NFL Standings Update: Bills Beat Vikings 23-6 as Minnesota Struggles at QB
Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills beat the Minnesota Vikings 23-6 on Monday night, improving to 7-1. The loss was Minnesota's second straight after a 6-0 start.
The Buffalo Bills moved to 7-1 on the season with a 23-6 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night, a result that shifts the NFL standings picture in the AFC and leaves the Vikings searching for answers. Josh Allen and the Bills wore down Minnesota's highly rated defense, while the Vikings' offense struggled badly. Buffalo has now won four straight road games.
Bills defense and Allen grind out the win
Allen finished 21-for-31 for 234 yards, one touchdown and one interception. His numbers were modest by his usual standard, but he operated under heavy pressure from Brian Flores' defense for most of the game and delivered when it mattered. Running back James Cook added 107 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Allen's first quarter was one of the more difficult stretches of his career, with an 18.4 passer rating and an end-zone interception. He recovered after that. From the first quarter onward he completed 16 of 20 passes for 191 yards and a touchdown without a turnover, according to The Athletic's breakdown of the game. Buffalo's first two second-half drives covered 14 and 15 plays.
Buffalo outgained Minnesota 339 yards to 178 and controlled the ball for 42 minutes 32 seconds, compared with 17:28 for the Vikings. Minnesota recorded 11 quarterback hits and four sacks of Allen, a total tied for the most this season.
Vikings offense stalls under Wentz
Carson Wentz started in place of injured quarterback Kyler Murray and was 8-for-25 for 81 yards with three turnovers, two interceptions and a backward pass that was fumbled. He was replaced late in the game by Max Brosmer. Minnesota's loss was its second straight after a 6-0 start.
Justin Jefferson was targeted 11 times but caught three passes for 58 yards. Jordan Addison had two receptions. Commentators at The Athletic described the offense as lacking rhythm in every area, with trouble running the ball and staying committed to the run when it worked.
Questions for Minnesota's front office
The result puts general manager Nolan Teasley and head coach Kevin O'Connell in a difficult position. Minnesota can wait for Murray's hamstring injury to heal, or look for a quarterback in a trade. According to The Athletic, the team has already made calls on possible options.
Flores' defense remains the strength of the team. Minnesota used its trademark blitz packages early, and Allen was pressured for much of the night. The defense has carried the Vikings for much of the past season and a half, but the offense has now been held to limited production in several recent games.
What we know so far
Buffalo's win keeps it near the top of the league table at 7-1, while Minnesota's slide has raised doubts about its quarterback situation. Murray's hamstring injury is the key factor in the Vikings' next decision. Separately, NFL.com reported that J.J. McCarthy is expected to play in Week 10 and that Justin Herbert avoided a finger fracture.
Sources were not all in agreement on how far the Vikings' offense can be fixed in-season, and the front office has not announced any quarterback move.
