The Buffalo Bills (5-1) are far from a perfect football team through the first six weeks of the 2026 NFL season.
But they find themselves in first place in the AFC East and in second place in the AFC heading into their bye week, despite their flaws on defense—ranking 28th in points allowed, 31st in total yards, passing yards, and first downs allowed, and 30th in EPA per play allowed.
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As head coach Joe Brady and his coaches scheme up ways to address the issues that could derail Buffalo’s Super Bowl dreams, today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks leads off by examining what has gone right and what has gone wrong for the Bills through six weeks.
Check out the news items below and then let us know your thoughts on in the comments section.
What’s gone right, what’s gone wrong for the Bills so far?
First, the good: Josh Allen and the offense are on a prolific scoring pace to start the year, leading the league in scoring offense (32.8 points per game). According to research conducted by ESPN.com Buffalo Bills beat reporter Nick Suss, only 14 teams in NFL history have maintained that scoring pace over a complete season. Of those teams, they averaged 13 wins per season, made it to the conference championship game nine times, and played for a Super Bowl six times.
Additionally in the good column: Allen leads the league in rushing touchdowns with eight and is in the top five in QBR (76.2), while Cook has the most carries of 10+ yards of any back in the league. The steady offensive line and rushing attack rank in the top three in most yards gained before contact. Wide receiver Keon Coleman is enjoying a resurgent third season in the league. Defensive tackle Deone Walker has developed into a disruptive force in the middle of the defense. Greg Rousseau and the defense rank in the top five in QB pressures. Buffalo’s special teams units lead the league in field goal accuracy and net yards per punt.
As for the bad: In his first year as defensive coordinator, Jim Leonhard’s unit has surrendered the league’s most passing yards and second-most passing touchdowns. The defense is struggling to get off the field on third down, allowing opponents to convert on 45% of their third-down attempts, the fifth-worst mark in the league. Opposing offenses are completing 70% percent of their passes on second down while averaging almost six yards per play, and the Bills are allowing 1.5 touchdowns per fourth quarter this year, the worst rate for any defense in any season going back to at least the 1977 campaign.
Add it all up and the coaches should be busy this week trying to devise solutions to the issues that have plagued this team through the first six weeks.
- Why the Bills have been historically good, and bad, heading into bye – ESPN.com Buffalo Bills blog
- Bye week state of the Bills: Secondary is primary concern for defense – Buffalo News (subscription required)
- Bills’ Leonhard lands on list of coordinators under pressure – Democrat & Chronicle
- Buffalo Bills survive Raiders scare to reach 5-1: What should fans be encouraged and worried about? – newyorkupstate
- Bills’ Stock Report: Ray Davis Rising, Maxwell Hairston Falling as Bye Week Arrives – Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills
- Key Stat That Explains NFL Leader Keon Coleman’s Redemption Arc With Bills – Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills
- Upon Further Review: Bills’ most improved player? Start with Keon Coleman – Buffalo News (subscription required)
- Dan Orlovsky: Bills Offensive Principals, Keon Coleman’s Rise, And Post-Bye Adjustments – BuffaloBills.com
- Bye week state of the Bills: How has DJ Moore’s absence impacted them? – Buffalo News (subscription required)
- Josh Allen was poised, accurate and creative vs. Raiders – Buffalo News (subscription required)
Even more Bills news
Exploring center Connor McGovern’s journey to the NFL and how he found a home with the Bills. Plus, discussing whether there is a respect issue for the Bills with first-year head coach Joe Brady; and tight end Dalton Kincaid has been tabbed by ESPN to be the guest picker for its “College Game Day” show.
- Behind Connor McGovern’s Rise to the NFL & Finding a Home in Buffalo | Beyond Blue & Red – BuffaloBills.com
- Do Bills Have Enough Respect for ‘Fun Uncle’ Joe Brady as Head Coach? – Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills
- Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid selected as guest picker for ESPN College Game Day – KUTV
- ESPN’s reveals ‘College GameDay’ guest picker for Week 8 – AL.com
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