Surprising Bills Player Has Helped Buffalo's Offense Thrive This Year

The Buffalo Bills are off to a strong start this season, with the team holding a record of 4-1 entering into Week 6.

Buffalo's offense has been electric once again, with quarterback Josh Allen putting together a nice season so far. Allen could be looking to go after his second MVP award this year, and a lot of this success should be attributed to the play from the guys in front of him.

The Bills' offensive line has held up nicely this season, giving Allen plenty of time to throw the ball. Keeping the star upright has been a key feature this year, and this offense seems to be clicking on all cylinders right now.

One player who has really helped this team thrive this year has been guard Alec Anderson, giving Allen a legitimate piece up front. The Bills have needed someone like this to protect Allen, and Anderson got his chance to start this season.

Anderson's play has earned him the designation of being named the biggest surprise player for the Bills this season, according to NFL analyst Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report. Over his career, Anderson has mainly been a depth piece for Buffalo, but he has proven himself well through the first few weeks of the season.

So far, he has played in 100 percent of the offensive snaps for Buffalo this year, which is more than he had ever seen before this season. Anderson will need to keep up his strong play, giving Allen more time to work with in the pocket.

This year, Pro Football Focus has graded Anderson at 60.7 over the first five games of the season. This ranks him No. 38 out of 75 eligible players at the position, giving the Bills good value.

Having Anderson play so well has given the Bills a true steal, with the guard making just  $2.5 million from a contract extension that he signed. Buffalo has needed value players like this over the years, and they now have one in a crucial position on the roster.

Anderson isn't considered a high-level starter for the Bills, at least not yet, but he doesn't have to be. The veteran is playing well enough to help Buffalo have one of the best offenses in the game, and that is all the team can ask for this year.

Next up for the Bills is a matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders this weekend, with the team trying to move to 5-1 on the season.