July 08, 2026

ESPN Can't Make Up Their Minds About The Bills

1 hour 4 minutes

On this episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran is joined by Matt Warren of SB Nation and Buffalo Rumblings to break down the latest ESPN rankings surrounding the Buffalo Bills and debate whether the national media truly knows what to make of this roster heading into training camp.

The guys discuss ESPN ranking the Bills as having the 4th-best projected starting lineup in the NFL despite previously placing Buffalo near the bottom of the league in skill position talent. Patrick and Matt debate whether Josh Allen alone elevates the roster or if Buffalo is still being underrated nationally.

They also dive into recent NFL positional rankings, including James Cook landing as the league’s 7th-best running back according to NFL executives, coaches, and scouts. Plus, Christian Benford being left completely off ESPN’s top cornerback rankings sparks frustration and a deeper conversation about underrated Bills players.

Other major topics include:

Why Buffalo’s linebacker room could be the team’s biggest weakness entering 2026

Potential breakout candidates like Jackson Hawes and Javon Solomon

Whether Keon Coleman benefits from Joe Brady replacing Sean McDermott

How dangerous the New England Patriots may actually be this season

Bills training camp storylines and controversy surrounding the new stadium practice access

Key Takeaways

James Cook continues earning league-wide respect after finishing as the NFL’s leading rusher.

Christian Benford may be one of the NFL’s most underrated players despite strong production.

Buffalo’s defense remains filled with question marks, especially at linebacker and safety.

Joe Brady’s leadership could unlock bigger roles for players like Keon Coleman and James Cook.

The Patriots may be a much bigger AFC East threat than many Bills fans expect.

Timestamps / Chapters

0:00 – ESPN rankings and Bills roster debates

9:40 – James Cook ranked among NFL’s best RBs

22:15 – Christian Benford snubbed from top CB rankings

39:50 – Is linebacker Buffalo’s biggest weakness?

57:20 – Keon Coleman & Javon Solomon breakout discussion

Today’s episode is brought to you by the law offices of William Mattar. Hurt in a car, call William Mattar. 444-4444. Call William Mattar today to get the compensation you deserve.

The Talking Buffalo online merch store is now live! You can purchase t shirts, hoodies, zip ups, crewnecks and polos in a couple of different styles and colors. Visit our online page for pricing and options and while there, check out Buf on Weck for tons of cool gear!

Please be sure to subscribe to Talking Buffalo on the audio side, even if you usually watch the show via YouTube. Several of the links to follow Talking Buffalo can be found right here.

Also if you’re not yet subscribed to Talking Buffalo on YouTube, please do so and be sure to hit the LIKE button on the videos, it really helps with the algorithm!

♦♦♦♦♦

Follow Patrick Moran/Talking Buffalo Podcast

Substack: Patrick Moran’s Substack

Twitter: @PatrickMoranTB

Blue Sky: @PatrickMoranTB.bsky.social

Instagram: @PatrickMoranTB

Facebook: Talking Buffalo Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

...more