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Josh Allen's Buffalo Bills earn No. 4 spot in ESPN's 2026 NFL roster rankings

Nairavoice · Jul 6, 2026 · 2 min read

Josh Allen’s Buffalo Bills earn No. 4 spot in ESPN’s 2026 NFL roster rankings originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Buffalo enters another season with high expectations after building around one familiar face. ESPN believes that formula still gives the Bills one of the NFL’s best rosters.

Why ESPN ranked the Buffalo Bills No. 4 entering the 2026 NFL season

Many teams build around a good quarterback. The Bills build around one of the league’s best. That is the main reason ESPN placed Buffalo fourth in its 2026 NFL roster rankings, with Josh Allen again sitting at the center of the team’s title hopes.

Allen has been one of the NFL’s most steady quarterbacks for years. He has finished inside the top seven in QBR in each of the past six seasons and has ranked among the top three four times. His passing numbers remain strong, but his running ability continues to separate him from almost every other quarterback. Last season, he led all NFL quarterbacks in carries, rushing yards, and rushing touchdowns.

That dual threat gives Buffalo answers even when plays break down. Over the past three seasons, only Derrick Henry has scored more rushing touchdowns than Allen. ESPN believes that rare mix of passing and running keeps the Bills near the top of the league every year.

The report also points to one position that could cause problems. Linebacker lacks proven depth behind Terrel Bernard, who has missed nine games over the past two seasons. Dorian Williams may need to handle a larger workload, while Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles and rookie Kaleb Elarms-Orr compete for playing time. That could lead Buffalo to use three safeties more often under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard.

Leonhard may end up having as much influence as any new addition on the roster. Buffalo kept offensive continuity by promoting Joe Brady to head coach, but the defense now enters a different era after Sean McDermott. ESPN believes Leonhard’s work with an imperfect defense could play a large part in the Bills’ Super Bowl chances.

Running back Ray Davis also earned a mention despite not being a starter. He averaged 4.7 yards per carry while adding value as a receiver and kick returner last season. That production gives Buffalo another reliable option behind James Cook III whenever the offense needs fresh legs.