The Buffalo Bills appeared to be closer than ever to reaching the Super Bowl with Josh Allen last year, but again, they fell at the final hurdle.
Now, as 2025 approaches, following an offseason that has seen the defense receive several upgrades, particularly to its pass rush, and Allen acquire another weapon in Joshua Palmer, the Bills' roster appears to be, on paper at least, Super Bowl-caliber.
But under Sean McDermott, can this version of the Bills do something that the teams of the early 90s couldn't and finally break through?
NFL.com's Eric Edholm ranked all teams without a Super Bowl win, and named Buffalo as his top candidate to break their drought.
"Everyone knows the Bills’ story: four straight Super Bowl appearances, no victories," Edholm writes. "But that doesn’t tell it all. Buffalo has played multiple playoff games each of the past five seasons, losing twice to the Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game in that span. Painfully close to a dream deferred, yet still so far from the elusive rings.
"But with Josh Allen, those dreams can’t be shelved. With a pretty loaded roster, the 2025 Bills have a real opportunity to fulfill their Super Bowl dreams."
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17).
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17).
© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Bills have been a dominant force in the regular season over the past few years, but when it comes to the playoffs and, in particular, the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo has seen its season end at the hands of Patrick Mahomes four straight times.
Is this upcoming season the time when Allen and Co. can finally bring it all together and not only make the Super Bowl, but win it?
They have the roster to do it, but the mental scars of previous failings will be hard to overcome. If Allen can put on the Superman cape, then who knows? Maybe he will be the one to finally end Buffalo's title drought.