The Buffalo Bills face the New England Patriots in the final game of the regular season, meaning the Bills will likely be playing a majority of their backups. Some guys may take the field that we haven’t seen much of this year, if at all. This is the perfect chance for some players to make a name for themselves and secure a spot on the roster for 2025. It’s unclear who will, and who won’t play this weekend, but let’s take a look at several players who could have a breakout game on Sunday.
Linebacker Joe Andreessen
Mr. Buffalo himself, Joe Andreesen has been a rising name among Bills fans, and his production has been impressive when he sees the field. Against the New York Jets in Week 17, Andreesen led the team in tackles with eight total, and he has been making a name for himself on special teams. The Bills could rest one of their starting linebackers, allowing Andreessen to have a larger role, and possibly even start this week.
Defensive End Javon Solomon
Solomon hasn’t had a big role so far on defense, but when he does touch the field, he makes an impact. He’s totaled five tackles, two sacks, and five hits to the quarterback, with his sacks coming against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Seattle Seahawks. Solomon has played 9% of snaps on defense to date but has shown flashes of future success in Buffalo.
The Bills could opt to sit one or two pass rushers this game, meaning a larger role for guys like Solomon or somebody off the practice squad. With Von Miller’s future unclear, having Solomon able to take on a larger role in 2025 would be great news for the Bills.
Tight end Quintin Morris
The Bills have their top two tight ends of the future, and it’s not looking like Dalton Kincaid or Dawson Knox are going anywhere anytime soon. However, with the Bills using both tight ends, having a quality guy behind them is a very good thing. Since arriving in Buffalo in 2021, Morris has shown he can be a quality player on both offense and special teams.
With either one, or both, of Kincaid/Knox presumably sitting out of this game, Morris could see his third start of the season, and the third of his career, this week. Morris showed a lot over the summer and won the attention of the coaching staff. This week, he has a chance to expand on his strong off-season.