The Buffalo Bills secured a 40-9 victory over the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, improving their season record to 5-2. This win also extends the team’s post-bye week streak to nine consecutive wins under head coach Sean McDermott.
Running back James Cook III played a central role in the Bills’ success, recording 216 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. His first touchdown came in the second quarter after a 64-yard run, which marked his second-longest career rushing score. “After making one Carolina defender miss, the running back was left untouched the rest of the way into the end zone. Cook somersaulted to break the plane and log the first touchdown on Sunday between both teams,” according to game coverage.
Cook continued his strong performance into the second half, scoring again with a run up the middle. His total of 153 rushing yards in just the first half set an NFL high for any running back so far in 2025.
Quarterback Josh Allen contributed both through passing and rushing, including two one-yard rushing touchdowns and a passing touchdown to wide receiver Khalil Shakir. Allen surpassed Cam Newton for most games in NFL history with both a rushing and passing touchdown (46). He also logged his tenth career game with multiple rushing touchdowns and one passing touchdown, setting an NFL record.
Buffalo’s defense made key plays throughout, including defensive end A.J. Epenesa’s interception that set up a short-field touchdown before halftime and Joey Bosa’s third sack of the season during critical moments. Rookie Maxwell Hairston made his NFL debut after returning from injury, while Bosa celebrated his 100th career start.
The Bills have now scored 37 points on opening drives in second halves this season—more than any other team in the league—and hold a 7-2 all-time record against Carolina.
Additional milestones included Ed Oliver reaching three sacks this year, continuing his streak of at least 2.5 sacks per season for seven years—the second-longest such streak by any Bill to start their career—and Josh Allen moving into third place for most touchdowns in franchise history.
The Panthers dropped to 4-4 with this loss and were unable to contain Buffalo’s ground attack or generate momentum offensively as turnovers and missed opportunities mounted throughout all four quarters.
Buffalo will next face Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, November 2 at 4:25 p.m. EST.
