The Buffalo Bills put together another convincing preseason showing Friday, rolling past the Cleveland Browns 31-7 and turning a tight game into a runaway after halftime.
Buffalo led 14-7 at the break, and once the second half opened, the Bills seized complete control. The game had been delayed by weather just two minutes in, but that didn’t slow Buffalo down. After a 29-14 win over the Panthers last week, the Bills are now 2-for-2 in the preseason with double-digit victories and will head into next Thursday’s finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers with plenty to build on.
A handful of players helped drive the win, while a couple others didn’t do themselves any favors.
Kyle Allen kept making his case
Kyle Allen followed up last week’s strong outing against Carolina with another efficient performance. Against Cleveland, he looked the part of a starter, completing 10 of 12 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown late in the first half. With Josh Allen entrenched at the top of the depth chart, these two preseason games have gone a long way toward locking Kyle Allen into the QB2 role.
Joe Andreessen made plays all over the field
Joe Andreessen has already carved out a role on special teams, but he added some real defensive pop against the Browns. He was around the ball constantly, and when he wasn’t finishing the tackle, he was disrupting the play. His pass breakup led to the interception Damar Hamlin turned into the game’s biggest swing, helping Buffalo blow it open.
Damar Hamlin took his chance
Hamlin was in the thick of it on defense, tying for the team lead in total tackles while also intercepting Shedeur Sanders. He may still be viewed primarily as a special teams player with some safety snaps mixed in, but this was the kind of night that strengthens his case in a crowded safety room.
Trent Sherfield and Ja'Mori Maclin kept pressure on the receiver battle
With Skyler Bell and Dante Pettis out, Trent Sherfield stepped up and delivered a solid night, finishing with four catches for 54 yards, including a 20-yard grab from Kyle Allen. He’s still pushing for that final receiver spot, and performances like this help.
Ja'Mori Maclin also made his mark. While it would be a surprise to see him make the final roster, he was Buffalo’s leading receiver on the day and hauled in a 71-yard touchdown from Shane Buechele. If nothing else, he strengthened his case to return to the practice squad.
Tommy Doman Jr. and Tyler Bass got clean nights
Rookie punter Tommy Doman Jr. finally got a chance to show what his leg can do after Buffalo’s first preseason game ended without a punt. He delivered three punts for 129 yards, averaged 43 yards per kick, and placed two inside the Browns’ red zone. That’s a strong step in the competition with Mitch Wishnowsky.
Tyler Bass also answered after last week’s missed 45-yard field goal. He nailed a 52-yard attempt and went 4-for-4 on extra points, giving himself a useful confidence boost heading into the preseason finale.
A couple players left with more questions
Mecole Hardman Jr. did not make a strong push for the 53-man roster. He was targeted five times but caught only two passes for 15 yards and added just four rushing yards. Unless he can separate himself on special teams, he could be in real danger when cuts come at the end of the month.
Rookie offensive tackle Jude Bowry also had a rough day. The Boston College product saw early action, but he gave up several pass rushes that left Kyle Allen chased down or sacked. He still has a long climb ahead before he can be considered a real starting candidate beyond 2026.
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