Bills Super Bowl odds could hinge on Damar Hamlin

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin’s recovery from cardiac arrest has been nothing short of amazing.

While his football future is still up in the air, it’s impossible to understate Hamlin’s importance to the Bills last season. With Micah Hyde (who is expected back next season) injured, Hamlin stepped in to start 13 games for Buffalo, recording 91 tackles, 1.5 sacks and forcing a fumble.

With Bills safety Jordan Poyer hitting free agency this summer and looking like a candidate to go to a different team, the Bills certainly could use Hamlin (if he decides to continue playing football) to take his place.

Buffalo is second in the league in the odds to win Super Bowl 58, but losing an elite player like Poyer could hurt that. Here’s a look at how things stand this offseason:

Bills’ odds to win Super Bowl 58

Damar Hamlin’s status could have huge impact on Bills’ offseason

It seems like Hamlin wants to keep playing if he is physically able to, which would be a huge boost for the Bills. Prior to his injury, Hamlin was the Bills’ leading tackler in the 2022 season.

Buffalo would have a built-in replacement for Poyer, who has been one of the NFL’s best safeties over the past few seasons.

Poyer appeared in 12 games for Buffalo last season, picking up off four passes and making 63 tackles. He has recorded multiple interceptions in each of his last six seasons with the Bills.

While one defensive player doesn’t make or break the team’s chances, losing Poyer without an adequate replacement would be a blow to a solid Bills defense. If Hamlin is able to play, he is one of the best replacements Buffalo could have this offseason.

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Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.