It’s rivalry week for the Buffalo Bills going into Week 4. After ripping off three straight wins to open up the season, the Bills will have their first divisional matchup as they host the New England Patriots. The Patriots fell to 1-2 after a complete disaster down in Jacksonville in Week 3.
Buffalo didn't look their best offensively against the Chargers, but their defense stepped up in a big way to help get to 3-0. Last season, the Bills started out undefeated at 4-0...and then the New England Patriots came to town for a Sunday night battle in which New England beat them in primetime and ended their undefeated record. The Patriots will have a chance to do it again.
Not only will they have the chance to repeat history, but there are 5 former Bills that could be part of it. Three out of the five former Bills that are now on the Patriots, were in Buffalo last season. Now, they are looking to pull off an upset against the Bills in their new stadium.
5 former Bills who return to Buffalo for Week 4
FB Reggie Gilliam
Reggie Gilliam was a Bills Mafia favorite amongst the fanbase. He was hardworking, kept his head down, and he played a major role in helping James Cook become one of the best backs in football the last two seasons. He also was great for the shove that he did to help push Josh Allen for the first down or the touchdown.
After spending the last six seasons with the Bills, Gilliam signed a three-year deal to stay in the AFC East and join the Patriots. He will now be looking to protect Drake Maye, and open up running lanes for Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henders.
WR Mack Hollins
Mack Hollins was absolutely beloved in Buffalo in just his one season here. He led the Bills with 5 touchdowns in 2024 and was a great run blocker on the outside. Bills fans were furious when Buffalo didn’t bring him back in free agency last offseason.
He signed with the Patriots on a two-year deal, which made Bills fans even more angry. Hollins had just 4 catches for 41 yards against the Bills last year. With New England being down badly at wide receiver, there's a chance that Hollins will have to step in as the No. 1 option for Drake Maye.
DT DaQuan Jones
After Sean McDermott had been fired by the Bills in January, DaQuan Jones was a common name that was being pinned as a player that more than likely wouldn't be brought back. He spent four seasons with the Bills, helping with the run support in the trenches. He was never a star, but he was a solid player.
Jones had visited the Patriots back in August, and then just a few weeks ago, he ended up signing a one-year deal with them that is worth up to $6 million, per Ian Rapoport.
P Mitch Wishnowsky
After coming in as the punter for the Bills last season, who dealt with injuries at the position, Mitch Wishnowsky was brought back on a one-year deal in free agency. However, it didn't last long as the Bills drafted rookie punter Tommy Doman Jr., who beat him out for the starting job. Not long after the Bills had released him, he was signed by New England.
OL Greg Van Roten (IR)
The Bills had Greg Van Roten on their roster in 2022 in which he only started a handful of games that season. He's been a journeyman throughout his career. ESPN's Mike Reiss who covers the Patriots reported that the Patriots placed Van Roten on injured reserve, so he will miss this game.
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