The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 2025 Football Preview book. In addition to Warren's deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps as well as defensive previews from Raymond Summerlin. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2025 Football Preview.
While offenses dominate NFL discussion, the other side of the ball plays a large role.
With the 2025 NFL season fast approaching, let's look at the defense of the Buffalo Bills and preview how it might perform this season.
2025 Buffalo Bills Defense
Opposing teams could run on the Bills in 2024, with Buffalo allowing 4.4 yards per carry on running back runs (22nd).
That production was boom or bust, though.
Buffalo finished second in stuff rate (25.3%) but also last in explosive run rate allowed (13.4%).
The main pair from last year are back with DaQuan Jones and Ed Oliver returning for another season.
Buffalo added to the unit with Larry Ogunjobi in free agency, though he is suspended for the first six games, and T.J. Sanders in the second round.
The Bills did not have a prolific pass rush in 2024, finishing 23rd in pressure rate (32.5%) and 18th with 39 sacks.
Greg Rousseau led the team with 8 sacks on a quality 14.4% pressure rate.
Von Miller added 6 sacks on limited snaps last season, but the Bills released him ahead of free agency before adding Joey Bosa on a one-year deal.
Bosa theoretically can offer Buffalo more than a rotational pass rushing role, but we still should see a lot of A.J. Epenesa and potentially third-round pick Landon Jackson.
Buffalo also added Michael Hoecht, but he will also serve a six-game suspension to open the season.
Javon Solomon could be an X-factor for the pass rush group after getting 2 sacks with a 17.1% pressure rate on a very small sample as a rookie.
Matt Milano had another frustrating year, playing in just four games before the playoffs after participating in five games in 2023.
He took a pay cut this offseason and will now be a free agent after the 2025 season.
Terrel Bernard was the primary option last season with Milano sidelined, recording 16 run stuffs and a tackle on 20.6% of his run defense snaps.
2023 third-round pick Dorian Williams played the second-most snaps at linebacker last season, getting 14 run stuffs of his own with a 24.4% tackle rate on his run defense snaps.
Buffalo allowed 7.1 yards per attempt (18th) and a 4.8% touchdown rate (18th) in 2024.
They did do a good job limiting big plays (7%, 3rd) and finished fifth with 16 interceptions.
Christian Benford earned a new deal this offseason by allowing just 5.4 yards per target in 2024.
Slot corner Taron Johnson is also back after allowing an 80.3 quarterback rating in coverage last season.
Behind that duo is interesting.
The Bills reunited with both Tre'Davious White and Dane Jackson this offseason, and they drafted Maxwell Hairston in the first round, who has a path to immediate playing time if he hits the ground running.
Buffalo re-signed Damar Hamlin in free agency after he started 14 games for them in 2024.
While a great story, Hamlin was not an above-average starter last season and especially struggled in coverage.
Taylor Rapp played the second-most snaps at safety last season, similarly struggling in coverage.
The upside outcome at safety is Cole Bishop taking a step forward in year two.
A second-round pick last year, Bishop played 358 snaps on defense as a rookie but did not shine when given the chance, allowing a 127.4 quarterback rating in coverage.
This analysis continues in the 2025 Football Preview
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Warren Sharp's book shares insights into the players, coaches, teams, and philosophies with one goal: to prepare you for the 2025 NFL season with the smartest information delivered in the fastest, most direct way possible for optimal reviewing and retention.
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- Vegas Odds forecast team wins, division rankings, lines for all 2025 games
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