ORCHARD PARK, NY — The Buffalo Bills showcased a formidable ground game to secure a commanding 31-10 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, strengthening their position in the AFC playoff race. Running back James Cook led the charge with 179 rushing yards and 221 total yards from scrimmage, scoring two touchdowns in the process.
Bills quarterback Josh Allen had a relatively quiet day, throwing for just 94 yards with a touchdown pass and a rushing score. The Bills’ offense clicked into high gear, with Cook’s performance highlighting their dominant rushing attack.
The Cowboys (10-4), who had already clinched a playoff berth before kickoff due to other teams’ losses, saw their five-game winning streak come to an end. Dallas struggled to replicate their home form on the road, being outscored 156-152 in away games this season.
The Bills (8-6) managed to control the game by maintaining possession, outgaining the Cowboys in first downs 28 to 14, and holding the ball for ten minutes longer. Buffalo’s 266 rushing yards played a crucial role in their strategy to keep the Cowboys’ offense off the field.
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and the NFL’s top-scoring offense were limited to a season-low 195 yards and a single field goal for the majority of the game. Prescott completed 21 of 34 passes for 134 yards with an interception, as Buffalo’s defense, despite missing key players, held firm against Dallas’s potent attack.
The Bills’ opening drive, capped by Latavius Murray’s 2-yard run, set the tone for the game. Cook’s 18-yard touchdown catch further extended Buffalo’s lead, benefiting from a Cowboys penalty that extended the drive.
Buffalo continued to dominate in the second half, with Tyler Bass’s 23-yard field goal putting them up 24-3. The Bills’ rushing attack was relentless, tying for the second-most rushing first downs in team history.
Injuries were a factor for both teams, with Cowboys guard Zack Martin and Bills defensive tackle Jordan Phillips leaving the game. Martin’s injury seems not to be severe, according to Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy.
Looking ahead, the Cowboys face a challenging road game against the Miami Dolphins next Sunday, while the Bills travel to face the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday night. For Buffalo, this victory represents a significant step in their quest for a fifth straight playoff berth and continued contention in the AFC East.
