The Buffalo Bills' offseason has been largely about the franchise retaining its key stars with Khalil Shakir, Greg Rousseau, Terrel Bernard, Josh Allen and Ty Johnson all getting extensions.
As far as additions go, Joshua Palmer will look to add a speed element for Joe Brady's offense, while Joey Bosa adds some much-needed juice to the pass rush, and so do Michael Hoecht and Larry Ogunjobi.
Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals' offseason has been about much the same, with the gigantic-money deals given to receiving stars
But for a Bills team coming off an AFC Championship appearance, and for a Bengals team coming off a disappointing year, is that enough for these two to contend for the Super Bowl again?
In naming the top five teams capable of challenging the Philadelphia Eagles, CBS Sports has the Bills coming in at No. 5.
"Barring a surprise trade or blockbuster draft pick, Josh Allen is once again set to rely on a so-so receiver group, which is betting on ex-Los Angeles Chargers reserve Joshua Palmer as the speed threat," CBS Sports writes. "Still, as long as Allen is upright, this team should be feisty. Sean McDermott's defensive front also has the potential to take a big leap if Joey Bosa can stay healthy as Greg Rousseau's new running mate off the edge."
And Cincy? CBS actually puts them at No. 2.
They write: "This is all about Joe Burrow, really. He was MVP-caliber in 2024, but a porous defense basically overshadowed every one of his gargantuan aerial performances. That lineup remains iffy, but the "D" also can't be much worse than it was a year ago. Now that both (receivers) are locked up financially, perhaps their elite offensive tandem will be more at ease, ready to return to a big stage.''
Granted, there are a lot of "what-ifs" with the signings.
In Buffalo ... Can Palmer be a genuine outlet for Allen, emerge as a potential No. 2 receiver, and consistently contribute to the offense? Can Bosa, who has had injury troubles over the past couple of seasons, stay out of the treatment room?
In Cincy ... Does money solve everything? And what about the defense and Trey Hendrickson's contract controversy?
Is Buffalo the fifth-best challenger to the Eagles? Is Cincy No. 2? It is quite the conversation starter among AFC contenders.
