The Buffalo Bills’ comeback win over the New England Patriots wasn’t just a statement in the AFC East race - it may have also reignited one of the NFL’s most talked-about former partnerships.
After the game, cameras caught Josh Allen walking off the field with a grin and what looked like a quick “Hey, Stef,” tossed toward the Patriots’ sideline. A wink followed. That’s all it took for fans to light up social media, speculating that Allen had just thrown a little shade at his former go-to receiver, Stefon Diggs.
It’s been nearly two years since Diggs and Allen shared the same huddle, but the connection - and the tension - clearly hasn’t faded. From 2020 to 2023, the two were one of the most productive QB-WR duos in the league.
Diggs, acquired from the Vikings in 2020, topped 1,000 receiving yards every season in Buffalo and racked up 37 touchdowns in the regular season. The chemistry was undeniable on the field, even as reports of off-field friction began to surface toward the end of their run.
After the 2023 season, the Bills shipped Diggs to Houston. His stint with the Texans was cut short due to a torn ACL, but he found a new home this offseason with the Patriots - and he’s been producing. Through 14 games, Diggs has 731 receiving yards and three touchdowns, helping lead New England to an 11-3 record and the top spot in the AFC East.
But Buffalo is right on their heels, and Sunday’s win tightened the race. The Patriots jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the second quarter, but Allen led a furious rally that flipped the game - and maybe the division - on its head.
Allen finished with 193 passing yards and three touchdowns, adding 48 more on the ground. James Cook III was a force as well, rushing for 107 yards and two scores. It was a performance that reminded everyone why Allen is once again in the thick of the MVP conversation.
He’s now thrown for 3,276 yards and 25 touchdowns, with 10 picks, and has added 12 touchdowns on the ground. Coming off his first MVP season in 2024, Allen’s doing everything he can to make it two in a row - and games like this one only strengthen his case.
So while the AFC East battle is heating up, so is the subplot between two former teammates now on opposite sidelines. Whether that “Hey, Stef” was playful, pointed, or something in between, one thing’s for sure: the rivalry - both team and personal - is alive and well. And with just a game separating the Bills and Patriots, the next chapter could be even more dramatic.