Are The 4-1 Buffalo Bills Headed In The Right Direction After Week 5 Win?

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Bills fans and fans across the country.

The Buffalo Bills stole a soul-crushing win from the Los Angeles Rams in Week 5, reminding anyone still tuned in well past midnight on the East Coast that with quarterback Josh Allen, anything is possible. There were several heroes for Buffalo to embrace following the thrilling Monday Night Football win, from Allen, to outside linebacker Greg Rousseau, and a special teams unit highlighted by kicker Tyler Bass and his game-winning 48-yard field goal.

Depending on your stance, you might even put running back James Cook III among the game’s heroes. Might… and why? It’s true that his fumbles have taken on a featured role in 2026, but it’s also worth wondering how many games they win this season with him on the sideline. That’s true of Week 4’s game.

At 4-1, the Bills are in first place in the AFC East with a tenuous half-game lead over the 3-2 New England Patriots. Their only loss was to those Patriots, and it’s a situation where Buffalo must play their best football to maintain that lead throughout the season.

Apart from Rousseau, the defense is a work in progress at best — while at times appearing to be a complete mess in trying to hold off opposing offenses. Buffalo currently ranks 30th in total defense, and 28th in points per game. The Bills also currently hold a turnover differential of -4, are they’re among the top-10 most penalized teams (hat tip Trey Wingo).

There is a lot to work on, which you’ll hear ad nauseam from head coach Joe Brady and defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. That, of course, must happen while managing injuries, which right now has Buffalo evaluating right tackle Spencer Brown, who couldn’t finish in LA thanks to a back injury.

If it feels like things aren’t all that different from past seasons under head coach Sean McDermott, here’s a perspective you may appreciate:

Has your opinion of the Bills changed following their dramatic overtime win over the Rams, and heading into another road game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Vote now!

Are you confident in the Bills?