Bills Lead NFL in 2×2 Formations, Moore Sets X‑Receiver Role

Buffalo’s Formation Dominance in 2025

The Bills ran their 2×2 formation on roughly 41% of the 1,082 offensive plays charted during the 2025 season, according to SumerSports, making it the most common look they deployed. That rate of 40.67% outpaced every other formation and gave Buffalo a clear tactical identity. In contrast, the 1×3 and 3×1 sets combined accounted for 33.54% of their snaps, ranking 23rd and 31st in the league respectively. The proximity to the Broncos’ 40.02% uneven usage hints at a possible benchmark for the upcoming year.

Key Personnel Moves Shaping the Offense

The coaching staff saw a major turnover when Sean McDermott moved on, leaving Joe Brady to assume the head‑coach role and keep the offensive vision intact. The Bills added wide receiver DJ Moore, giving them a true X‑receiver presence not seen since Stefon Diggs departed as a free agent. Moore’s ability to win one‑on‑one on intermediate and deep routes addresses a gap that made the staff hesitant to rely on unbalanced sets. The organization had pinned its hopes on Keon Coleman to fill that void, but the newly signed receiver is now expected to take the spot from day one. Brady has openly described his philosophy as a continuation of Sean Payton’s approach, signaling a potential shift toward more balanced personnel.

Future Outlook: Will the Bills Cross the 40% Threshold?

As the 2026 campaign approaches, the question of whether Buffalo can sustain or improve its 40.67% usage of the 2×2 formation looms large. If the offense continues to develop under Brady’s Payton‑inspired system and Moore establishes himself as a reliable deep threat, the team may see an uptick in balanced plays. Watching the early weeks will reveal whether the Bills can match or exceed the Broncos’ 40.02% uneven formation rate. Fans and analysts will be tracking the blend of personnel and play‑calling to gauge the true impact of these changes.