The Buffalo Bills did not need fireworks on Monday night. They needed patience, a heavy dose of running back James Cook and a defense that kept making plays. They got all three, beating the Minnesota Vikings 23-6 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis to improve to 7-1.
The matchup of two 6-1 teams was billed as a test of the NFL’s highest-scoring offense against its stingiest defense. Minnesota’s defense held up for long stretches, but the Vikings’ offense, playing without injured starting quarterback Kyler Murray, managed just 178 total yards and never reached the end zone.
How the game was won
Buffalo controlled the ball for 42 minutes and 32 seconds, according to the Associated Press and ESPN, wearing down a Minnesota defense that came in leading the league in points allowed. Cook carried 31 times for 107 yards and added a late rushing touchdown. ESPN noted it was only the second time in his career he topped 30 carries.
Josh Allen completed 21 of 31 passes for 234 yards with one touchdown and one interception, spreading the ball to 10 different receivers while playing behind a patched-up offensive line. Buffalo was missing starting left tackle Dion Dawkins and left guard Alec Anderson.
Allen’s touchdown came just before halftime, a 25-yard throw to tight end Keleki Latu in the back of the end zone. It was Latu’s first NFL score. Kicker Tyler Bass added three field goals, extending his franchise-record streak to 24 in a row, according to the AP.
Minnesota had an early bright spot when cornerback Byron Murphy picked off Allen on a third-and-23 throw in the first quarter and returned it 55 yards. But the Vikings could not cash in. The AP reported that Minnesota started four straight first-half drives beyond its own 40-yard line and still never got past the Buffalo 48.
A rough night for Minnesota’s quarterback
With Murray out with a hamstring strain, veteran Carson Wentz made his second start of the season. He struggled badly, completing 8 of 25 passes for 81 yards with two interceptions, one by Terrel Bernard and one by Dorian Williams, plus a lost fumble. He was replaced by Max Brosmer midway through the fourth quarter.
Star receiver Justin Jefferson was limited to three catches for 58 yards on 11 targets. Running backs Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones combined for only 11 carries.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell took the blame afterward, telling reporters, “Put tonight 100% on me,” according to the AP. He said he should have called more running plays.
Milestones for Josh Allen
- The AP reported Allen tied Peyton Manning for the most regular-season touchdowns over a player’s first 10 NFL seasons, with 322.
- ESPN reported Allen became the fifth quarterback in NFL history to reach 5,000 career rushing yards.
- The 7-1 record matches Buffalo’s best eight-game start since 1993, according to the AP.
What it means for the standings
Buffalo now owns the best record in the AFC, according to ESPN, and remains in first place in the AFC East. Minnesota falls to 6-2 after its second straight loss, though it still came into the night leading the NFC North.
The bigger question in Minnesota is at quarterback. Murray’s return date is uncertain, and ESPN noted the Vikings may weigh adding a veteran passer before Tuesday afternoon’s NFL trade deadline. Upstormed News will follow any moves.
What’s next
The Bills visit the New York Jets on Sunday. The Vikings head to Green Bay to face the rival Packers, with their offense under pressure to bounce back.
Why it matters for families
For young fans, Monday’s game was a good lesson that football is not always about highlight plays. Buffalo won by staying patient and sticking to its plan even when things did not go its way early. That is a message that works on the field, in the classroom and at home.
Related coverage on Upstormed News: Santos Kick at the Gun Lifts Bears Past Bucs 27-24; Bills Visit Vikings Tonight and Your Morning Briefing: Monday, November 9: Congress Returns, Nvidia, Abu Dhabi Talks.
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Are the Bills the team to beat in the AFC, and what should the Vikings do at quarterback?
Sources: AP via KTTC, “Josh Allen and the Bills move to 7-1 with a 23-6 win over the sputtering Vikings” (November 10, 2026); ESPN, “Josh Allen leads Bills to win over tough Vikings defense” (November 10, 2026); CBS Sports, “Vikings vs. Bills live updates” (November 9, 2026)
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