ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (Sept. 28, 2025) – The New Orleans Saints will try to snap a frustrating start to their season when they travel north to face the unbeaten Buffalo Bills in a Week 4 matchup at Highmark Stadium. Kickoff is set for 12:00 p.m. CST, with the Saints (0-3) still searching for their first win of the year and the Bills (3-0) looking to keep pace atop the AFC.
For New Orleans, this contest marks a second consecutive road game following a lopsided 44-13 defeat in Seattle. The Saints entered the season under new head coach Kellen Moore with hopes of contending in a tightly packed NFC South, but early struggles on both sides of the ball have left them playing catch-up. Buffalo, meanwhile, has handled business through the first three weeks, leaning on a balanced offense and a stingy defense that has forced key turnovers in every outing.
Saints Seeking Stability
The Saints’ offense has yet to find its rhythm. Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler showed flashes of growth in Week 3, but the unit has been plagued by penalties, turnovers, and inconsistent pass protection. Wide receiver Chris Olave has been targeted heavily, but the absence of a complementary threat has allowed defenses to key in on him.
Running back Alvin Kamara remains the most reliable option. He has topped 90 scrimmage yards in two of the team’s three games and remains the focal point of Moore’s game plan. However, sustaining drives has been a challenge. New Orleans enters Week 4 ranked near the bottom of the league in third-down conversion rate and scoring offense.
Defensively, veteran leaders Cameron Jordan and Demario Davis have stressed discipline after the Saints committed 11 penalties against the Seahawks. The group has talent in the secondary, but breakdowns in coverage have led to explosive plays that turned close contests into routs.
Bills Riding Hot Start
Buffalo comes in with confidence after dispatching its first three opponents, most recently grinding out a road win over the New York Jets. Quarterback Josh Allen continues to drive the offense, using both his arm and legs to extend plays. His rapport with wideout Stefon Diggs and emerging playmaker Khalil Shakir has kept defenses off balance.
The Bills’ ground game has also been productive, with James Cook averaging over 4.5 yards per carry. On defense, Buffalo has been relentless up front, led by Ed Oliver and Greg Rousseau, combining pressure with timely takeaways. The unit has held opponents under 20 points in two of three games and currently ranks among the league’s top five in total defense.
Key Matchups
The most pivotal battle will come in the trenches. The Saints’ offensive line must improve after allowing constant pressure in Seattle, or Rattler could be in for another long afternoon against Buffalo’s pass rush. Kamara’s ability to create mismatches in the passing game may serve as the Saints’ best counterpunch.
On defense, New Orleans must find a way to contain Allen outside the pocket. Seattle’s Sam Darnold exposed the Saints with deep throws off play action in Week 3, and Allen brings an even more dangerous dual-threat dimension. Keeping him in the pocket and forcing contested throws will be critical.
What’s at Stake
For the Bills, a fourth straight victory would solidify their status as early AFC favorites while adding to their perfect start. For the Saints, the stakes are even higher. Falling to 0-4 would make a playoff push increasingly difficult, especially with the Buccaneers off to a 3-0 start in the division.
Head coach Moore has preached patience, but he acknowledged after the Seattle loss that “discipline and execution have to improve immediately.” A rebound performance on the road would go a long way toward settling the Saints’ locker room and reestablishing belief in his system.
Around the NFC South
All four division teams kick off at noon on Sept. 28. The Falcons (1-2) host the Washington Commanders (2-1) in Atlanta, the Panthers (1-2) travel to face the New England Patriots (1-2), and the Buccaneers (3-0) put their unbeaten record on the line at home against the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles (3-0).
Bottom Line
The Bills will enter as heavy favorites on their home field, but the Saints are desperate to prove they can compete. For New Orleans to spring an upset, they will need a clean, disciplined performance, a breakout game from Rattler, and their defense to finally clamp down against one of the league’s premier offenses.
Sunday’s meeting offers the Saints both a daunting challenge and an opportunity to reset their season.
