Bills Emerge as Top AFC Contender After Free Agency Splurge

Analysts believe Buffalo has surpassed rivals like Broncos and Patriots after key offseason additions.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 11:49pm

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The Buffalo Bills have been one of the most active teams in NFL free agency, adding star players like pass rusher Bradley Chubb and wide receiver DJ Moore. Analysts believe these moves have elevated the Bills to the top of the AFC, potentially making them the best team in the conference ahead of rivals like the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots.

Why it matters

The Bills were already a perennial playoff contender, but their offseason additions could push them over the top and into Super Bowl contention. As the AFC landscape shifts, the Bills' ability to reload and improve their roster puts them in prime position to challenge for the conference crown.

The details

The Bills made two major moves in free agency, acquiring Chubb from the Miami Dolphins and trading for Moore from the Carolina Panthers. These additions are seen as significant upgrades that address key needs on both sides of the ball. Analyst Pete Prisco of CBS Sports has now ranked the Bills as the 3rd best team in the NFL, behind only the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks, making them the top-ranked AFC squad.

  • The Bills' free agency moves occurred in March 2026.

The players

Bradley Chubb

An All-Pro pass rusher who was acquired by the Bills in a trade with the Miami Dolphins.

DJ Moore

A Pro Bowl wide receiver who was traded to the Bills from the Carolina Panthers.

Joe Brady

The new offensive coordinator for the Bills, taking over for Sean McDermott.

Brandon Beane

The Bills' general manager who orchestrated the team's active free agency period.

Pete Prisco

A CBS Sports analyst who has ranked the Bills as the 3rd best team in the NFL in his latest power rankings.

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What they’re saying

“The two big moves they made were getting receiver DJ Moore in a trade and signing pass rusher Bradley Chubb. With Joe Brady taking over for Sean McDermott as coach, there is a lot of change going on.”

— Pete Prisco, CBS Sports Analyst

What’s next

The Bills' offseason moves will be closely watched as they aim to build on their recent playoff success and challenge for a Super Bowl berth in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Bills have emerged as the top contender in the AFC after a busy free agency period that saw them add elite talent on both offense and defense. With their roster upgrades and coaching changes, Buffalo is now widely viewed as the team to beat in the conference as they seek their first Super Bowl championship.