The first game of the Buffalo Bills’ 2024 season is in the books, and the result did not go in the Bills’ favor as they lost 33-6 to the Chicago Bears in their season opener on Saturday.

Even though games aren’t counted until the regular season, fans at Highmark Stadium were hoping for a better result. Instead, the Bills consistently struggled to protect the quarterback and create space for the running backs, resulting in an overall dull affair that had people watching the clock.

With that in mind, here’s a look at whose stocks rose and whose stocks fell after the first game.

Related: Bills lose monotonous opening game of 2024 NFL preseason against Bears 33-6

Dorian Williams, LB

The 2023 third-round draft pick was a big hit, as Dorian Williams put together one of the game’s most impressive performances, leading the team with six tackles and adding a sack. The former Tulane defensive lineman is being touted as Matt Milano’s replacement in the linebacker room, and his strong play both in the summer and in the preseason opener should give the Bills coaching staff confidence if he has to step in in place of the veteran next season.

Curtis Samuel, WR

It’s important for Josh Allen to find a receiver he can rely on this season, and veteran receiver Curtis Samuel could be that man. His first catch from Allen was a screen pass that went for 15 yards and a first down. Those are the types of plays offensive coordinator Joe Brady wants to run this season: just give the veteran the ball and watch him create space. That’s what he did in his limited opportunities on Saturday.

Related: 7 lessons learned from the Bills’ ugly 33-6 loss to the Bears in the 2024 NFL season opener

Kendall Williamson, DB

You’d be forgiven for looking at the game report and thinking that safety Kendall Williamson had a solid game: He had five tackles and one pass defense, but there were several incidents where he was caught off guard on passing plays. He also delivered an (one might argue) unfair late hit earlier in the game that probably won’t sit well with the coaching staff. It could have been a better outing for him, as he had a chance to prove he should get more playing time in an injury-depleted safety group, but now he’ll need the rest of the preseason to show that.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR

Two-time Super Bowl winner Marquez Valdes-Scantling joined the Bills late in the offseason and was expected to play a key role on the reserve team, but his aspirations for a roster spot slowly faded over the course of training camp. He didn’t help his position on Saturday when he dropped his only target, a very catchable pass late in the first half. He was underwhelming and could be a candidate for release if he can’t improve his performance over the next two weeks.

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