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Buffalo Bills trade deadline rumor tracker: Brandon Beane day

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Buffalo Bills general manager has pulled off plenty of moves at the NFL trade deadline in the past. We will see if he makes another move today.

Here we will collect all the Bills-related rumors and information as we approach the 4 p.m. Eastern deadline and beyond. Stay tuned!

Buffalo Bills start trade deadline with $3 million in cap space​


The Buffalo Bills have some space to play with at the NFL trade deadline after restructuring Taron Johnson. With about $3 million, they can add one player outright and maybe two if they are low enough on the base salary scale.

How can the Bills open up cap space at the trade deadline?​


If they trade away a player as part of the deal, that obviously would add more cap space for them.

There are more levers the Bills could pull to add space in 2025, but they would all be prohibitive for 2026 plans. Restructuring Dawson Knox or Curtis Samuel would likely mean that player is on the team in 2026 at a hefty price. Moving Matt Milano or DaQuan Jones money into the future would just have linger impacts on Buffalo’s cap despite their expiring contracts. An extension for Connor McGovern or David Edwards at this point could open up space with a 2026 guaranteed roster bonus instead of a signing bonus.

Buffalo Bills create cap space with Taron Johnson restructure​


On Monday, the Bills restructured cornerback Taron Johnson to move $1.75 million in cap space to future years. It doesn’t seem like much but it is more than the enough to add one player to the roster in a trade if that player is on a rookie contract or making the NFL minimum — and maybe two.

Wide receiver trade targets for the Buffalo Bills​


John Metchie was traded from the Philadelphia Eagles to the New York Jets in late October, but the receiver position has been very closed so far. Lots of rumoroed players are in the mix, though.

The two most likely players to me are Rashid Shaheed and Chris Olave of the New Orleans Saints. They are rebuilding in Louisiana and could clear some future cap off their books with the move of Olave. Both could fit in with the Bills current group of receivers and provide something offensive coordinator Joe Brady does not have right now.

A name I haven’t heard much is Adonai Mitchel of the Indianapolis Colts. Yeah, the Colts are more likely to be buyers right now, but Mitchell is buried on their depth chart and the former second-round pick has some value. He has played just 21% of Indy’s snaps in 2025 and could offer a deep threat to the Bills.

The Bills would love to have A.J. Brown on their team, but I don’t see the Philadelphia Eagles having a $40 million dead cap number for a Brown in 2026 unless they get a king’s ransom.

Calvin Ridley of the Tennessee Titans is not an option unless the Titans pay him $10 million to go away and free up the cap space for Buffalo to make the move.

I do not think Brian Thomas Jr. is a realistic option for the 5-3 Jaguars to trade. He’s played more snaps for Jacksonville than any receiver and they are in the thick of the playoff race. But his salary number is very workable for Buffalo.

Defensive tackle trade targets for the Buffalo Bills​


The Bills just lost Michael Hoecht for the season and Ed Oliver for at least the vast majority of the season due to injuries. DaQuan Jones is old and dealing with another long-term injury. T.J. Sanders is on injured reserve and DeWayne Carter is done for the year. Buffalo is out of practice squad callups for Zion Logue. They really should add a DT at the deadline and one that could be asked to play a lot of reps.

“They believe there’s a good chance [Oliver] returns, but they are in the trade market, looking for defensive line help to fill the void during this time when they do not have Oliver. Not a ton of big names out there, we will see what the Bills end up coming up with,” said NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport on Sunday.

Would the New York jets trade Quinnen Williams inside the division? What about former Bills DT Harrison Phillips who is also in New Jersey with the Jets?

I think Jeffrey Simmons is on the block from the Tennessee Titans, but that seems very rich for Buffalo at this point. The more likely Titans player would be Sebastian Joseph.

A few other names to watch are Dallas Cowboys first-rounder Mazi Smith, Bengals third-rounder McKinnley Jackson, and Las Vegas Raiders first-rounder Tyree Wilson.

Logan Wilson traded to Cowboys as NFL Trade Deadline day kicks off​


The Buffalo Bills have a potential need at linebacker with Shaq Thompson hurt. Dorian Williams, Matt Milano, and Terrel Bernard have all missed time with injuries this season but all three practiced fully last week and had no injury designations.

The first trade of Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline saw the Cincinnati Bengals send 65-game starter Logan Wilson to the Dallas Cowboys.

Jaelen Phillips and pass rushers traded early​


On Monday, the Baltimore Ravens acquired OLB Dre’Mont Jones from the Tennessee Titans. Jalen Phillips was sent from the Miami Dolphins to the Philadelphia Eagles. Both could have helped the Bills in the wake of the Michael Hoecht injury.

In October, the San Francisco 49ers grabbed Keion White from the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Chargers traded for Odafe Oweh with the Baltimore Ravens.

Buffalo Bills out of the cornerback market at 2025 trade deadline?​


The Bills have had a need at cornerback this offseason following injuries to Dorian Strong, a training camp injury to Maxwell Hairston that caused him to miss the beginning of the season, and sub-par play from Tre’Davious White. With Hairston back and acclimating very fast to the NFL, it’s possible and maybe even likely the Bills stand pat at cornerback with Dane Jackson in reserve and bigger fish to fry. Strong’s prognosis is not good, according to Sean McDermott in early November, but he didn’t elaborate.

Greg Newsome, Roger McCreary, Michael Carter II, and Jaire Alexander were all traded in the last couple weeks at the position.

Cole Bishop and Jordan Hancock may keep the Bills off the phone for safety trade​


A few weeks ago, folks were clamoring for a trade at the safety position. I never thought that was likely given Sean McDermott’s expectations at the position are so mentally strenuous. Given the recent play of recently re-signed Jordan Poyer and the surprising leap in second-year safety Cole Bishop, I think the Bills will be quiet at the safety position on trade deadline day. Add in the quick learning of rookie Jordan Hancock, who has played considerable snaps in each of the last two weeks, and the Bills don’t really need depth despite the recent knee surgery for Taylor Rapp.

Kyle Dugger was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers from the New England Patriots in October. Alohi Gilman was sent from the Chargers to the Ravens.

Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/bu...rade-deadline-rumor-tracker-brandon-beane-day
 
Buffalo Bills shuffle practice squad after quiet trade deadline

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The Buffalo Bills may not have made any moves at the 2025 NFL trade deadline, but they did make some transactions relating to their practice squad on Tuesday. The Bills announced that they released two players from the practice squad: linebacker Jimmy Ciarlo and wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson.

Ciarlo, 24, has appeared in one game this season, playing 13 special teams snaps after being signed to the 53-man roster from the practice squad before Buffalo’s 23-20 loss to the New England Patriots. He did not appear on the stat sheet aside from those snaps played. Buffalo waived Ciarlo on October 14 before re-signing him to the practice squad on October 16.

The West Point graduate joined the Bills in the summertime after having spent the 2024 season on the New York Jets’ practice squad. He appeared in three preseason games for the Bills, totaling 11 tackles and one fumble recovery.

Wilkerson, 28, is a veteran wideout who signed with Buffalo this offseason. He has nine professional games under his belt, and he has six catches for 60 yards in regular-season action. He most recently played with the Las Vegas Raiders, playing in five games between the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

He entered the league as an undrafted free agent after the 2020 NFL Draft, signing with the Tennessee Titans. He was waived without appearing in a regular-season game, but joined the New England Patriots thereafter. He played in four games across the 2020 and 2021 seasons with the Patriots. In three exhibition games with Buffalo this summer, Wilkerson caught seven of the nine passes thrown his way for a total of 91 yards.

In addition to the releases, the Bills reportedly brought in four players for workouts, and three of them should be familiar names. Defensive ends Kingsley Jonathan and Casey Toohill, as well as defensive back Te’Cory Couch, all spent time with the Bills over the last few seasons, and all came in for a workout on November 4.

The fourth player brought in for a workout on Tuesday was free-agent defensive end Garrett Nelson.

Bills did not make a trade by the deadline, but did have some practice squad movement and visits, per the wire:

-LB Jimmy Ciarlo and WR Kristian Wilkerson were cut from the practice squad

-Familiar faces in for tryouts: DEs Kingsley Jonathan, Casey Toohill and Garrett Nelson

— Alaina Getzenberg (@agetzenberg) November 4, 2025

Jonathan, 27, played in 15 games for the Bills from 2022-2024. He played 13 of those games in 2023, when he was a mainstay on special teams. He appeared on 52% of the team’s special teams snaps that season. He has six ttoal tackles and three quarterback hits as a member of the Bills. He also played briefly for the Chicago Bears, totaling four tackles in five games in the Windy City.

Toohill, 29, was a seventh-round draft choice of the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2019 NFL Draft. He spent the 2024 season with Buffalo, totaling 20 tackles, two tackles for loss, and one sack in 14 games. He appeared on 28% of Buffalo’s defensive snaps and 37% of their special teams snaps. For his career, he has 100 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 21 quarterback hits, and four fumble recoveries in 71 games.

Neither Couch, 26, nor Nelson, 25, has appeared in a regular-season game. Couch joined the Bills as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 NFL Draft. He had 12 tackles and a pass breakup in the 2024 preseason, but was released following the preseason before signing to the practice squad. He played in one preseason game this summer, totaling one tackle and two pass breakups, before a strained hamstring during joint practices with the Chicago Bears led to his release with an injury settlement. Nelson spent this offseason with the Denver Broncos, playing in three preseason games. He had five tackles and half a sack in those three games.

Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/bu...fle-practice-squad-after-quiet-trade-deadline
 
Patrick Mahomes’ boom-or-bust day vs. Bills in Week 9

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When stat scouring the Buffalo Bills’ Week 9 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, there was a lot of clamor regarding quarterback Patrick Mahomes having his first sub-50% completion rate of his career (44%). Mahomes completed a scant 15 passes on 34 attempts. Josh Allen on the other hand set a Bills franchise record for completion percentage, doubling Mahomes with 88% with 23 completions on 26 attempts. It gets even weirder than that though.

Despite completing over 50% more passes than Mahomes (23 vs. 15), Josh Allen only had 23 more yards than Patrick Mahomes. That’s right, the passing volume was remarkably close. That’s because Mahomes and the Chiefs went almost entirely boom or bust.


Boom or Bust, I Tell Ya! Boom or Bust!​

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For those of you who aren’t familiar with these charts and don’t feel like reading the included key, the white dots (over half the passes in this case) are incomplete. And for those of you who don’t want to work out the math on those, if you add up all of those incomplete passes the grand total is zero yards contributed to Mahomes’ 250 on the day.

All that is my “jerk” way of saying we’re looking at the green dots. Yes there are some green dots in the short zones, including four completions behind the line of scrimmage and another three within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage. Now I know what you’re thinking. What’s the NFL average for yards per completion? It happens to be 10.8 yards, which might be why I delineated my first paragraph to discuss passes at the 10-yard-or-shorter mark.

So if seven of his completions were short of 10 yards, that means his other eight passes were beyond that mark. Let’s discuss the passes beyond 10 yards then. Four passes fell between 15-20 yards. Four passes went beyond 20 yards, three of those were over 25 and two of that group was 30-plus.

When the dust settled, Mahomes’ yards per completion against Buffalo was 16.6 yards, well and truly above average. Put differently, when Mahomes was completing a pass, there was a good shot it was “boom.” The big caveat there is “when” completing a pass. As noted above, more often than not they hit the turf or Maxwell Hairston’s hands.

Let’s do a little compare and contrast though.

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There’s very little boom here. Also close to zero bust. I think one of the incomplete passes had to have been a throwaway, because I don’t see a third white dot on the chart (correct me if I’m wrong, the two I’m referring to are middle of the field, four yards and 13 yards).

I think it’s very clear how different these charts are. Let’s get a little weirder then. Josh Allen’s yards per completion was 10.5 yards. Almost perfectly average. Allen’s distribution was quite typical of the league, making the difference with Mahomes all the more glaring. Kansas City appears to have deliberately shot for the moon, but instead shot themselves in the foot.

Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/bu...k-mahomes-boom-or-bust-day-vs-bills-in-week-9
 
Buffalo Bills double down on 2025 roster at NFL trade deadline

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For the Buffalo Bills in 2025, it’s season of an NFL trade deadline that wasn’t. The more one dives into Why it’s okay Buffalo stayed put

Going into the season many fans were upset at the lack of additional resources poured into Buffalo’s wide receiver core, and through eight games those fans seem justified. The team’s leading receiver in yards and touchdowns is tight end Dalton Kincaid, and he’s currently on pace for 998 yards having not played in all eight of the team’s games.

Some fans were also miffed that the team was reluctant to upgrade the safety room beyond Taylor Rapp, Cole Bishop, and Damar Hamlin. Some of those complaints have merit, but Bishop has finally taken a step forward. Still, the depth at safety is lacking.

So, why is it okay that the Bills didn’t make trade-deadline moves to rectify these issues? For better or worse, One Bills Drive already made their bed in 2025 season. Buffalo would simply be chasing losses if they gave up more resources to plug holes (in short term ways).

The Bills are in WR purgatory​


Wide receiver Rashid Shaheed was the favorite target for Bills Mafia, and would have made a lot of sense to land him in a trade. He’s a downfield burner who can create the deep passing opportunities Buffalo has lacked on offense. The Seattle Seahawks landed him for 2026 fourth- and fifth-round picks, reuniting Shaheed with his former offensive coordinator in Klint Kubiak. The price point made Shaheed feel very attainable and this is the one player Buffalo could have spent on with no complaints from the fan base, even if it failed. Still, I understand why general manager Brandon Beane didn’t.

Beane isn’t falling on his sword per se, but he isn’t chasing his losses despite wide receivers Curtis Samuel and Josh Palmer having largely disappointed with consistency as the speed receivers Buffalo hoped they’d be when signed. Samuel can be released next offseason in a way that would save Buffalo $8 million, but Palmer can’t realistically be cut until 2027. Wide receiver Khalil Shakir was extended this offseason and will start making serious money in 2027, and Keon Coleman was the 33rd pick just a year ago.

All that to say Beane did allocate his resources towards a wide receivers room, he just swung and missed more than he hit. Shaheed goes to a Seahawks team that doesn’t need him. Instead, he will be valuable in a complementary role to stud WR1 Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

The Bills would have asked Shaheed to be the team’s top outside receiver, a true WR1, and would short-change their draft capital in 2026. Shaheed will also be a free agent next offseason, so Buffalo still may have a chance next spring to sign him without giving up draft picks. In 2025, Shaheed gets to work in a system he’s familiar with in Kubiak, versus learning a new one midseason with offensive coordinator Joe Brady. Suddenly, it begins to make sense why they were not as all-in on the speedy wideout as the fan base hoped.

Buffalo had limited options to entice a trade in 2025​


Buffalo’s draft capital is tight and so is their cap space (29th this year 27th going into 2026 with more options). They have just their own picks in the first five rounds of 2026 and then two seventh-round selections from the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets. That meant they were most likely to take a huge swing via trade or doing nothing. Those huge swings this trade deadline involved a division rival (Jets) who made players available at positions that weren’t a desperate need for the Bills.

The Indianapolis Colts didn’t just make that huge splash for cornerback Sauce Gardner because they want to win a Super Bowl this year, but because his contract goes until 2030 and he fills a positional need long term. Buffalo didn’t have many options in that same boat. Gardner was the only notable cornerback to be moved and Kyle Duggar the only safety to be traded in 2025 (also from a division rival).

Elsewhere, defensive linemen Jeffery Simmons, Myles Garret, and Maxx Crosby all would have been unattainable without a huge payment. The Bills had already spent money on their front seven and weren’t going to double down due to unfortunate injuries to defensive end Michael Hoecht and defensive tackle Ed Oliver (who both were paid long-term contracts in 2025).

The path to a trade that would have:

1. Been cost effective for Buffalo this year and going forward;
2. Made the Bills better than they already are;

Did not exist outside of Rashid Shaheed. Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle was yet another player on a division rival who would have been excellent, but the Miami Dolphins’ demands were apparently too expensive for interested suitors (a first and then some). Every other person traded made no sense for Buffalo to pursue.

Certainly, it’s not great that the Bills are hamstrung by limited cap space and draft picks such that they couldn’t add depth at the deadline. But, being realistic, Buffalo decided to give this (still Super Bowl-contending) roster a chance to play out without limiting their future options once the dust settles on 2025.

Buffalo Bills’ 2026 NFL Draft picks, by round​

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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/bu...ble-down-on-2025-roster-at-nfl-trade-deadline
 
Buffalo Bills sign DT Phidarian Mathis to 53-man roster

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The Buffalo Bills signed defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis to their 53-man roster on Wednesday, November 5. The team had placed defensive end Michael Hoecht on Injured Reserve (IR) due to a torn Achilles tendon, thereby opening a roster spot for Mathis.

Mathis, 27, was a second-round pick of the Washington Commanders in the 2022 NFL Draft. He spent three years in the Nation’s Capital, totaling 25 tackles, two tackles for loss, and a pass knockdown in 23 games. He signed with Buffalo’s practice squad on September 10 after having spent the offseason with the New York Jets.

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Mathis was elevated from the practice squad for two games this season. He played 17 snaps in Buffalo’s 23-20 loss to the New England Patriots, notching two tackles in the matchup. He was also elevated for Buffalo’s 28-21 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. He totaled one tackle on 14 defensive snaps in that game.

With Hoecht going to IR, the Bills had an open roster spot, but they also have five defensive ends on the current roster: Joey Bosa, A.J. Epenesa, Greg Rousseau, Javon Solomon, and Landon Jackson. Buffalo already has three defensive tackles on IR (DeWayne Carter, T.J. Sanders, and Ed Oliver), and another player dealing with injury in veteran DaQuan Jones.

Mathis joins Jones, Jordan Phillips, Deone Walker, and Larry Ogunjobi on the 53-man roster at defensive tackle. That means the Bills still have 10 defensive linemen to choose from on game days.

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We have made the following roster moves:

– Signed DT Phidarian Mathis from the practice squad to the active roster
– Signed DE Kingsley Jonathan and DB Te'Cory Couch to the practice squad
– Released LB Jimmy Ciarlo from the practice squad pic.twitter.com/E3HrHXr1XE

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) November 5, 2025

The Bills also announced two signings of old friends to the practice squad, as they officially signed defensive end Kingsley Jonathan and defensive back Te’Cory Couch. The team officially released linebacker Jimmy Ciarlo from the practice squad, which we reported yesterday. However, they did not release wideout Kristian Wilkerson, or if they did, they re-signed him to the practice squad, as he was seen at practice by various media members today.

Even though Bills PS WR Kristian Wilkerson was on the transaction wire as being released yesterday, my understanding is it was a procedural move. He was back with the team today and practicing.

— Sal Capaccio 🏈 (@SalSports) November 5, 2025
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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/bu...lls-sign-dt-phidarian-mathis-to-53-man-roster
 
Buffalo Bills Week 10 rooting interests in AFC playoff race

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Well that was a fun one. Week 9 went (mostly) the Buffalo Bills’ way on the out-of-town scoreboard. The Bills got the big win over the Kansas City Chiefs to both stay in the playoff picture and pick up the tiebreaker over the AFC’s perennial champions.

Elsewhere, The AFC’s one seed, the Indianapolis Colts, now have the same number of losses as the Bills and quarterback Joe Flacco couldn’t get the Cincinnati Bengals past the Chicago Bears, lessening the chance they’ll rise from the ashes late in the season if Joe Burrow returns in December. Unfortunately, the New England Patriots kept their hold on the AFC East, and the Baltimore Ravens showed that with quarterback Lamar Jackson in the game, their season isn’t a complete loss.

Here’s a look at how things stand before Week 10 kicks off with Thursday Night Football between the Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders.

AFC East Week 10 standings​

  1. New England Patriots (7-2)
  2. Buffalo Bills (6-2)
  3. Miami Dolphins (2-7)
  4. New York Jets (1-7)

AFC Playoff Picture heading into Week 10​

  1. Indianapolis Colts (7-2)
  2. New England Patriots (7-2)
  3. Denver Broncos (7-2)
  4. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3)
  5. Buffalo Bills (6-2)
  6. Los Angeles Chargers (6-3)
  7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-3)
  8. Kansas City Chiefs (5-4)
  9. Houston Texans (3-5)
  10. Baltimore Ravens (3-5)
  11. Cincinnati Bengals (3-6)
  12. Las Vegas Raiders (2-6)
  13. Cleveland Browns (2-6)
  14. Miami Dolphins (2-7)
  15. New York Jets (1-7)
  16. Tennessee Titans (1-8)

Buffalo could still use some help getting that AFC East title back. As the Bills are headed south to face the Miami Dolphins, rooting for a couple of NFC South teams could mean that Buffalo jumps from second in the division and fifth overall in the AFC, to owning both crowns by Sunday night — with the right combination of scoreboard results.

So, here’s a look at how we’d like to see things go this weekend. Get ready Bills Mafia, it’s going to be a wild weekend!

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AFC East Week 10 Bills rooting interests​


Buffalo Bills (6-2) over Miami Dolphins (2-7), Sunday 1 p.m. EST (CBS)

This one goes without saying, but root for the Bills. A win, at the least, keeps Buffalo right where they are in the playoffs, and at best propels them to the top of the conference. Plus, there’s the whole division rivalry thing: If the Bills take the win in the Sunshine State, the division series will even up at 62 wins a piece.

Go Bills!

New York Jets (1-7) over Cleveland Browns (2-6), Sunday 1 p.m. EST (CBS)

Sometimes it pays off to root for the divisional team. The Jets are not making it into the playoffs this season. In fact, they are only a few weeks away from mathematical elimination. The Bills already beat them, so a Jets win means a stronger SOV score (yes, we assume that they will get the win over Cleveland later, but nothing is ever a given). Equally (or even a little higher) in matter of importance, is the fact that the Jets now own three first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. Rooting against them getting the first overall pick is the way to go here.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2) over New England Patriots (7-2), Sunday 1 p.m. EST (CBS)

This is on repeat: The Patriots are currently the AFC East leaders, and New England fans believe quarterback Drake Maye is the second coming of Tom Brady. The Bills need to do their part to silence all that noise coming from the east. But, the Bills can only do so much until Week 15 when they travel to Foxborough to avenge their Week 5 loss. Until then, it’s root for anyone playing the Patriots. This week that means it’s “Go Bucs!”

Week 10 games that impact the Bills​


Las Vegas Raiders (2-6) over Denver Broncos (7-2), Thursday 8:15 p.m. EST (Prime Video)

The Broncos lead the AFC West. That’s a nice change instead of seeing Taylor Swift’s team up there at the top. But they are also a half game ahead of the Bills (should Buffalo leapfrog over New England this week), due to not having had their bye yet. So, getting another tally in the loss column, while unlikely (but anything can happen when you face a division opponent, right?), would be ideal.

Atlanta Falcons (3-5) over Indianapolis Colts (7-2), Sunday 9:30 a.m. EST (CBS)

This game is the next one on the NFL’s international schedule, being played in Berlin, Germany. Let’s hope the Colts feel the jet lag. Their bye is coming up in Week 11, which is when they could lose that half-game edge over the other division leaders. An Atlanta win this week would help move that along. That coupled with all the right other moves, could mean the Bills find themselves back in control of their own destiny.

Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3) over Los Angeles Chargers (6-3), Sunday 8:20 p.m. EST (NBC)

The Steelers lead the AFC North, but their record is a full game behind the Bills, so no harm with rooting for them. The Chargers, however, are only a half game behind, so creating some more distance between Buffalo and all the other contenders is the play here. Plus, the Chiefs are on bye, so losses by both the Broncos and the Chargers aren’t going to be what moves them back up.

Remainder of Bills’ NFL Week 10 rooting interests​


Here, it’s all about three things: Rooting for outcomes that improve Buffalo’s overall SOS, NFC over AFC, or taking the team that will better-position the Bills in the playoff race.

New Orleans Saints (1-8) over Carolina Panthers (5-4) — improves Bills’ SOS
Houston Texans (3-5) over Jacksonville Jaguars (5-3) — helps Bills in playoff race
Minnesota Vikings (4-4) over Baltimore Ravens (3-5) — NFC over AFC
Philadelphia Eagles (6-2) over Green Bay Packers (5-2-1) — improves Bills SOS

Games that do not impact the Bills this week


New York Giants (2-7) at Chicago Bears (5-3)
Arizona Cardinals (3-5) at Seattle Seahawks (6-2)
Los Angeles Rams (6-2) at San Francisco 49ers (6-3)
Detroit Lions (5-3) at Washington Commanders (3-6)

Teams on Bye
Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Tennessee Titans

_____________________________________________________________________________

Optimistic AFC standings after Week 10​


So, if all the bounces go the Bills’ way and all the right teams win, this is what the standings in the AFC would look like on Tuesday morning:

  1. Buffalo Bills (7-2)
  2. Indianapolis Colts (7-3)
  3. Denver Broncos (7-3)
  4. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3)
  5. New England Patriots (7-3)
  6. Los Angeles Chargers (6-4)
  7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4)
  8. Kansas City Chiefs (5-4)
  9. Houston Texans (4-5)
  10. Baltimore Ravens (3-6)
  11. Cincinnati Bengals (3-6)
  12. Las Vegas Raiders (3-6)
  13. Cleveland Browns (2-7)
  14. Miami Dolphins (2-7)
  15. New York Jets (2-7)
  16. Tennessee Titans (1-8)

_____________________________________________________________________________

Now we know who to root for and, more importantly, who to root against, as it relates to the Buffalo Bills in Week 10.

Go Bills!

Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/bi...week-10-rooting-interests-in-afc-playoff-race
 
The play that defines the Buffalo Bills’ 2024 season hits hard

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Well folks, it took a lot longer than normal to crown a play that defines the previous season than usual. It’s mostly due to me being forgetful. That said, if I remember to do a Plays That Defined the 2025 Buffalo Bills’ season here in a few short months, I can’t rightly do so without crowning of this one.

Perhaps it’s a bit of a spoiler, but the timing of my forgetfulness kind of worked out. With a little further ado, here’s the play you all voted to represent the 2024 season.


Brief Recap​


We had an unusual championship round featuring four plays rather than the usual two. I don’t know if skipping a round made a difference or not, but we did have a major anomaly in our final voting. We had a play receive ZERO votes. Of the four choices we had whittled things down to, one was so clearly out of place that it was universally recognized as the proverbial sore thumb.

So thank you “Fourth Down Stop vs. Seahawks!” We’ll never forget you and your Geno Smith tripping fun time shenanigans. Since you were such a good sport about being ignored in our final round let’s take one last laugh at you for good measure.

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Okay, that was fun. As Monty Python might be inclined to tell me…

GET ON WITH IT!


The Winner is…​

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There was a good distribution of votes between this and the other two “not-Geno Smith” related options. Both of those featured miraculous Josh Allen touchdowns and thankfully that’s always a good illustration of the Bills’ season(s) these days.

In the end, they couldn’t take down “Controversial Fourth Down Stop.” It’s unfortunate that the season is yet again defined by heartbreak, but that’s not an indictment of how everyone voted. It’s a good pick, I just don’t like that it’s such a perfect one.

Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/ge...fines-the-buffalo-bills-2024-season-hits-hard
 
Jordan Poyer, Buffalo Bills could surge vs. Dolphins in Week 10

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The Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins will meet for the 125th time this Sunday. The teams have tied once, but the Dolphins have 62 wins and the Bills have 61 wins in the series. Of late, the Bills have had the upper hand, as quarterback Josh Allen has led Buffalo to victory in 14 of 16 tries, which includes one playoff win.

None of the history matters this Sunday, though, as the Bills need to keep focused on the main goal, which is earning another divisional victory to keep pace with the rest of the AFC contenders. Buffalo trails the New England Patriots by half a game in the AFC East, and with New England possessing the easiest remaining schedule in the NFL, the Bills need to stack wins where they can.

If Buffalo’s going to come out on top this week, they might need some help from some unusual suspects, given the number of injuries the team has at the moment. Here are our five players to watch this week.
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RB Ray Davis

If he’s fully healthy, James Cook is going to shoulder most of the load as he has all season. However, if the Bills have any doubts about his health, it might make sense to give Davis a little more work this weekend. He’s been relegated to kickoff return duty and mop-up work in 2025, playing on just 65 total offensive snaps so far. Davis has 22 carries for just 46 yards, a far cry from his solid, if unspectacular rookie season (113 carries, 442 yards, three touchdowns).

Cook will likely play, but it wouldn’t surprise me if his snaps are limited in an effort to manage the ankle injury. Davis might have an opportunity this Sunday to earn some more touches moving forward.

WR Curtis Samuel

Samuel didn’t see many targets or catch many passes in Week 9, but what he did do was draw plenty of attention. While he caught his only target for a six-yard gain, Samuel was utilized by offensive coordinator Joe Brady to clear out the underneath routes, as the Bills took advantage of Samuel’s 4.31 speed in the passing game.

If he can stay healthy, Samuel adds a speed and separation element that only one other wideout (Elijah Moore) on the current roster offers. Samuel might be in line for some more involvement as this season progresses, but again, that hinges on his ability to stay healthy. The Bills should take advantage of his good health right now.

DE Javon Solomon

Injuries at defensive end will lead to someone seeing additional snaps. While injuries to Michael Hoecht (Achilles) and A.J. Epenesa (concussion) likely mean that rookie edge rusher Landon Jackson will not only dress for the game, but play significant snaps, it also means that someone like Solomon should see some extended run.

Last weekend, Solomon replaced Hoecht as the stand-up, middle-of-the-field rusher. Solomon’s athleticism was on full display, as he was able to loop around offensive tackles, blow past guards, and even drop back into coverage like a Tampa-2 linebacker (Do yourself a favor and watch the interception off Patrick Mahomes again. Watch No. 56 on the play. It’s an incredible display of athleticism for an NFL defensive end).

Solomon has long been someone I’ve been intrigued by, and this week could be one where he introduces himself to audiences outside of Bills Mafia.

LB Terrel Bernard

Miami’s most dangerous offensive player is running back De’Von Achane. He’s the team’s leading rusher as well as the team’s leader in receptions. Bernard will be matched up with him in space at some point, and the defensive captain needs to answer the bell this round. Whether he’s in man or zone, Bernard needs to read his keys and take care of his assignments.

It won’t be his job alone, as I expect that Buffalo will use linebacker Matt Milano and nickel cornerback Taron Johnson, along with some nickel and dime safeties, to slow down Miami’s dynamic running back. It hasn’t been a very good year for Bernard, though, so making a play against a great player could give him a confidence boost moving forward.

S Jordan Poyer

Cole Bishop received the headlines last week, and they were well deserved. Poyer has been a calming presence in the back end for the Bills, and now that he’s returning to Miami for the first time since playing for the Dolphins last season, it would be a pretty nice time for him to grab a headline of his own. With all those injuries up front, Buffalo is going to need to blitz to generate some pressure on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

Poyer remains an adept blitzer, and while he’s no longer the athlete he once was, he can still lay a boom when necessary. How about Poyer forces a turnover at some point in the game for our bingo board this week?

Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/bu...falo-bills-could-surge-vs-dolphins-in-week-10
 
Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins are headed in opposite directions

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Like any fan base, Bills Mafia can be fickle at times regarding the outlook of their favorite team. Where they see deficiencies at wide receiver or safety, or a need to find help along the defensive line, fans of other teams might actually view the situation at One Bills Drive as one where the grass is greener.

The Bills, while currently chasing the New England Patriots, have a chance to win their sixth-consecutive AFC East division title — which would add to their current team record of five such titles. The last time the Miami Dolphins won the AFC East was in 2008 under head coach Tony Sparano. What do you remember from 17 years ago? It’s a long look back.

One needs not look back that far to see significant changes in Miami’s football fortunes. When the Bills hit the field against the Dolphins on Sunday afternoon, they’ll face a much different team than the one that began the 2025 NFL season — one that held high expectations. Instead, the current regime is one surrounded by questions and bathed in doubt.

The Dolphins are now 2-7 record nearly mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. Head coach Mike McDaniel hasn’t gotten the most out of his football team, and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa isn’t playing up to his potential. The question now becomes whether or not a rebuild is in order.

Many observers thought the Dolphins would be major sellers at the NFL trade deadline, yet they didn’t really create a lot of waves. Adding to the team’s bleak playoff outlook was the firing of general manager Chris Grier, both of which seem to open the flood gates for a mass exodus of talent. In the end, the only trade the Dolphins manged was sending edge rusher Jaelan Phillips to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Certainly, one of the biggest questions Miami faces in the offseason is that of Tagovailoa’s future with the team. His current contract carries a cap hit of $56 million next season, and fans are getting irritated about his on-field work. There is an out in Tagovailoa’s contract, which can’t be leveraged until the end of the 2026 NFL season. That out also carries a $34 million dead-cap hit. Given that the Dolphins are in the same division with quarterbacks Josh Allen and an ascending Drake Maye, it’s important they get it right at the game’s most challenging (and rewarding) position.

To this point, “Tank for Tua” hasn’t paid off. It’s important to point out that Tagovailoa does not and should not shoulder all of that weight. A team can win with Tagovailoa as QB1, as the Dolphins have. However, he has yet to be on the winning side of a playoff game.

For Dolphins fans, it’s probably difficult rooting for the team in 2025, and it may not get better in the near future. Miami’s current salary cap projection for 2026 sees them with only $1 million available. That’s not even enough to sign next spring’s draft picks (currently hold eight, including three withing the top 68), so they’ll have to restructure several contracts. Moves to reduce Tagovailoa’s cap hit or parting ways with high-salary players such as wide receiver Tyreek Hill might do the trick.

Dolphins management obviously believes in players such as wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and running back De’Von Achane, as evidenced by the lack of movement to trade either. Still, is it time for a complete overhaul of the Miami Dolphins? One thing’s clear: Right now, no Bills fan would trade places with those cheering for the Dolphins.

Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/buffalo-bills-opinion/121216/should-the-dolphins-blow-it-up
 
Buffalo Bills Josh Allen, Elijah Moore fined for touchdown celebration

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The Buffalo Bills proved to be a dangerous outfit last weekend, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 28-21 in what was a hard-fought game. Two Bills players will find themselves a bit lighter in the wallet this week as a result of a touchdown celebration, however.

Quarterback Josh Allen and wide receiver Elijah Moore were both fined for making a “violent gesture” while celebrating Allen’s second rushing touchdown of the game, a one-yard plunge that gave the Bills their winning margin of victory. The “violent gesture” in question was a “throat-slash” gesture, something the league has focused on for some time now.

Bills QB Josh Allen and WR Elijah Moore were each fined for this celebration after Allen's touchdown vs. the Chiefs. Allen was fined $14,491 and Moore was fined $13,888 for unsportsmanlike conduct (violent gesture) pic.twitter.com/rAYJqfwbyF

— Alaina Getzenberg (@agetzenberg) November 8, 2025

Allen’s fine was $14,491 for the gesture, while Moore’s was a little less, coming in at $13,888. This isn’t Allen’s first time he’s been fined for celebratory actions, as he incurred a $7,000 fine in 2019 for throwing a ball into the stands after a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins. He’s also been fined twice for unsportsmanlike conduct: once was a $15,000 fine for flicking a ball at Alex Okafor in the 2021 AFC Championship Game, setting off a melee in the Bills’ eventual loss to the Chiefs. He was also fined $10,927 for pointing at Cincinnati Bengals safety Nick Scott while scoring a touchdown. This is Moore’s first fine in his professional career.

Allen and Moore weren’t the only Bills who received costly fines following Week 9. Cornerback Christian Benford was fined $14,714 for a play where he cited for unnecessary roughness/use of the helmet, while running back Ty Johnson received a $10,778 fine for an unnecessary roughness/facemask call.

Bills fines from Week 9 vs KC:
– Josh Allen: unsportsmanlike conduct/violent gesture $14,491
– Christian Benford: unnecessary roughness/use of the helmet $14,714
– Ty Johnson: unnecessary roughness/facemask $10,778
– Elijah Moore: Unsportsmanlike conduct/violent gesture $13,888

— Sal Capaccio 🏈 (@SalSports) November 8, 2025

Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/bu...-elijah-moore-fined-for-touchdown-celebration
 
Buffalo Bills live updates: Highlights from Dolphins game in Week 10

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It’s almost time for the Buffalo Bills to re-squish the Fish and QB Josh Allen is probably salivating at the thought alone. The 6-2 Bills will be taking on the 2-7 Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium today. The heat will be turned up (feeling like it’s in the mid 90s to the players) as these two AFC East rivals have their final match of the season.

While the Bills are still dreaming of making a Super Bowl run, they have to also keep pace with the New England Patriots, who defeated them earlier this season and now sit atop the division. They can’t afford to look past any team from here on out and, having made no splashes by the trade deadline, fans are showing their concern. A win today would go a long (or even just a little) way to help squash those fears.

If you can’t be at the game or have to miss any of the big moments, don’t worry because we have you covered. All of the highlights from the game will be posted here live, in one place.

Cole Bishop intercepts a Tua deep ball​

Cole Bishop you DAWG ‼️

📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/cu1Cnij20p

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) November 9, 2025

Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/bu...ates-highlights-from-dolphins-game-in-week-10
 
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