The Buffalo Bills defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 26-7 at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday, improving their season record to 8-4. The victory came after a physical contest in which Buffalo responded strongly following their Week 12 loss.
Defensive plays were key for the Bills. Early in the second quarter, defensive end Joey Bosa sacked Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, forcing a fumble that cornerback Christian Benford recovered and returned for a touchdown. This play gave Buffalo a 10-7 lead and led to Rodgers leaving the field with an arm injury. Backup Mason Rudolph replaced him while Rodgers was evaluated.
Benford continued his impact by intercepting Rudolph on the next drive, setting up the Bills’ offense in favorable field position. Running back James Cook III then broke out with a 31-yard run to move Buffalo into scoring range. On fourth-and-goal, quarterback Josh Allen found wide receiver Keon Coleman in the end zone, extending Buffalo’s lead to 16-7 midway through the third quarter.
Buffalo had struggled with penalties and turnovers in the first half despite controlling possession and outgaining Pittsburgh offensively. They managed only a field goal before halftime but adjusted after the break.
Running backs James Cook III and Ray Davis both contributed significant yardage on the ground as Buffalo established its run game early and maintained momentum throughout. Allen added an eight-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter, pushing Buffalo ahead by two possessions.
The Bills’ defense held Pittsburgh scoreless after halftime, sealing a complete second-half shutout.
Several milestones were reached during this game:
– Josh Allen surpassed Cam Newton for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in NFL history.
– Allen also joined Drew Brees as one of only two NFL players with at least 30 offensive touchdowns in six consecutive seasons.
– Joey Bosa tied his team’s franchise record for forced fumbles in a single season.
– James Cook III became just the fifth running back in Bills history to have seven games with over 100 rushing yards in one season.
– Mitch Wishnowsky played his 100th career game; Christian Benford marked his 50th.
Buffalo is now 5-1 against Pittsburgh since 2019 and improved their all-time record playing away against Pittsburgh to four wins out of fourteen games. Josh Allen is now 27-9 as a starter following losses.
The Bills will next face the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, December 7 at home.
