Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Buffalo Bills Week 9 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Buffalo Bills rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 4.6 (4th)
  • Best ranking: 3rd (CBS Sports)
  • Worst ranking: 6th (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 9 roundup for the Bills in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 6

Biggest Achilles' heel: Special-teams inconsistency

Buffalo doesn't punt often (third fewest in the NFL with 21). But when Matt Haack has been needed, he has been inconsistent, averaging a net of 36.1 yards (second lowest of any team). Only 28.6% of his punts have been taken over inside the 20-yard line. Kicker Tyler Bass has been solid for the Bills this season, and defensive back Siran Neal has been dynamic in kick coverage, but returner Isaiah McKenzie muffed a punt vs. the Dolphins in Week 8 and was bailed out by Jake Kumerow. The inconsistencies on special teams have put the Bills in some dangerous situations. -- Alaina Getzenberg

NFL.com -- Rank: 4

They had to get through a bye week to do it, but the Bills finally got to put Week 6's painful prime-time loss to the Titans in the rearview, courtesy of a workmanlike 26-11 win over the Dolphins in Orchard Park. Buffalo's defense returned to action in fine form, holding Miami to just 262 total yards. The offense took more time but eventually found its footing: The Bills scored 23 points on their final four possessions, turning a 3-3 nail-biter into the latest comfortable win over a division rival they've owned in recent years. The schedule stays soft with a Week 9 tilt against the 1-7 Jaguars.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 3

They didn't look great against the Dolphins, but found a way to rally in the second half. The offense looked lethargic at times, which can't happen against good teams.

USA Today -- Rank: 6

QB Josh Allen has 26 TD runs, 57 TD passes and zero interception in the red zone during his four-year career. Think he might add to those figures in Jacksonville on Sunday?

The Athletic -- Rank: 4

How's the head coach? The Bills completed their season sweep of the Dolphins on Sunday. And while it wasn't exactly a beautiful blowout, it was an important reminder that Sean McDermott has prepared this team to survive adversity and win in multiple ways. The Bills had just 80 passing yards in the first half, and quarterback Josh Allen reflected on a virtual team meeting with golfer Phil Mickleson over the summer for inspiration. McDermott orchestrated that meeting, and it paid off months later: Allen calmed himself down and led three second-half touchdown drives.

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