The Buffalo Bills relied on a suffocating defensive effort to defeat the Minnesota Vikings 23-6 on Monday night at U.S. Bank Stadium, improving to 7-1 while handing Minnesota its second consecutive loss after a 6-0 start.
Buffalo's defense held the Vikings without a touchdown, forced three turnovers, and limited Minnesota to 178 total yards, including just 51 on the ground. Linebackers Dorian Williams and Terrel Bernard each intercepted quarterback Carson Wentz, while defensive end Greg Rousseau recovered a fumble. The Vikings converted none of their eight third-down attempts and failed on two fourth-down tries.
After a sluggish first half, the Bills' offense found rhythm. Josh Allen connected with rookie tight end Keleki Latu for a 25-yard touchdown in the second quarter, and James Cook capped an 84-yard, 15-play drive with a 5-yard scoring run in the fourth quarter. Kicker Tyler Bass added three field goals, including a 52-yarder to seal the win.
Allen completed 21 of 31 passes for 234 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Cook rushed for 107 yards on 31 carries. Wentz finished 8 of 25 for 81 yards with two interceptions and a 8.9 passer rating before being replaced by Max Brosmer late in the game.
The Bills outgained Minnesota 339-178 and controlled the ball for 42:32. Buffalo's victory extends their winning streak and keeps them atop the AFC East, while the Vikings fall to 6-2.
