Image via WuTang94 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0). Josh Allen with the Buffalo Bills against Tampa Bay in November 2025.
The Buffalo Bills beat the Minnesota Vikings 23-6 on Monday Night Football. It was not pretty, but it was a win that puts Buffalo on top of the AFC. The Week 9 finale at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis stayed tight for three quarters, then the Bills pulled away in the fourth.
Buffalo's defense did the heavy lifting. Minnesota never reached the end zone, turned the ball over three times, and managed just 178 yards all night. The Vikings went 0-for-8 on third down. By the end, the Bills had held the ball for 42 minutes and 32 seconds, and the Vikings' defense was out on its feet.
Allen and Cook grind it out
Josh Allen threw for 234 yards on 21 of 31 passing, with one touchdown and one interception. His scoring throw came with 44 seconds left before halftime. He found rookie tight end Keleki Latu wide open in the back of the end zone for a 25-yard touchdown, the first of Latu's career. It put Buffalo up 10-3.
James Cook did the rest on the ground. He carried the ball 31 times for 107 yards and a touchdown. His five-yard score capped a 15-play, 84-yard drive that took more than eight minutes off the clock in the fourth quarter and stretched the lead to 20-6. It was his eighth touchdown of the season.
Tyler Bass was perfect again. He made all three of his field goals, from 39, 25 and 52 yards, and his run of made kicks now stands at 24 in a row, a franchise record. The 52-yarder with just under five minutes left set the final score at 23-6.
Wentz struggles as Vikings' offense stalls
Carson Wentz started at quarterback for Minnesota with Kyler Murray out through a hamstring injury. It was a rough night. Wentz went 8 of 25 for 81 yards, threw two interceptions, and lost a fumble. He was pulled late on for Max Brosmer on the Vikings' final drive.
The fumble came early and it hurt. On Minnesota's second drive, Wentz threw a backward pass too high for Justin Jefferson to catch. The ball hit the turf, Greg Rousseau recovered it near midfield, and Bass kicked the 39-yarder that opened the scoring. Jefferson finished with three catches for 58 yards on 11 targets.
Linebackers Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams each picked Wentz off in the second half. Williams' interception on the first play of the third quarter set up Bass's 25-yard field goal. Minnesota's only points came from Will Reichard, who kicked field goals from 43 and 53 yards.
Scoring summary
| Quarter | Scoring play | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Tyler Bass 39-yard field goal | Bills 3-0 |
| 2nd | Will Reichard 43-yard field goal | Tied 3-3 |
| 2nd | Keleki Latu 25-yard touchdown pass from Josh Allen | Bills 10-3 |
| 2nd | Will Reichard 53-yard field goal | Bills 10-6 at halftime |
| 3rd | Tyler Bass 25-yard field goal | Bills 13-6 |
| 4th | James Cook 5-yard touchdown run | Bills 20-6 |
| 4th | Tyler Bass 52-yard field goal | Bills 23-6 final |
What the result means
Buffalo move to 7-1, their best start through eight games since 1993, and their fourth win in a row. They sit top of the AFC, and if the season ended today they would hold the No. 1 seed. The win also answers a question about this team. They came in with the league's best scoring offense and met the league's best scoring defense, and they still found a way to win ugly.
Minnesota fall to 6-2, their second straight loss after a 6-0 start. They drop to third in the NFC North behind Chicago (7-2) and Detroit (6-2), though they still hold a wild-card spot. The bigger worry is at quarterback. The trade deadline arrives on Tuesday, and the Vikings have to decide whether to make a move with Murray hurt and the offense stuck.
Both teams play on Sunday, November 15. Buffalo visit the New York Jets at 1 p.m. ET. Minnesota travel to Green Bay to face the Packers at Lambeau Field.
FAQs
What was the final score of Bills vs Vikings? Buffalo won 23-6 on Monday Night Football, November 9, 2026, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
How did Josh Allen play? Allen went 21 of 31 for 234 yards, with a 25-yard touchdown pass to rookie Keleki Latu and one interception.
How did James Cook play? Cook ran 31 times for 107 yards and a touchdown, his eighth score of the season.
Why did Carson Wentz start for the Vikings? Kyler Murray was out with a hamstring injury. Wentz went 8 of 25 for 81 yards, with two interceptions and a lost fumble.
What are the Bills' and Vikings' records now? Buffalo are 7-1 and top of the AFC. Minnesota are 6-2 and third in the NFC North.
Who do the Bills and Vikings play next? Buffalo visit the Jets and Minnesota visit the Packers, both on Sunday, November 15.
Read More: Monday Night Football Tonight: Bills vs Vikings — Best Offense Meets Best Defense in Week 9 Finale
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