Historic Loss Stuns Buffalo Bills
In a bizarre twist of fate, the Buffalo Bills found themselves on the wrong end of history against the Los Angeles Rams. Despite scoring an impressive 44 points and managing zero turnovers, the Bills fell short with a gripping 44-42 defeat. This marked the first time in the Super Bowl era that a team achieved such a statistical feat and failed to secure a victory, ending what was until now a perfect 245-0 record for such performances.
Central to the game was the undeniable prowess of Josh Allen, Buffalo’s star quarterback, who put on an exceptional display by being responsible for all six of the team's touchdowns. Allen's performance was particularly noteworthy as he became the first player in NFL regular-season history to record three passing touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns in a single game. This achievement further cemented his reputation, adding to his growing tally of five career games with at least two touchdown passes and two rushing touchdowns.
For the Bills, it was a game that defied expectations and absent celebrations. The loss shattered their previous perfect record when scoring 40 points or more in a game, which now stands at 53-1. The matchup against the Rams unfolds as the highest-scoring game of the 2024 season, with a combined total of 86 points, highlighting the offensive prowess on display from both teams.
NFL's Rare Games and Streaks
The game between the Rams and Bills was only the second in NFL history to feature five touchdown passes, five rushing touchdowns, and no turnovers, adding yet another layer of intrigue to an already fascinating contest. Meanwhile, elsewhere in the NFL, the Las Vegas Raiders have been making their own kind of history, albeit less gloriously, by trailing by at least 10 points in every game this season, making them the second team to endure such a dismal streak.
The season has not lacked in headline-grabbing performances, personified by Saquon Barkley, who edged his name into the Eagles' history books by breaking their single-season rushing record with 1,623 yards, surpassing the previous milestone of 1,607 yards.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles themselves are riding a wave with a nine-game winning streak, a feat only overshadowed by the Detroit Lions’ impressive 11-game run. In another thread of the season's narrative, the NFC East is set for a fresh ruler for the 20th consecutive year, as the Dallas Cowboys were eliminated from the divisional title race.
Jets’ Struggles and Unique Scores
In New York, the Jets’ tale of woes continues, as they linger without a playoff appearance since 2010. This 14-year postseason drought is currently the longest active streak in any major professional sport in the United States, underscoring the persistent struggles faced by the franchise.
Turning to Miami, the Dolphins found themselves in the unique position of achieving a “scorigami” with their 32-26 victory over the Jets. A “scorigami” describes a game ending in a score that has never been recorded before in the NFL.
Quarterback Challenges and Rookie Records
While Aaron Rodgers produced a comeback in form, throwing for 339 yards against the Dolphins — his first 300-plus yard game since December 2021 — other quarterbacks faced tougher times. Kirk Cousins is suffering through a rather perplexing period, having thrown eight interceptions without any touchdowns over four games, which questions the stability of his current form.
The Atlanta Falcons have etched an unwelcome chapter in NFL history, recording zero passing touchdowns while conceding eight interceptions in a stretch of four games, during which opposing quarterbacks were able to toss eight touchdowns without reciprocation.
Amidst these challenges, new talents rise. Brock Bowers, a rookie tight end, isn't letting the complexities of such a competitive arena deter him from setting records of his own, boasting 87 receptions this season — a new high mark for rookie tight ends.
As the season heads into its final stretch, these narratives, records, and statistics weave a complex tale of triumphs and failures, promising more suspense and spectacle as teams battle for playoff berths and individual accolades.