bills getting to 14 wins this season.
The Biggest Question Mark Heading Into 2025
Is this finally going to be the year the Bills make and win the Super Bowl?
This is absolutely the window for this team, because they have a lot of studs. It’s gonna be open longer than most other teams, but they have to make use of it.
My Takeaway
Suppose they can find a way to fix the whole at safety. Suppose Joey Bosa plays up to his potential. Suppose they can find another stud CB. The Lombardi Trophy is coming to Buffalo.
Guest posts don’t begin until we’re about 1-2 weeks into the series.
I used an experimental program to get me these statistics, so please don’t jump on me if they’re wrong.
Niners next!
Personally I think the biggest X-factor for the Bills is simply beating the Chiefs with their defence, instead of making the game high-scoring. Also, there’s a typo in the last paragraph, you put hole as whole.