James Cook headlines the Bills’ 2025 countdown, with a rope-tight link between 2024 performance and 2025 expectations. In 2024, Cook racked up 1,267 total yards and 18 TDs, including 16 rushing scores, capping a season that earned him a second straight Pro Bowl. Buffalo’s plan for 2025 hinges on Cook shouldering a bulk of the carries, even as Ty Johnson and Ray Davis spell him on third downs. The big question remains: can Buffalo extend Cook amid public contract chatter, and at what price?

Projected to operate at roughly 50% of the snaps in 2024, Cook’s efficiency remained elite, averaging near 5 yards per carry and finding the end zone consistently. If he holds in and lands a reasonable extension, fantasy managers should expect 1,100–1,400 rushing yards with a double-digit TD tally, while the Bills’ offense continues to generate plenty of red-zone opportunities. The contract dynamic could temper volatility, but Cook’s role looks secure for 2025.

Beyond Cook, the countdown highlights a mix of Bills stars and playmakers who’ll shape Buffalo’s ceiling in 2025, including linebackers, defensive linemen, and core pass-catchers who will be counted on to sustain a Lombardi push. The blend of proven veterans and fresh faces under the same offensive system could unlock value across several fantasy rosters as the Bills chase a championship in a loaded AFC.

Taron Johnson exited the Bills’ preseason opener with a head injury but walked off on his own. He underwent a concussion evaluation in the blue medical tent and was cleared to return, a relief for Buffalo’s secondary amid other injury concerns. The Bills listed Maxwell Hairston and Taylor Rapp as out for the Giants game with knee injuries, while Cole Bishop sat with a quadriceps issue. Johnson’s preseason involvement showcased his typical playmaking on the edge of Buffalo’s scheme, but the backfield of Bills cornerbacks and safeties remains a focal point for fantasy managers as the roster shakes out.

Daniel Bellinger was a focal point on the Giants’ opening drive, where Buffalo’s celebration of the stop masked the underlying depth chart questions in New York’s pass-catching corps. Jaxson Dart, the rookie, delivered a concise connection to Greg Gulcich on a second-quarter sequence, underscoring the Giants’ evolving offense. Buffalo’s defense took measured notes, while Denver’s Dulcich wasn’t part of this matchup, leaving questions about how all the tight end rotations shake out in the early stages of the season. In short, Johnson’s health headline, plus the listed injuries to Hairston, Rapp and Bishop, is the fantasy story of the night—spot players could emerge as immediate beneficiaries in Week 1 action.

The Buffalo Bills are making significant strides in their defensive backfield as they transition from the Micah Hyde-Jordan Poyer era. With both players having left a lasting impact on the team, the Bills are looking to new talents to step up and fill their shoes. The focus is on the promising duo of Damar Hamlin and Taylor Rapp, who are expected to lead the charge in the secondary.

Hamlin, who gained national attention last season, aims to demonstrate his resilience and skill while Rapp's versatile play style is expected to enhance the Bills' defensive strategy. Collectively, they are tasked with ensuring that the transition is smooth and that the defensive unit remains competitive in a tough AFC East. Their development during training camp will be crucial for both individual and team success.

The Buffalo Bills continue to enhance their secondary as they prepare for the upcoming season, making strategic investments over the last few years. Significant signings include Taylor Rapp and Taron Johnson, both secured with three-year contracts. This offseason, the focus has shifted to retaining Damar Hamlin on a one-year deal while executing a lucrative four-year, $76 million contract for Christian Benford. Furthermore, their first-round draft pick was dedicated to cornerback Maxwell Hairston, highlighting a commitment to fortifying this critical unit amidst a league filled with dynamic passing attacks.

In an ambitious move towards Super Bowl contention, proposals for a blockbuster trade have emerged, potentially bringing Tyrann Mathieu to Buffalo from the New Orleans Saints. This deal would see the Bills part ways with tight end Dawson Knox, while the Atlanta Falcons acquire quarterback Kirk Cousins. Mathieu, a dynamic safety, could significantly elevate the Bills' defensive capabilities, offering versatility and experience that outmatches other players currently in the roster.

The Buffalo Bills face a pivotal season as they look to bolster their safety position following the departure of veterans Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer. In 2024, the secondary saw Taylor Rapp and Damar Hamlin take over starting roles, alongside rookies Cole Bishop and Cam Lewis on the depth chart. This transition led to a significant drop in pass defense performance, contrasting sharply from their impressive seventh-place finish in 2023 to 24th in 2024.

Defensive coordinator Bobby Babich expressed confidence in the current roster, highlighting Rapp's solid performance, including three interceptions, and Hamlin's growth in his second year post-recovery. Despite the analytics showing a decline in defensive output, Babich noted that improvement is expected as players adapt to their roles and the defense overall finds its footing.