Buffalo at Chicago in primetime Week 2 of the preseason hinges on depth-chart theater more than box-score glamour. Mitch Trubisky is slated as QB2 with the job to lose, and the night offers a clear chance to prove pocket poise and smart decision-making against his former club. Curtis Samuel and Elijah Moore stand out as potential breakout plays if healthy, with Moore especially positioned to seize a prominent role amid a thinner Bills WR corps. On defense, Buffalo looks to rookies Deone Walker and TJ Sanders to stack meaningful snaps, while Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones and Larry Ogunjobi push the interior, and Tre’Von Edmunds squanders no opportunity against his old teammates. The safety group—Damar Hamlin, Taylor Rapp, and Cole Bishop—needs reps to validate Babich’s plans, with Samuel’s status adding another layer of intrigue.

Giants and Bills opened Week 1 of the NFL preseason with New York pulling ahead 34-25 behind a lively QB rotation. Jaxson Dart flashed, completing 12 of 19 passes for 154 yards and adding 24 rushing yards, capping a drive with a deep, perfectly placed end-zone shot. He, along with Jameis Winston and Tommy DeVito, gave the Giants a multi-headed approach that kept the offense productive in chunks. Buffalo countered with a surgical pass rush from Deone Walker, who finished with three QB pressures and led the game in pass-rush win rate, while Abdul Carter and Trace Ford also elicited pressure on the edges.

The box score paints a balanced picture: 76 Giants plays to 55 Bills plays, Giants totaling 374 yards to Buffalo’s 404, and both teams finishing red-zone with two TDs. The Giants moved the ball efficiently across multiple quarterbacks, while Buffalo’s defense showed inventiveness up front. PFF graders highlighted Walker’s performance as the standout for the Bills in a game that also featured strong showings from Carter and Ford. Projected fantasy fallout centers on Dart’s ceiling and a possible deeper Giants QB battle, alongside a Bills defense that anchored the effort with interior pressure.

In a broader fantasy context, Week 1 signals that Dart could be a late-season spec for dynasty rosters if his development continues, while Winston and DeVito provide insurance for the Giants’ depth chart. Bills notes are more defensive upside than offensive, but Walker’s disruptive presence invites attention to Buffalo’s run of upcoming preseason snaps. PFF+ promotions aside, this game underscored the value of early career film as teams sort their Week 1 roles.

Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane expressed relief after successfully trading up to select Kentucky defensive tackle Deone Walker in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. With the New York Jets also eyeing the talented 6-7, 344-pound prospect, the Bills’ maneuver was crucial. Beane mentioned the excitement in the draft room upon securing Walker, whom the scouting department had highly valued. Walker’s addition is anticipated to bolster the Bills' defensive line immediately, potentially extending Ed Oliver’s effectiveness, making it a strategic pick for a team aiming for continued competitiveness.

The Buffalo Bills executed a solid NFL Draft, earning a 'B+' grade from CBS Sports. General manager Brandon Beane addressed crucial needs, selectively picking players like corner Maxwell Hairston from Kentucky, who is expected to be a starter from day one. His performance in man coverage was a key consideration, possibly indicating a shift in the Bills' defensive strategy. The team also secured notable talents including defensive tackle Deone Walker, who could emerge as a steal if he maintains his conditioning. Beane's strategy of prioritizing defensive upgrades has the potential to yield dividends immediately.

With Hairston, Landon Jackson, and Walker among the first four-round picks, the Bills are poised to bolster their defense significantly. Analysts speculate that up to three of these picks could start immediately, with additional selections providing depth and the chance to develop into vital contributors. This approach demonstrates a clear commitment to enhancing the Bills' defensive unit in today's competitive NFL landscape.

Kentucky's football program continues to showcase its talent in the NFL draft, despite a challenging season. Defensive back Maxwell Hairston was selected 30th overall by the Buffalo Bills, marking the seventh consecutive year a Wildcat has been drafted. Hairston, with impressive speed and ball skills, had a standout college career. Deone Walker, a defensive tackle, was picked in the fourth round by the same team. Walker's unique size and athleticism make him a promising prospect for the Bills.

While Kentucky struggled last season, the success of Hairston and Walker in the draft could indicate a bright future for the program. Several other former Wildcats are also set to continue their football careers, signing as undrafted free agents, further showcasing the depth of talent from Kentucky.