The New England Patriots spent big this offseason to bring in free agent wide receiver Stefon Diggs. New England is Diggs' fourth stop in the NFL after spending 2024 with the Houston Texans and several seasons each with both the Buffalo Bills and Minnesota Vikings.
After being on pace to hit the 1,000-yard mark yet again, Diggs went down with an ACL tear that ended his 2024.
The former Maryland Terrapin has been an effective player for the Patriots, catching the most passes out of any wide receiver to this point, while Week 4 marked his first career 100-yard game in a Patriots jersey.
Before Diggs was in New England or Houston, however, he had a strong couple of seasons in Buffalo after being traded from the Vikings. In his four seasons in Western New York, he dropped below 1,200 yards only once and never caught fewer than 103 balls. He also never dipped below eight touchdowns. In 2020, he led the league in yards.
Stefon Diggs appreciates what Buffalo has put together
While Diggs' leaving changed the look of Buffalo's offense, it hasn't slowed the Josh Allen-led unit down. The Bills ranked third in points per game during Diggs' first three seasons, and dropped to sixth during his last year. In 2024, Allen won MVP and the unit jumped to second, scoring 30.6 points per game. Their 33.3 points per game through the first four weeks are second only to Detroit.
There's little doubt Diggs helped Josh Allen's career immensely and elevated Buffalo's offense. The Bills jumped from 23rd to third in PPG from 2019 to 2020, the main addition being Diggs. Allen's completion percentage jumped by 11% and he threw for 1,500 more yards and 17 more touchdowns, with just one more interception. Diggs' importance in Buffalo cannot be understated.
Stefon Diggs says the Bills are as good as they were since he left Buffalo:
— Patriots on CLNS (@PatriotsCLNS) October 1, 2025
"That team has been good year in and year out."
“Things haven't changed, especially since I left. I know that team well, so it’s gonna be another test for us.”
-@CLNSMedia pic.twitter.com/KeWRPoQxXw
The new Patriot was complimentary of the Bills, saying that the team has "been good year in and year out." He goes on to say that, "things haven't changed, especially since [he] left. [He knows] that team well, so it's gonna be another test for [the Patriots]."
There isn't much else he could say: the Bills have been an excellent team throughout the 2020s and after Diggs' departure, as noted by their tremendous offensive outputs over the past few seasons.
Diggs won't be the only player in something of a revenge game, either. Another Patriots wideout, Mack Hollins, spent 2024 with the Bills as a depth piece, special teamer, and efficient deep threat. He had 378 yards and five touchdowns from just 31 catches, with an 86-yard performance against the Colts being his best of the year.
Cornerback Alex Austin was drafted by the Bills back in 2023 in the seventh round, too, making three key Patriots former Bills.
Sunday night will be a tough matchup without a doubt, as the 4-0 Bills have every reason to be the favorites. The 2-2 Patriots are coming off an excellent game against the Panthers, but the momentum may not be enough to propel them over the edge. Regardless, there's no doubt that offense will be a focus for both teams, and Diggs' role will be a major storyline.