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.

New England rolled to a 42-13 win over Carolina, signaling a sharp rebound for a 2-2 Patriots squad with a primetime date looming vs. Buffalo. Drake Maye clicked in a game plan that leveraged mobility and timely throws, while Stefon Diggs looked every bit the veteran acquisition NE hoped for. Marcus Jones sparked the special-teams onslaught with a franchise-record 167 punt return yards, and Christian Barmore and the interior line wrecked Bryce Young’s rhythm as NE leaned on a diverse offense and aggressive defense. A few penalties and a rusty pop from Pop Douglas kept the score from perfection, but the direction feels markedly positive for NE entering Week 5.

Fantasy takeaway: Maye’s +EPA per drop-back and rushing upside give him a high ceiling in the right scripts, while Diggs’ connection with Maye vaults him into must-start territory in the near term. Jones’ return prowess creates field-position leverage that can translate into scoring chances. Barmore’s disruptive pressure, even without sacks, signals continued interior pressure that boosts NE’s defensive fantasy upside. Monitor penalties, but the trendline is clean, fast, and highly actionable for rosters.