Episode 3 of Hard Knocks with the Buffalo Bills zeroes in on football, but the bearings have fantasy impact. James Cook’s four-year, $48 million deal cements him as a core feature back, likely pushing volume in red-zone and short-yardage roles. Josh Allen remains the engine, flashing clean red-zone timing and mobility that heightens Bills’ scoring upside. Ed Oliver’s off-field storylines hint at a high-motivation defensive line that could lock in consistent interior pressure against a Bears offense still finding its rhythm. The show also spotlights under-the-radar contributors who could shape late-season rosters, from Ja’Marcus Ingram and Jimmy Ciarlo’s perseverance to Connor McGovern’s leadership vibe in the locker room.

In fantasy terms, the episode suggests Cook remains a strong RB2 with RB1 spike potential in optimal setups, while Allen’s efficiency supports solid QB1 floors. Oliver’s relentless energy could translate into steady interior pressure stats for IDP leagues, and Milano’s leadership moment underscores Bills’ defensive cohesion going into the season. The Bills’ camaraderie—McGovern’s pizza party, Allen’s missed group invites—frames a healthy, chemistry-forward environment that often translates to practical, on-field gains for fantasy managers.

Buffalo Bills injuries are driving late-roster churn as preseason winds down. Connor McGovern tweaked a hamstring and was held out of Friday’s practice and action, tightening concerns about the interior line ahead of Week 1. Darrynton Evans also suffered a hamstring issue in Friday’s joint practice, adding to the Bills’ bubble-backfield questions.

Four tryouts—Grant DuBose, Makai Polk, Jarveon Howard, Ricky Person—took place as Buffalo tries to shore up depth behind a loaded backfield. Receiver Kaden Prather remained in danger of a re-aggravation after an opening-window hamstring setback. With James Cook anchoring the run game and Ty Johnson and Ray Davis in the mix, Buffalo is weighing all options to keep starters healthy for the final preseason clash.

Rookie Jordan Hancock suffered a shoulder injury in Sunday’s game, though no official injury report has been issued. Buffalo will monitor these injuries closely as it pieces together a 53-man roster, leaning on depth at receiver and backfield while trying to avoid exposing key starters in the last exhibition.

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.

The Buffalo Bills feature some of the NFL's premier talents, with standout players making their mark not just by position but also by jersey number. CBS Sports has ranked players based on their jersey numbers, resulting in an engaging twist on player evaluation.

Leading the pack is quarterback Josh Allen, wearing #17, who has become synonymous with the franchise's recent success. Cornerback Christian Benford holds #47, contributing significantly to the team's defensive efforts. On the offensive line, Connor McGovern (#66) and Dion Dawkins (#73) bolster the Bills' protection schemes, showcasing their importance in a high-octane offense. This unique perspective on jersey numbers challenges the conventional ranking systems, highlighting the players' identities beyond just their positions.

Josh Allen, the Buffalo Bills quarterback, is a standout selection in CBS Sports' list of the top 25 NFL players by jersey number for the upcoming 2025 season. Allen, wearing No. 17, is heralded for his dual-threat capability and is compared to the likes of Patrick Mahomes, showcasing his elite status in the league.

Joining Allen on the list are teammate Christian Benford (No. 47), noted for his standout performance in the secondary, Connor McGovern (No. 66), who made a name for himself as a center, and Dion Dawkins (No. 73), a key player on the offensive line. The Bills are the sole representatives from the AFC East, with their players earning high marks for their contributions on the field.