Why Matthew Stafford Is the QB to Beat in 2026

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen revealed the exact moment his relationship with newly acquired wide receiver DJ Moore began to click during training camp. Speaking after Wednesday’s session, Allen described feeling overly cautious when throwing to Moore initially, fearing he might miss opportunities due to perfectionism. However, he noted a shift occurred when he decided to trust his instincts and simply "pick a spot and let it go." This mindset, according to Allen, marked the turning point in their connection on the field. Allen emphasized that the change in approach allowed them to operate more freely, leading to improved synergy. The Bills acquired Moore in March as part of a trade with the Chicago Bears, giving up a 2026 second-round pick for the receiver and a 2026 fifth-round selection. Moore, who struggled with the Bears in 2025, posting 682 yards, six touchdowns, and 50 receptions, was expected to benefit from playing under Allen, whose leadership and experience could help reignite Moore’s performance. Moore’s previous peak came in 2023, when he recorded a career-high 1,364 yards and became one of the league’s top performers. General Manager Brandon Beane believed that moving Moore to Buffalo would provide the ideal environment for him to return to that level. Allen, who has consistently been regarded as one of the league’s premier quarterbacks, sees Moore as a crucial addition to his arsenal. With the Bills aiming to push deeper into the playoffs, having a dynamic receiver like Moore could be pivotal. Meanwhile, the Bills’ other wide receiver options remain in flux. Keon Coleman, entering his third season with the team, has yet to fully live up to the expectations placed upon him as a second-round pick in 2024. Despite 67 catches for 960 yards and eight touchdowns over two seasons, Coleman has shown inconsistency, particularly in terms of yardage per catch. His average dropped significantly from 19.2 yards per reception as a rookie to 10.6 yards per catch last season. Coleman faced criticism for a costly early drop during 7-on-7 drills at training camp, though he rebounded with a catch later in the session. The competition for targets in Buffalo is fierce. In addition to Coleman, the Bills have Khalil Shakir, who has been reliable but lacks the explosive upside of a true number-one receiver, and Skyler Bell, a recent draft pick from UConn with considerable upside. The arrival of Moore adds pressure on Coleman to deliver consistent performances, especially as the team looks to build a stable receiving corps capable of supporting Allen’s offensive ambitions. The Bills’ pursuit of a dominant wide receiver has been ongoing since they parted ways with Stefon Diggs, who was a key contributor for much of the 2020s. While Shakir has been dependable, the team has lacked a true WR1, leaving the door open for Moore to fill that role. With Allen’s arm strength and decision-making, the pairing of the two could create a formidable duo capable of elevating the Bills’ offense to new heights. Other teams in the AFC South are also navigating similar challenges. The Jacksonville Jaguars boast a deep and talented receiving corps, featuring Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington, and Jakobi Meyers, among others. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans, despite losing Tank Dell to injury, still have a strong core with Nico Collins and Jayden Higgins. The Tennessee Titans, meanwhile, are relying heavily on Carnell Tate and Wan’Dale Robinson, while the Indianapolis Colts struggle with uncertainty surrounding their young receivers. As training camps progress and the NFL season approaches, the focus will remain on how quickly players adapt to new systems and environments. For the Bills, the success of Moore and Coleman, and the development of younger players like Bell, could determine whether they can finally break through and reach the Super Bowl. With Allen continuing to refine his game and improve as a dual-threat quarterback, the team is positioned to challenge for playoff contention, provided their wide receiver room stabilizes. The coming months will test the depth and cohesion of the unit, setting the stage for what promises to be an intriguing season.