The Bills' offense was one of the best in the league; their 428 points (26.75 points per game) scored was first in the league, and since they only gave up 263 points (6th in the league), their point differential was 165 points (10.3 per game), which was the best in the NFL in 1990, as well as the best point-differential in franchise history. Buffalo's 48 offensive touchdowns (28 passing, 20 rushing) also led the league.
Defensive end Bruce Smith was named Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year for 1990, recording 101 tackles, four forced fumbles, and a career-high 19 sacks. The season was chronicled on October 2, 2008 for America's Game: The Missing Rings, as one of the five greatest NFL teams to never win the Super Bowl.
Bruce Smith set a club record with 19 sacks. Smith also had 101 tackles.
- September 24, 1990 – Thurman Thomas rushed for 214 yards versus the New York Jets. It was the second highest total in the history of Monday Night Football.
- Bruce Smith had 8 tackles, 2 sacks, and 4 hurries in the Bills 30–23 victory over Philadelphia.
- Bruce Smith had 9 tackles, 4 sacks, and 2 pressures in the Bills victory over Indianapolis.Led NFL in Points Scored, 428
Jim Kelly, NFL Passing Leader, 101.2 Passer Rating
Jim Kelly, Most Valuable Player, Pro Bowl
Bruce Smith, NFL Defensive Player of the Year
Bruce Smith, UPI AFL-AFC Player of the Year, Defense
Bruce Smith, Newspaper Enterprise Association Defensive Player of the Year Award
Bruce Smith, Team Record, Number of Sacks in a Single Season, (19)
Bruce Smith, AFC Defensive Player of the Month, December
Thurman Thomas, NFL Combined Yards from Scrimmage Leader