Buffalo Bills Beat Vikings 23-6 as Josh Allen Ties Manning Record

Josh Allen threw a touchdown pass with 44 seconds remaining before halftime to help the Buffalo Bills secure a 23-6 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night.

The win moves Buffalo to a 7-1 record, marking their best eight-game start since 1993, according to a report from the Chicago Sun-Times.

While the Bills found their rhythm, the Vikings struggled through an offensive slump that left them unable to capitalize on defensive opportunities. The Chicago Sun-Times reported that Minnesota’s defense actually pressured Allen heavily, recording four sacks and an interception returned 55 yards by Byron Murphy, but the offense failed to sustain drives.

The performance earned the win and set a new record. By accounting for 322 regular-season touchdowns—comprising 232 passing, 88 rushing, and two receiving scores—Allen has tied Peyton Manning for the most total touchdowns recorded over a player’s first 10 seasons in the NFL. Allen is currently midway through his ninth professional season.

Josh Allen Talks After Big Monday Night Football Victory Over The Vikings | Buffalo Bills

The Bills' offensive efficiency relied on a heavy rushing attack and reliable special teams. James Cook carried the ball 31 times for 107 yards and a late touchdown to seal the win, while kicker Tyler Bass extended his franchise-record streak to 24 field goals. MySportsTab noted that Bass contributed four field goals during the contest.

The Vikings’ offensive difficulties were compounded by personnel changes at the quarterback position. With Kyler Murray sidelined by a hamstring injury, Carson Wentz started the game but delivered one of the poorest performances of his 11-year career. Wentz completed only 8 of 25 passes for 81 yards and committed three turnovers.

Josh Allen reacts to Bills’ 23-6 win over the Vikings on Monday Night Football | NFL on ESPN

One of those turnovers occurred in the first quarter when a backward pass was thrown too high for Justin Jefferson to catch, resulting in a fumble near midfield.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported that Wentz was checked in the medical tent at one point due to an apparent lower leg injury. He was eventually replaced by Max Brosmer midway through the fourth quarter, completing just one of eight passes in the second half.

Player	Team	Stat Category	Value
Josh Allen	Buffalo Bills	Total Touchdowns (First 10 Years)	322
James Cook	Buffalo Bills	Rushing Yards	107
Carson Wentz	Minnesota Vikings	Passing Completions	8 of 25
Tyler Bass	Buffalo Bills	Consecutive Field Goals	24

Both rosters dealt with key absences that shaped the game's outcome. The Bills played without starting left tackle Dion Dawkins, who was inactive due to ribs, and starting left guard Alec Anderson, who was out with an ankle injury.

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Minnesota was also missing key contributors, including wide receiver Jauan Jennings, who was inactive with a calf injury, and free safety Theo Jackson, who was out due to a quadriceps issue. These absences, combined with the lack of offensive production, left the Vikings unable to utilize their high-scoring potential against the Bills’ defense.

The Bills’ victory highlights a stark contrast in momentum: Buffalo is matching a scoring pace not seen by the franchise in decades, while Minnesota remains searching for offensive consistency in the absence of their primary quarterback.