Buffalo Bills DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir has been showing that he's a trusted asset for quarterback Josh Allen during training camp practices. Shakir had one of the biggest plays of the day on Tuesday, and it was a reminder of how much Allen trusts him in late-game situations. It started early in Shakir's rookie season, when he was the recipient of an Allen pass late against the Ravens in 2022. Shakir's role grew to a nearly high-snap player last year, and now the stage is set in 2024 for the Shakir-Allen connection to continue. The 24-year-old has been one of the most consistent, dependable players in camp so far. As things look now, Shakir should operate in three-wide sets to open the season in Buffalo, alongside rookie Keon Coleman and veteran Curtis Samuel. In deeper fantasy leagues, he might be worth a flier as a WR4/5 bench asset.

With Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson (undisclosed) suffering an undisclosed injury at training camp early this week, giving rookie running back Ray Davis a big opportunity in practices this week. After Johnson left, Davis was the clear second back on the field after starter James Cook, working in with quarterback Josh Allen and the first-team offense when Cook wasn't on the field. If Johnson's injury is serious, Davis will have a big opportunity to secure the top backup role to Cook to start the 2024 season. The rest of the Bills' RB depth chart features players who seem unlikely to make the 53-man roster. However, Buffalo could look to add a free-agent RB at some point this summer if Johnson requires an extended absence. Even when Johnson was healthy over the weekend, he split first-team reps with Davis with Cook sitting out.

Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson (undisclosed) suffered a noticeable injury after a significant hit from linebacker Terrel Bernard during a running play to the left side on Monday at training camp. Johnson, drafted by the Detroit Lions in the sixth round of 2019, has moved around the league before finding a place with the Bills in 2023. When starter James Cook missed practice on Sunday for personal reasons, Johnson and rookie Ray Davis split first-team reps almost evenly. This injury comes at a challenging time for Johnson, as he and Davis vie for the second spot on the depth chart, potentially giving Davis more opportunities. However, both backs may see playing time as they have distinct roles, with Davis being a power runner and Johnson being known for his speed and receiving skills. With Cook expected to handle most of the running back touches, Johnson's value is likely limited to a handcuff in fantasy at best.

Buffalo Bills rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman appears to be displaying early chemistry with quarterback Josh Allen in training camp. He was drafted with the 33rd pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to replace the void left by Stefon Diggs. Coleman has an excellent opportunity to step right in and take the reins as Buffalo's No. 1 wide receiver in 2024. At 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, the Bills rookie wideout is a far more physically imposing threat than Diggs. He slipped in the draft due to a 4.61 40-yard dash time, but he displays excellent physicality that should help him make up for a lack of straight-line speed. Coleman caught 50 passes for 658 yards and a whopping 11 touchdowns for the Florida State Seminoles in 2023. Barring injury, it is almost a foregone conclusion that Allen will throw for more than 30 touchdowns, and Coleman should have a solid touchdown equity share. Not to mention, Coleman is being drafted around WR49, but expect his ADP to rise with the latest news. He is a low-risk, high-reward player that should be a target for fantasy managers.

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook missed practice on Sunday due to a personal matter and has returned on Monday morning. His absence was excused on Sunday, so the likely starting running back is back on the field. Cook posted 1122 yards on 237 attempts and two touchdowns on the ground and 445 yards on 44 receptions with four scores. He had plenty of goal-line chances stolen by Josh Allen quarterback keepers, so Cook does have the potential to find the endzone a bit more this season. As of right now, Rotoballer has him ranked as the 15th-best RB in PPR formats. He'll see most of the groundwork with Ty Johnson as his main backup.