Overview
- The Patriots upset the Buffalo Bills 29-26 after Efton Chism III made a one-handed, 23-yard touchdown catch that gave New England the lead late in the fourth quarter on Oct. 4.
- Chism finished with two catches for 42 yards and the go-ahead score as a second-year undrafted receiver who joined New England in 2025.
- Chism entered the game after Mack Hollins left with a calf injury and took advantage of the extra snaps to make his impact.
- Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson called Chism a 'practice squad' player after the game, a claim Patriots and league reporting say is incorrect, and coach Mike Vrabel publicly rebuked Gardner-Johnson.
- Chism declined to retaliate and said he respected the Bills while focusing on the Patriots' next game versus the Raiders, and coaches signaled Chism could earn more playing time as the team manages injuries and depth.