NFL Week 9 MNF: Bills stifle Vikings 23-6 behind James Cook and fierce defense
FINAL: Bills 23, Vikings 6. Cook 107 yds, 1 TD; Allen 235 yds, 1 TD. Buffalo hands Minnesota its first loss of the season. Sunday: Bengals 34, Falcons 17 in Madrid.
FINAL: Bills 23, Vikings 6. Cook 107 yds, 1 TD; Allen 235 yds, 1 TD; Bills defense 5 sacks. MIN 7-1, BUF 7-2.
The Buffalo Bills defeated the Minnesota Vikings 23-6 on Monday, 9 November, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on ESPN Monday Night Football. James Cook rushed 19 times for 107 yards and a 12-yard touchdown, while Josh Allen completed 18 of 27 passes for 235 yards and a 24-yard scoring strike to Dalton Kincaid. The Bills defense dominated the line of scrimmage, recording five sacks on Sam Darnold and forcing two fourth-quarter turnovers. Minnesota entered the night undefeated at 7-0 but was held without a touchdown for the first time all season. Will Reichard kicked two field goals (38 and 47 yards) for Minnesota's only points. Buffalo improved to 7-2 atop the AFC East, while Minnesota fell to 7-1. The result followed Sunday's international showcase in Madrid, where Joe Burrow passed for 271 yards and four total touchdowns as the Cincinnati Bengals beat the Atlanta Falcons 34-17 at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
The stakes
Buffalo hands Minnesota its first loss of the season and moves to 7-2, keeping pace with Kansas City. Minnesota drops to 7-1 but maintains a one-game division lead over Detroit.
The rivalry angle
Non-conference heavyweight clash between two division leaders, decided by Buffalo's defensive pressure in Darnold's pocket.
Players who could decide it
19 carries, 107 yards and a 12-yard touchdown run.
18 of 27 for 235 yards, 1 touchdown pass, zero turnovers.
Sacked five times as Minnesota suffered its first defeat of the season.
Did you know?
- !James Cook surpassed 100 rushing yards for the third time this season.
- !Minnesota was held to six points, their lowest single-game scoring total since 2021.
- !Sunday in Madrid: Joe Burrow threw three touchdown passes and ran for another in Cincinnati's 34-17 win.
Head to head
Monday 9 November 2026. U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis. Final: Bills 23, Vikings 6.
Sources
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