Khalil Shakir earns No. 8 on Bills 2025’s top-30 countdown after a breakthrough 2024 season that saw him post career highs in targets (100), receptions (76) and receiving yards (821) while Josh Allen leaned on him as Buffalo’s primary outside weapon. He locked in a four-year, $53 million extension, underscoring the team’s plans to lean on him again in 2025. With Josh Palmer and Elijah Moore adding, Shakir’s role remains pivotal though a persistent ankle sprain could delay Week 1 usage. The Bills’ offense should continue to funnel targets his way, especially if he maintains Week 1 readiness.

Buffalo’s 2025 outlook centers on Shakir as the WR1-ish talent in a revamped group that also includes Keon Coleman and Dalton Kincaid, plus a backfield led by James Cook. Shakir’s route-running elusiveness and catch-after-the-catch ability remain his calling cards, even as external additions pressure the defense to respect more options. The health question—an ankle sprain in August—remains the wild card that could shape his early-season workload and fantasy value.

Beyond Shakir, the countdown highlights Bills core contributors who shape fantasy upside: James Cook at running back, Connor McGovern at center, Tyler Bass as a reliable kicker, and a defensive line anchored by Ed Oliver, AJ Epenesa and DaQuan Jones, plus Tre’Davious White in the secondary. Together they form a high-upside, offense-driven core with room to grow as Buffalo chases a Lombardi.

Buffalo’s preseason opener highlighted a dramatic backup-QB stare-down between Mitch Trubisky and Mike White, each leading crisp first- and third-quarter drives and helping the Bills test depth behind Josh Allen. Trubisky flashed efficiency, connecting with Dawson Knox for an 11-yard TD and threading a late-second-quarter 58-yard strike to Tyrell Shavers to set up a field goal. White answered with two TD drives, including a 39-yard connection to KJ Hamler and a late-fourth TD to Darrynton Evans, plus a two-point conversion. James Cook’s absence and the looming 53-man cuts sharpen the back-end questions, while Shenault’s versatility and Shavers’ emergence give Buffalo intriguing six- and potentially kickoff-return options. Ed Oliver, Matt Milano, and Tre’Davious White supplied sturdy defense in limited reps, underscoring how close the competition is and what talent sticks for Week 1. The Giants’ late sequence exposed some Bills’ slip-ups, but the overall takeaway is clear: Buffalo’s backfield, WRs, and special-teams depth will drive fall-cut decisions in a season where every spot matters.

As the Buffalo Bills gear up for the 2025 NFL season, defensive end A.J. Epenesa stands out as a pivotal player on the roster. Coming off a solid 2024 season where he started in 13 games and maintained a consistent performance with at least six sacks, Epenesa's role is expected to expand further. His cap hit for the upcoming season is $7,487,000, reflecting the team's confidence in his abilities. With a focus on enhancing the Bills' defense, Epenesa's physical presence and pass-rushing skills will be crucial in their quest for playoff success.

Looking ahead, questions arise about how Epenesa will adapt to new defensive strategies and whether he can elevate his game to become a top-tier edge rusher. The coaching staff's decisions regarding his usage will be under scrutiny, especially as the team integrates new talent to complement existing players. Epenesa's ability to perform under pressure and his work ethic will be vital as the Bills aim for a deeper playoff run.