Buffalo sits 4-0 with Josh Allen delivering MVP-caliber play as the offense hums and the defense tightens. Internal lift has come mainly from the established core, with the rookie class providing only modest early spark. Maxwell Hariston’s return could unlock more explosive looks, while Hawes has emerged as a dependable blocker-receiver option.

Defensively, Deone Walker has injected interior pressure and helped spark late-game leverage, including a crucial turnover against Miami. Buffalo’s ceiling remains sky-high in the AFC, and Saturday night’s showdown with New England will reveal how the Bills balance pace and grind against strong opponents.

New England Patriots Week 5 injury report ahead of the primetime clash with Buffalo shows key questions on the edge and in the secondary. K'Lavon Chaisson knee and Jaylinn Hawkins hamstring leave both outside linebackers and safeties in flux, while Jahlani Tavai returns as a limited participant after IR. Several Patriots linemen and linebackers logged limited work, and Will Campbell came back to full participation after a shoulder issue. Bills' side lists multiple non-participants or limited players as well, setting up a high-stakes fantasy showcase.

Buffalo’s Dorian Williams knee kept him out, Matt Milano (pectoral) and Ed Oliver (ankle) were limited, Spencer Brown (calf) and Jackson Hawes (ankle) followed with limited practice. No Bills players were listed as fully participating. The Week 5 picture hinges on edge depth, LB rotation, and the health of interior lines, with fantasy managers eyeing snap shares and potential upside if injuries linger.

Buffalo's 2025 rookie grades after four games reveal a broad range of impact. Hairston sits with an incomplete due to a knee injury and a 21-day practice window looms. Sanders has shown pass-rush potential with six QB pressures but no sack yet. Landon Jackson has stayed healthy but hasn’t earned a jersey. Deone Walker has been the standout, flashing both 1-tech and 3-tech versatility. Hawes has been a solid contributor as a blocking tight end with receiving upside; Hancock and Lundt have limited snaps; Prather was waived after an injury. Ed Oliver's injury has shaped the defensive rotation, and the Week 4 Saints game offered a clearer view of Buffalo's depth. Beane’s class blends immediate depth with upside, even as some top picks wait for a window to contribute.