Ray Davis Is Flipping the Field for Buffalo - And Fast Becoming the NFL’s Most Dangerous Return Man
Ray Davis wasn’t supposed to be the guy in Buffalo’s return game. But eight weeks into his new role, he’s not just filling a gap - he’s flipping the field and leading the league while doing it.
Since stepping into the kick returner role in Week 9 against Kansas City, Davis has become one of the most impactful special teams players in the NFL. The second-year running back out of Kentucky has returned 23 kicks for 745 yards - an eye-popping 32.4 yards per return.
That’s not just good; that’s the best in the league among players with at least 15 returns. The next closest?
The Jets’ Isaiah Williams at 29.7. Davis is setting the pace, and it’s not particularly close.
And it's not just about averages - Davis has already delivered one of the season's signature special teams moments: a 97-yard touchdown return against Houston in Week 12. He’s one of only five players with a kick return touchdown this year, but what separates him is consistency.
He’s not just a flash-in-the-pan returner who broke one big play. He’s doing damage every time he touches the ball.
Now, in terms of total yardage, Davis is still trailing guys like Chimere Dike (1,413), Myles Price (1,405), and KaVontae Turpin (1,336). But let’s put that in context - those players have about 30 more returns than Davis, and all of them are averaging at least six fewer yards per return. Do the math: if Davis had as many returns as the league leader Dike (55), he’d be sitting at a projected 1,782 yards - which would blow the field away.
His performance against New England on Sunday was another statement game. Davis had four returns for 164 yards, averaging 41.0 yards per return.
That included a 58-yard burst to start the second half, setting up the Bills with prime field position at their own 45-yard line. That kind of field-flipping impact is a dream scenario for any offense - and it’s becoming a regular occurrence for Buffalo.
Since Davis took over return duties, the Bills are starting drives at their own 35-yard line on average. That’s the same spot you’d get from a touchback - but the key difference here is how they’re getting there.
Davis is earning those yards, not just catching the ball in the end zone and kneeling. And that speaks volumes not only about his vision and burst, but also about the blocking schemes drawn up by Special Teams Coordinator Chris Torbor.
This isn’t a one-man show - it’s a well-coordinated unit, and Davis is the spark.
For a team like the Bills, who are in the thick of playoff positioning, hidden yardage matters. Starting 5-10 yards closer to midfield on every drive adds up - it changes play-calling, affects field goal range, and can be the difference between punting and putting points on the board.
Ray Davis may have started this season as a bit of a question mark in the return game. But now?
He’s the answer. And if he keeps this up, Buffalo might just ride his return game into January with some of the best field position in football.