Buffalo Bills’ quarterback Josh Allen is turning heads in the 2024 NFL season, with his performance pushing him into MVP contention. Former Buffalo Bills linebacker Shawne Merriman attributes Allen’s success this season to his ability to play without the pressure of a top-tier wide receiver. Since the Bills traded star receiver Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans, Allen has adopted a new approach that’s paying off handsomely.
Allen’s Stellar Season So Far
Through the first eight weeks of the NFL season, Allen has displayed impressive stats, completing 143 of 223 passes for 1,766 yards, delivering 14 touchdowns with only one interception, and steering the Bills to a strong 6-2 record. Allen currently leads the MVP race with odds of +270, slightly ahead of other standout quarterbacks like Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson, Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes, and Detroit’s Jared Goff, according to FanDuel.
Despite previous MVP nominations, Allen has never clinched the award. This season, however, with consistent high-level performance, Shawne Merriman believes that Allen’s shot at the MVP trophy is stronger than ever. “Josh Allen, he’s a Hall of Fame caliber quarterback…I think we’re overlooking his greatness,” Merriman said in an exclusive interview with Mirror U.S. Sports. “He’s done some immaculate things. The difference this season is he’s spreading the ball around.”
A Fresh Approach Without Diggs
Buffalo’s decision to trade Stefon Diggs in April 2024, alongside draft picks, marked a significant shift for the team. With Diggs gone, the Bills have turned to a more distributed receiver strategy, with Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, and newcomer Amari Cooper filling in as Allen’s targets. This change, according to Merriman, allows Allen to spread his passes and play with less pressure. “I think that’s a lot of pressure off of Josh Allen, when you’re not consistently having to look at one guy to throw him the ball,” Merriman explained.
The Bills’ Under-the-Radar Success
The Bills are currently tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers for second place in the AFC, while Kansas City remains the only unbeaten team. Despite the focus on the Chiefs and a potential third Super Bowl win, Merriman suggests the Bills are quietly positioning themselves as serious Super Bowl contenders. “They’re playing really good at three phases of the game, right? And that’s why they’re winning games,” Merriman said, noting that the Bills’ understated success is helping them avoid the spotlight—a position he sees as advantageous.
With “The Ultimate Fan Zone” event coming to Buffalo through Merriman’s Lights Out Sports TV, fans are getting an insider’s view on a season that could see the Bills as dark-horse champions. While Kansas City garners the bulk of the attention, Merriman believes that Buffalo’s quiet victories are setting the stage for a powerful season climax.
