NFL17 hours ago2 minute read

Josh Allen and Bills Grind Out 23-6 Victory Over Vikings

Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills survived a tough defensive battle to beat the Minnesota Vikings 23-6 on Monday night.

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Bills Outlast Minnesota Defense

The Buffalo Bills earned a 23-6 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night to move to 7-1 on the season. Minnesota entered the game with the stingiest defense in the league and held Buffalo to a season low in points. The Bills were also missing starting offensive linemen Dion Dawkins and Alec Anderson, along with receiver Joshua Palmer.

Despite constant pressure from the Vikings, quarterback Josh Allen managed to keep the offense moving. He completed passes to 10 different receivers, ending the night with 234 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Allen threw his touchdown pass to tight end Keleki Latu late in the first half. It was a 25 yard score and the first touchdown of Latu's career.

Wentz Struggles in Vikings Loss

Minnesota dropped to 6-2 with their second straight loss. Quarterback Carson Wentz struggled throughout the game while filling in for the injured Kyler Murray, who is dealing with a strained hamstring. Wentz finished with a 5.2 passer rating, completing 8 of 25 passes for 81 yards and two interceptions.

The home crowd booed Wentz as his accuracy dropped, especially in the fourth quarter. Head coach Kevin O'Connell benched Wentz late in the game for backup Max Brosmer. The Vikings offense held the ball for only 17:28 compared to Buffalo's 42:32 in time of possession.

Cook Leads Ground Game

Running back James Cook III carried the workload for Buffalo, rushing 31 times for 107 yards and a touchdown. It was only the second time in his career that Cook exceeded 30 carries in a game.

During a third quarter drive, both Cook and Allen surpassed 5,000 career rushing yards. Allen became just the fifth quarterback in NFL history to reach that mark, joining Lamar Jackson, Michael Vick, Cam Newton, and Russell Wilson.

What it means for the next game

Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers (NFL, Sun, 15 Nov): Green Bay Packers win 57%, Minnesota Vikings win 43%; projected score Green Bay Packers 22, Minnesota Vikings 19. Our safest pick: Under 49.5 points.

Buffalo Bills at New York Jets (NFL, Sun, 15 Nov): New York Jets win 22%, Buffalo Bills win 78%; projected score New York Jets 21, Buffalo Bills 29. Our safest pick: Bills to win.