In evaluating 2025, where can the Bills’ ST unit improve in 2026?

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 04: Running back Ray Davis #22 of the Buffalo Bills runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Orchard Park, New York. The Bills defeated the Jets 35-8. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Buffalo Bills’ special teams units were steady but unspectacular in 2025, with the unit ranking 15th in DVOA and allowing the 10th-fewest return yards.

A look at advanced metrics reinforces conversations in support of Buffalo’s overall success on special teams last season. As the fifth and final in a series evaluating the Bills’ roster for a potential 2026 Super Bowl run, after evaluating separately the front-seven , the defensive backfield , the running backs and offensive line , and the quarterbacks, tight ends and wide receivers , I’ll apply what I’ve termed the “Lofton Exercise” to categorize the special teams’ players as “game-winners” (elite talents who can single-handedly win multiple games), “win-with players” (reliable contributors who perform well but aren’t consistent difference-makers), or “needs improvement” (inconsistent or underdeveloped). Below, I’ll incorporate 2025 stats, postseason performances, and advanced metrics like PFF grades, expected points added (EPA), success rates, and others to build my case.

The group raised questions about depth and special teams reliability heading into the offseason. Game-Winners These players stood out as elite talents capable of dominating matchups and carrying the unit in critical moments. Their performances were crucial for the Bills’ success.

KR Ray Davis Ray Davis performed exceptionally as a kick returner for the Bills last season, emerging as one of the league’s top return specialists. He finished the 2025 season as the NFL’s leading kick returner by average (30. 4 yards per return), amassing a total of 943 yards on 31 kick returns, with the longest return going for a 97-yard touchdown.