Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR) - Despite five turnovers on offense, the Buffalo Bills somehow found a way to a 24-16 win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. The win keeps Buffalo unbeaten to start the 2026 season.
The first drive did not go as planned for the Bills as James Cook fumbled on the first play of the first offensive drive. Which set up a 1-yard touchdown to Keaton Mitchell from Justin Herbert and the Chargers took an early 7-0 lead in the first quarter.
Buffalo’s offense looked to respond on their next drive to keep the game in-front-of them. They ultimately could not and it would be a back and forth from that second drive. Multiple interceptions from Josh Allen and the Bills defense tallying some stops along the way. The Chargers were on the board again though after a field goal from Cameron Dicker.
With just about six minutes left in the second quarter, the Bills finally found the scoreboard. Tyler Bass drilled a 28-yard field goal to cut the deficit to seven points.
The first half was nearing its close. After three turnovers, they were able to tie the game 10-10 after Allen found Keon Coleman on a 37-yard pass, to set up a 1-yard rushing touchdown for Allen.
The second half began and there wasn’t much difference from the first. This was going to be a battle to the finish. The Chargers opened up taking back the lead with a 21-yard field goal from Dicker. The Bills drive that followed was about as productive as you would think with all that was happening throughout the game. On a huge 24 yard gain from Dalton Kincaid, the ball was punched out and recovered by the Chargers.
The Bills defense forced a punt to give their offense another chance. They could not capitalize once again, at the hands of another fumble. Allen had the ball stripped on a sack before he touched the ground. It was the messiest showing of the season, and yet, they were within three points of the lead.
Those would be the only points in the third quarter, as it would come to an end. The Bills were able to take their first lead of the game in the fourth quarter that was set up by an interception from C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
It was a chaotic next drive due to penalties, but Allen scored another touchdown with a 1- yard run.
Buffalo’s defense continued to stay dominant, as they forced a turn over on downs on the ensuing drive. James Cook hit pay dirt on this drive to extend lead even further. It was a 3-yard touchdown run up the middle. The Bills officially led by 11 with just about three minutes left in the contest.
The Chargers weren’t gonna go down without a fight, Herbert and the offense were driving, but ended up stalling in the red zone and settling for a 33 yard field goal from Dicker. The deficit was cut to only eight and they would line up for the onside kick to try and get the ball back.
The onside kick failed, and the Bills recovered. Buffalo would just run the clock down to the finish and escape with the victory following the sloppy game. With five total turnovers, the Bills still managed a 24-13 victory.
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SCORING RECAP
First Quarter:
- 7-0 LOS ANGELES - Chargers Touchdown (10:33) - Justin Herbert leaves a jet sweep for Keaton Mitchell, who finds the end zone from 1-yard out for a touchdown. (Cameron Dicker’s extra-point attempt is good)
Drive info: 8 plays, 47 yards, 4:11
- 10-0 LOS ANGELES - Chargers Field Goal (0:34) - Cameron Dicker’s 31-yard field goal attempt is good.
Drive info: 6 plays, 30 yards, 2:49
Second Quarter:
- 10-3 LOS ANGELES - Bills field goal (6:02) - Tyler Bass’ 28-yard field goal attempt is good.
Drive info: 10 plays, 55 yards, 4:20
- 10-10 - Bills Touchdown (0:16) - Josh Allen rushes up the middle for a 1-yard touchdown run. (Tyler Bass’ extra point attempt is good)
Drive info: 10 plays, 80 yards, 3:49
Third Quarter:
- 13-10 LOS ANGELES - Chargers Field Goal (6:12) - Cameron Dicker's 21-yard field goal attempt is good.
Drive info: 13 plays, 69 yards, 8:48
Fourth Quarter:
- 17-13 BUFFALO - Bills Touchdown (7:35) - Josh Allen punches it up the middle for a 1-yard touchdown run. (Tyler Bass' extra point attempt is good)
Drive info: 13 plays, 58 yards, 5:50
- 24-13 BUFFALO - Bills Touchdown (3:13) - James Cook finds a hole up the middle for a 3-yard rushing touchdown. (Tyler Bass' extra point attempt is good)
Drive info: 6 plays, 45 yards, 1:55
- 24-16 BUFFALO - Chargers field goal (1:56) - Cameron Dicker's 33-yard field goal attempt is good.
Drive info: 7 plays, 69 yards, 1:17
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What's next:
The Bills close out a three-game homestand next Sunday when they host the defending AFC champion New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m.
