Keon Coleman has quickly won over Bills Mafia with his engaging personality and viral moments. However, his performance on the field in September will be critical to maintaining fan support.
The Bills face one of the toughest schedules in the league, a topic that seems to come up every year. The AFC East is a highly competitive division, with three teams vying for the title. Despite the challenges, the Bills have consistently managed to come out on top. Can they do it again in 2024?
This question looms larger this season due to significant roster changes. Key defensive players Jordan Poyer, Tre’Davious White, and possibly Micah Hyde are no longer with the team. The most impactful change, however, occurred on offense with the trade of wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans. Fans initially expected the Bills to draft a receiver, but after the trade, the expectation was to draft two.
Surprisingly, the Bills did not select two receivers, but they did use their first pick, 33rd overall, to draft Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman. Coleman’s selection was controversial due to his underwhelming 40-yard dash at the combine. Nevertheless, Bills Mafia quickly embraced his charismatic personality, leading to viral videos and earning him the nickname Keon “Cookie” Coleman.
This nickname isn’t new to the Bills, as older fans remember running back Cookie Gilchrist, a key player in the team’s 1964 AFL championship victory. The new “Cookie” could symbolize a promising future for the Bills. However, before any predictions can be made, the Bills must navigate a challenging 17-game schedule, with four games in particular set to define Coleman’s rookie season.
**Week 2: at Miami Dolphins**
This game will mark Keon Coleman’s first road appearance in the NFL, and it comes against the Bills’ biggest division rival, the Miami Dolphins. A victory in Miami would be a strong statement for Buffalo early in the season, providing Coleman with a prime opportunity to showcase his talents.
The Dolphins’ defense has seen significant changes this offseason, including the addition of several new faces. Their secondary features a rookie cornerback, Isaiah Johnson, an undrafted free agent standing at 6’3″, who is likely the only defensive back that matches Coleman’s size. The Bills and Coleman should be able to exploit several mismatches in this game.
For Coleman, there’s no better way to endear himself to Bills Mafia than by having a standout performance against the Dolphins. While he doesn’t need to deliver a ten-reception, 120-yard, two-touchdown game, making key plays in crucial moments is essential. The Bills are looking for Coleman to show up when his number is called, potentially making a significant impact like Puka Nacua did in his rookie year. Key contributions in big moments will be what the Bills are counting on from Coleman, and this game provides a perfect stage for him to start.
**Week 5: at Houston Texans**
It would be thrilling if Keon Coleman outshines Stefon Diggs in this matchup, especially if the Bills secure a victory. The spotlight will be on the Allen versus Diggs storyline, but can Coleman steal the show with a dominant performance? While no one expects Coleman to statistically replace Diggs, outperforming him in this game would be a significant milestone in Coleman’s rookie season.
In my weekly score predictions, I have the Bills winning this game decisively. Buffalo will be motivated and ready to make a statement. I also anticipate Allen will target Coleman frequently to prove a point, and I’m excited about that. Beyond the inevitable Coleman versus Diggs discussions that week, the Bills must secure a win against the Texans, who will likely be competitors in the AFC playoff race. Last season, the Bills lacked key tiebreakers, so avoiding that issue in 2024 is crucial.
**Week 6: at New York Jets**
The Bills’ offense has struggled against the Jets recently, making this matchup a potential defining moment for Keon Coleman. If he can help the team break that trend, it would be significant. New York’s defense consistently challenges Josh Allen, and Coleman could provide the needed spark to sustain drives and score points, something Buffalo has lacked in past encounters. Sauce Gardner, the Jets’ top corner and one of the best in the league, could potentially shadow Coleman in this game.
The Jets’ defensive strategy will hinge on how the Bills and Coleman perform during the first month of the season. If Coleman is making plays consistently, Gardner might be assigned to follow him. If that happens, it could open up opportunities for Dalton Kincaid and Khalil Shakir to have big games. Imagine the excitement if Coleman manages to outplay Gardner and score a touchdown—it would be a fantastic highlight for his rookie season.
**Week 11: vs Kansas City Chiefs**
Initially, I hesitated to pick this game because it seemed like an obvious choice. However, upon reflection, I realized it’s too significant to overlook. Outside of the Dolphins, the Chiefs are the Bills’ biggest rival. Buffalo has struggled against Kansas City in the postseason but has won three straight regular-season games against them, all on the road. This time, Buffalo gets to face the Chiefs at home for a regular season showdown.
In previous matchups, the Bills have seen incredible performances from their receivers, such as Gabe Davis’s 200-plus yard, four-touchdown game and Stefon Diggs’s ten receptions for 148 yards. But both of those players are out, and although Khalil Shakir managed seven receptions last season, he only accumulated 44 yards. Buffalo will need someone to step up in the passing game.
Keon Coleman could be that player, and if he delivers an outstanding performance and the Bills win, he’ll win over every Bills fan who isn’t already a supporter. By the time we reach this game, we’ll have a clearer picture of the Buffalo Bills and Keon Coleman’s impact, and I can’t wait to see it unfold.
