Bills Outlast Vikings 23-6 Behind James Cook’s 107 Rushing Yards

The Buffalo Bills moved to 7-1 after a 23-6 win against the Minnesota Vikings, featuring a career-high 31 carries from James Cook III.

The Buffalo Bills defeated the Minnesota Vikings 23-6 on Monday Night Football, improving their record to 7-1. Running back James Cook III recorded 31 carries for 107 yards and a touchdown, while quarterback Josh Allen finished with 234 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception. During a third-quarter series, both Allen and Cook surpassed 5,000 career rushing yards, making Allen the fifth quarterback in NFL history to reach that milestone. Tight end Keleki Latu provided the go-ahead score late in the first half with a 25-yard touchdown reception, his first career NFL score.

Minnesota dropped to 6-2 following a performance where quarterback Carson Wentz completed 8-of-25 passes for 81 yards. Wentz threw two interceptions and was sacked once, finishing with an 8.9 passer rating before being benched for backup Max Brosmer in the fourth quarter. The Vikings’ offense struggled with a 38% off-target rate, the highest in the league this season, and managed only 17:28 in time of possession compared to Buffalo's 42:32.

Buffalo played without starting left tackle Dion Dawkins, left guard Alec Anderson, and receiver Joshua Palmer. Despite these absences, the Bills' defense held Minnesota to six points, intercepting Wentz twice. Buffalo next faces the New York Jets on Sunday, while the Vikings are scheduled to play the Green Bay Packers on November 16.