Buffalo’s Week 5 duel with New England hinges on three defensive X-factors: Terrel Bernard directing the front to curb Drake Maye’s legs, Joey Bosa generating sustained edge pressure against Morgan Moses, and Christian Benford locking Diggs on the outside. The Bills must shrink Maye’s rushing lanes, pressure the Patriots’ protection, and tighten Diggs’ target opportunities by shadowing him when Diggs returns to Buffalo.

For fantasy, expect Bernard to rack up tackles when Maye scrambles, Bosa to threaten multiple sacks or pressures, and Benford to influence Diggs’ ceiling by limiting big plays. If Buffalo disrupts rhythm and forces quick throws, Bills defenders become sneaky DFS plays, while Patriots pass protection and downfield looks will test Benford’s resolve and Maye’s improvisational ability.

Buffalo’s Week 3 win over Miami looked solid, but PFF’s final grades highlight a rough outing for five Bills defenders. Zion Logue, Christian Benford, Javon Solomon, Dorian Williams and TJ Sanders posted the five lowest marks on Buffalo’s defense, underscoring interior pressure and coverage gaps.

For fantasy managers, the takeaway is to watch how Buffalo adjusts its front and back end rotations. The low grades suggest volatility in the defensively anchored players while Buffalo tries to tighten scheme and snap distribution in upcoming matchups.

Buffalo sits at 3-0, with James Cook carving out a true workhorse role and Jackson Hawes thriving in heavy-package sets. Terrel Bernard is a game-changer on defense, Tre’Davious White looks solid in return, Deone Walker disrupts up front, and Matt Prater has been clutch after rejoining the Bills. Others—Greg Rousseau, Ray Davis, Joshua Palmer, Christian Benford, and Spencer Brown—haven’t hit, testing Buffalo’s depth as the schedule stiffens.