The start of a new campaign is a good time to look at the state of the NFL and set expectations for its top players. ESPN celebrated the start of the new season by having its NFL experts compile a list of their predictions for the league’s best 100 players in 2024, with the Buffalo Bills having just one representative on the list.

It won’t surprise you who that representative is, as quarterback Josh Allen is No. 5 on the list (up two spots from a year ago). Beat reporter Alaina Getzenberg wrote about how Allen is expected to be in the running for MVP in 2024.

“Allen is once again an MVP finalist in 2023 and has consistently proven over the past few seasons why he’s one of the league’s best quarterbacks — setting records on the ground and through the air while leading the Bills to four straight division titles,” Getzenberg wrote. “… Allen has new tests on his plate this season: working with only one wide receiver on the roster who has caught a pass from him in a game (Khalil Shakir), and becoming a more vocal leader.”

The list included a signature stat for each player and where their predictions will be for 2024. Allen is tied with Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady for the most seasons scoring at least 50 passing and rushing touchdowns combined with three seasons. He is projected to throw for 3,712 yards with 23 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while adding 496 rushing yards and nine rushing scores.

Those projected stats would be far below what he’s done in the past, as he’s passed for 4,000+ yards in four straight seasons and has run for at least 500 yards in five of his six NFL seasons. Even his passing touchdown projection is below what he’s done, as 23 would be his lowest since 2019, when he threw for 20 touchdowns. His rushing score projection is more in line with what he’s done recently, as he’s thrown for nine or more touchdowns just twice in his career (with last season being his most with 15).

Getzenberg’s comments on his leadership have been a topic of discussion in the offseason as Allen develops into a more defined leadership role. He has also expressed his enthusiasm for young receivers like second-round pick Keon Coleman and Shakir to take a step forward and develop chemistry with them before the season.

Expectations for Allen in 2024 continue to grow as the Bills’ offense will revolve around him. Their performance will determine whether Allen can win that coveted NFL MVP Award and lead Buffalo to the Super Bowl.

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