Bills Eke Out Win vs. Chargers 24-22, Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

Well, that was a good game and, at the same time, one of the worst games we’ve seen this year. The Buffalo Bills barely held on against a LA Chargers team that lost their star WR, QB, pass rusher, and fired their HC just a week ago. They improve their playoff chances to 68%, and are now the sixth seed in the conference (pending the outcome of tomorrow’s games). Today was also the first game action for RB Leonard Fournette, who got in for an injured Ty Johnson. Let’s get into some game notes.

James Cook has 1,000 rushing yards

Cook is the first Bills RB to rush for 1,000 yards in a season since LeSean McCoy did it in 2017. Cook finished the day with 70 rushing yards on 20 carries, including one lost fumble. The team finished with 105 total rushing yards. Leonard Fournette had 20 yards on five attempts.

The Gabe Davis experience

Davis finished with 130 yards and one TD on four receptions, including a long 57-yard touchdown in the first half. As Diggs was blanketed all day, a WR2 finally stepped up to support Josh Allen.

The Pass Rush showed up again this week!

And we got production from some unfamiliar players. Rasul Douglas totaled his second career sack today, while Cam Lewis brought down Easton Stick as well. (However, his counted on the stat sheet as a TFL.) Other players who recorded a sack were: Terrel Bernard, Ed Oliver, and Poona Ford. The defense hit Stick six times total in the game. Fantastic play from the front seven, as they also held Austin Ekeler to only 65 rushing yards.

Sam Martin dominated

After a shaky season to date, Martin really excelled tonight, booting three balls inside the 20 (one at the four yard line), and averaging 52.3 yards per punt (with a long of 58 yds). Martin really helped Buffalo switch field position at a time in the game where the offense was lacking, and the defense was struggling to keep up.

The Buffalo Bills are in a playoff spot (for now)

If the Bills beat New England next week, and the Miami Dolphins win one of their next two games, Week 18 would be for the division. The Bills will travel to Miami for that game.

Featured Image Credit: USA Today