Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs is gearing up to face his former team, the Buffalo Bills, for the first time since their shocking trade earlier this year.
In a move that stunned the NFL, the Bills parted ways with Diggs in April, absorbing over $31 million in dead money and taking a $4 million cap hit. Buffalo also sent a 2024 sixth-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick to Houston in exchange for a 2025 second-round selection.
As the Texans prepare for their Week 5 matchup on Sunday, October 5, wide receiver Nico Collins expressed how important this game is for the team, particularly for Diggs.
Speaking on Mad Dog Sports Radio, Collins said, “We know it’s a big game for Stef. We know what we gotta do, we gotta go out here and win for Stef. I’m happy for my dog. I’m happy that he’s part of the Texans, but we know this game means a lot to him. I feel like it’s only right for us to go out there, have fun, and get this win for him.”
For many in Buffalo, however, the idea that this is a “revenge game” for Diggs has been met with skepticism. Bills fans, along with some media members, are questioning what exactly Diggs would be seeking revenge for. Ryan Talbot of NYUpstate posted on social media, “Texans players playing this up as a revenge game for Diggs is as weird as the Bengals getting upset about the Bills selling presale tickets in the playoffs. What exactly is Diggs getting revenge for? Becoming a household name in Buffalo? Getting paid big money by the Bills?”
Fans also chimed in, suggesting that if anyone had a right to feel wronged, it might be Josh Allen. One fan commented, “It’s a Josh Allen revenge game. His Star receiver forced his way out and publicly trashed him. Why is the narrative all about Diggs getting ‘revenge’?”
Despite the tension that reportedly built up between Diggs and the Bills over the years, both players have kept their public remarks respectful. On October 2, Allen addressed the media and praised Diggs for the impact he had on his career. “I got a lot of love for him,” Allen said. “I still do. The things he did for me in my career and the things he did in a Buffalo Bills uniform won’t be forgotten anytime soon, especially from me. That’s how I look at it. I’m just trying to focus on what we got going in this building.”
Diggs, meanwhile, has also taken the high road. Speaking to reporters ahead of the Week 5 clash, the four-time Pro Bowler said he’s trying to “block out the noise” and focus on the game.
“A lot of other people are going to feel away or have a lot to say about X, Y, Z, and I don’t mind. I’m not mad at it,” Diggs said. “Just trying to go 1-0. Obviously, they’re a good team. They have a lot of guys that can fly around on the defense. But they’re a really good team. So, I look forward to it.”
The trade may have shaken the NFL world, but both the Bills and Diggs seem to be doing just fine post-split.
Josh Allen, who has led the Bills to a 3-1 start, was named the AFC Player of the Month for September after throwing for 814 yards, rushing for 109 yards, and scoring 9 total touchdowns.
With Diggs gone, the Bills offense has embraced a more balanced, “everybody eats” mentality, spreading the ball around rather than relying on a single dominant receiver. However, they are coming off a tough Week 4 loss to the Baltimore Ravens and are dealing with multiple key injuries as they head into Week 5.
Diggs, now a captain for the Texans, has been solid in his new role. Through four games, he’s recorded 25 receptions for 233 yards and two touchdowns. Like the Bills, the Texans also enter Week 5 with a 3-1 record, and both teams are eager to secure a victory at NRG Stadium.
With emotions running high on both sides, this matchup is set to be one of the most anticipated games of the week, as Diggs and Allen face off for the first time since their headline-making split.
