Week 5's highly anticipated scene features Stefon Diggs returning to Buffalo with the New England Patriots, reigniting a longstanding rivalry with Josh Allen. The piece traces Diggs' 2024 trade to Houston, lingering friction with Allen, and Allen's measured tone about the reunion. Mack Hollins' return to Orchard Park in the same matchup adds another Buffalo subplot, while fantasy managers weigh Diggs' impact and Bills' game plan in a pivotal divisional clash.

Buffalo hosts New England in Week 5 with four Patriots-Bills crossovers on display. Kristian Wilkerson is Buffalo depth at WR after a Patriots stint; Stefon Diggs remains the Bills’ engine, posting 19 receptions for 213 yards this season and hitting a recent 100-yard milestone. Mack Hollins, a Patriots alum who joined Buffalo, adds veteran red-zone juice; Alex Austin, ex-Patriots cornerback, lands in Buffalo’s nickel rotation. The matchup creates clear fantasy angles: Diggs stays must-start; Hollins carries upside in two-receiver sets; Wilkerson and Austin are speculative adds based on injuries and game plan.

Christian Gonzalez’s return capped a heavy Patriots rotation in a 42-13 win over Carolina, as the rookie logged 71% of defensive snaps in his season debut. Offensively, Stefon Diggs led with 6 receptions and 101 yards, while Rhamondre Stevenson anchored the backfield with 9 carries on 28 snaps. DeMario Douglas saw limited action (8 snaps) as the Patriots leaned into two-tight formations. The defense rotated further down the depth chart, and special teams production remained pivotal, highlighted by Marcus Jones’ 87-yard punt return.

Efton Chism III, Patriots undrafted rookie, trains before sunrise, mapping a shift from hopeful to potential contributor. He meets with receiver coach Todd Downing, studies relentlessly, and marks goals in the top-right corner of his notebook—NFL, 53, Monroe, Legend, now 46 as roster hopes intensify. His path from Monroe to Eastern Washington to Gillette features a relentless work ethic, early-morning film sessions, and a belief that preparation defines opportunity in New England.