Buffalo Bills running back Nyheim Hines. Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Bills return opening kickoff for touchdown in first action since Damar Hamlin incident

By Adam Gretz | Last updated 1/8/23

Emotions were extremely high in Buffalo on Sunday as the Bills returned to the field for the first time since safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest in Cincinnati on Monday night.

The Bills took that emotion and set off pandemonium by returning the game's opening kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown against the New England Patriots. Nyheim Hines took the kick at the four-yard line and did this.

CHILLS.

: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/9uXnx91reb
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 8, 2023

Aside from the emotion of the Bills returning to the field with Hamlin making progress, this is a massive game in the AFC playoff race.

The Patriots need a win to clinch a playoff spot. The Bills would like a win to avoid having to go play in Kansas City for a potential AFC Championship game. Pittsburgh and Miami need Buffalo to win to keep their playoff hopes going in their games.

That is the best possible start for everybody, with the lone exception of New England.

More must-reads: