5 takeaways from the Buffalo Bills' 31-19 win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 4

Quick takeaways from the Bills' 31-19 win over the Saints in Week 4.

The Buffalo Bills didn't make it easy but they still got the job done.

The Bills (4-0) kept their winning ways going in Week 4 against the New Orleans Saints (0-4) in a 31-19 final.

While a win, Buffalo kept a bit of a tradition going. The Bills allowed the Saints to stick around for a chunk of the game when New Orleans did not have much right doing so when you look at these two rosters on paper.

With that, here are Bills Wire's five takeaways from the Bills' win over the Saints:

Played down

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 28: Head coach Sean McDermott of the Buffalo Bills looks on during the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Highmark Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)

It's early in the 2025 NFL season, but the Bills are developing a bit of a trend.

At least it's a two-sided coin.

Buffalo is undefeated this season. However, the Bills have had a knack for playing down to their opponents in recent weeks. Buffalo narrowly beat the Miami Dolphins a week ago and now we have this win against the Saints that was closer for most of the day.

Having said that, that being a "bad" day for the Bills, in both of those games Buffalo ended up scoring 31 points.

If your team is scoring 31 points and it's a rough outing? That's not the worst thing in the world.

But clean it up.

Josh makes it happen

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 28: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills looks to pass the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the second quarter at Highmark Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)

The did not have a stellar game from quarterback Josh Allen. He threw his first interception of the season.

Allen still certainly did plenty to will his team to victory. The QB had three total touchdowns and his ability to extend plays in the second half with his legs paid off tremendously.

Some rotation at corner

Sep 18, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) makes a catch against Buffalo Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White (27) in the second half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Interestingly, the Bills defense had a rotation at cornerback during portions of the contest. Veteran cornerback Tre'Davious White and rookie Dorian Strong were rotating series out on the field across from Christian Benford.

James keeps cooking

Sep 28, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) is tackled by New Orleans Saints safety Jonas Sanker (33) during the first quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Bills running back James Cook had 117 yards rushing on 22 carries (5.3 avg) against the Saints. The Pro Bowler has started this season with four-straight games with more than 100 all-purpose yards and in three of those, he had more than 100 yards rushing.

Cook is overshadowed by Allen but re-signing him is looking like an excellent decision by the Bills' front office.

Breakouts?

Sep 28, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills safety Cole Bishop (24) and outside linebacker Shaq Thompson (45) celebrate after intercepting a pass intended for New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler (2) during the second quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Despite the issues keeping the Saints in the game because of problems such as poor run defense at times, untimely penalties and losing the field-position battle, the Bills will hope they had two breakouts happen against New Orleans.

Buffalo saw safety Cole Bishop record the first interception of his NFL career and he did it in style with one hand.

On top of that, tight end Dalton Kincaid continued rolling. He recorded his third touchdown catch of the year. That's already a career-high for a single season.

Can those two young players build on that?

This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: 5 takeaways from the Bills' 31-19 win over the Saints in Week 4

Category: Football