The Buffalo Bills are 7-2 and coming off their fifth straight win, after defeating the division rival Miami Dolphins to essentially end their 2024 playoff hopes. Trying to win another division title as soon as possible and also target the AFC’s single seed, Buffalo has another challenge this afternoon when they take on the Indianapolis Colts. Here are my Bills risers and fallers ahead of another big game.

Rising – WR Mack Hollins’ role in the offense

Yep, just a week after celebrating his diminished offense, I’m putting Hollins back in the risers’ column here. The Bills have been dealing with injuries at Wide Receiver, so the veteran has found new opportunities with more snaps. And this time he delivered.

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With wide receivers Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman getting the attention of cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and Kendall Fuller, Hollins had the favorable matchup against Miami’s backup cornerback Cam Smith, and he made the most of it. Hollins finished the game with five receptions on five targets for 30 yards and one TD, also picking up some pass interference penalties along the way.

With Coleman out and wide receiver Amari Cooper questionable for Sunday’s game, the Bills need Hollins to exceed expectations when the ball is thrown his way. Hopefully he will be up to the task again this weekend.

Fall – Eli Ankou’s chances with the Bills

Eli Ankou was named from the practice squad last week for the second time this season and his impact was palpable. In a game where the Bills were exposed against the Dolphins’ run game, Ankou played 21 quality snaps at nose tackle (34%), helping his team respond to Miami’s tough formations.

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Despite his efforts, the eighth-year pro did not earn the promotion to the 53-man roster this week, with Buffalo opting to bring back veterans Jordan Phillips and Quintin Jefferson instead. It is a major blow to Ankou’s chances with the team as he can only be promoted once more this season. With the way he played on his last chance, if it wasn’t enough, it’s uncertain if anything will happen.

Rising – S Damar Hamlin

It’s not like Hamlin had a great game last week – 10 tackles and nothing else on the box score isn’t the most impressive game ever safety-wise. However, as the season progresses, it’s increasingly safe to assume Hamlin will be the starter for the Bills in 2024 and that shouldn’t change.

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This year, Hamlin already has 57 tackles, plus two interceptions, five passes defensed and two run tackles. Despite lacking athletic attributes, the former sixth-round pick is very comfortable with the defensive scheme and is almost always in the right place at the right time.

Hamlin has become a true tackler and a man the coaching staff trusts. They certainly value reliability over potential, and that’s where Hamlin keeps the door closed on a potential promotion for rookie safety Cole Bishop in 2024.

I’m pretty sure the Bills coaching staff likes Hamlin’s play more than I do. I’d rather see Bishop go through his growing pains and have him ready for the playoffs. I would like to have the possible upgrade when it matters most.

That said, Hamlin has done his part and hasn’t been a bother. He might be in position to finally win the Comeback Player of the Year award after all, as this will be his first year back as a starter since his playing career. traumatizing episode three seasons ago.

Fall – WR Curtis Samuel

I’ve been preaching patience with Samuel since the start of the season – he got hurt right before Week 1; the “everyone eats” offense simply hasn’t gone his way yet; he was new to the system and had to build good chemistry with quarterback Josh Allen…the list goes on. However, there is a limit to everything and my patience with Samuel has run out.

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Samuel played 17 snaps (36%) last week and finished the game with zero catches and one goal. Khalil Shakir has taken over his film role to perfection. Samuel hasn’t had any results with mismatches against backfield linebackers, and the beam moves or trick plays where he could potentially hurt opposing defenses have had little impact.

Overall, it’s been a pretty terrible signing so far considering the amount of money and time spent on his deal. If Samuel can’t really bounce back quickly, the Bills may have to assume it wasn’t a smart signing and move on next season. Samuel should get another big opportunity today against the Colts, with Buffalo needing all the help it can get in the passing game.

Honorable mentions

Also rising

• DE Greg Rousseau
• QB Josh Allen
• K Tyler Bass

Also falling

• Run defense
• Defensive equipment room
• The photos of RB Ray Davis

Read all this and more during my latest edition of Directing the load!