The 2018 Buffalo Bills season was the franchise's 49th season in the National Football League, and the 59th overall. The season also marked the fourth full season under the ownership of Terry and Kim Pegula and their second under the head coach/general manager tandem of Sean McDermott and Brandon Beane. The team previously finished with a 9–7 record in 2017 and returned to the playoffs for the first time after having not been to the playoffs since 1999. After a 21–17 loss to the rival Miami Dolphins in Week 13, the Bills failed to match their 9–7 record from the previous season. They were officially eliminated from playoff contention the following week with a 27–23 loss to the New York Jets, ultimately finishing with a 6–10 record as numerous players from the previous season departed via trades, roster cuts or retirement. They went 4–3 in their last 7 games. This season was also notable for being the first season for quarterback Josh Allen and the last one for longtime defensive tackle Kyle Williams. As of the most recent season, this is the only time where Coach Sean McDermott has not led the Bills to the playoffs.
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Offseason
On May 1, 2018, three weeks after the 2017–18 Buffalo Sabres season ended, team president Russ Brandon announced his resignation from Pegula Sports and Entertainment.[1] In a statement to the press, Brandon stated that the departure had been planned since he had reached 20 years with the Bills in November 2017 and that he fulfilled his duties to the Bills and Sabres for the remainder of the Sabres' season before tendering his resignation. A report in The Buffalo News claimed that Brandon had been subject to an internal investigation regarding inappropriate relationships with female employees;[2] neither the Bills, Sabres nor Brandon mentioned such in their statements.[3]
Transactions
Front office changes
Free Agency
Arrivals
| Position |
Player |
2017 Team |
Date signed |
Notes |
| CB |
Vontae Davis |
Indianapolis Colts |
February 26, 2018[4] |
1-year/$5 million |
| RB |
Chris Ivory |
Jacksonville Jaguars |
March 6, 2018[5] |
2-year/$5.5 million |
| DE |
Owa Odighizuwa |
New York Giants |
March 8, 2018[6] |
Reserve/future |
| CB |
Rafael Bush |
New Orleans Saints |
March 14, 2018[7] |
2-year/$4.5 million |
| DT |
Star Lotulelei |
Carolina Panthers |
March 14, 2018[8] |
5-year/$50 million |
| LB |
Julian Stanford |
New York Jets |
March 14, 2018[8] |
2-year/$3 million |
| LB/DE |
Trent Murphy |
Washington Redskins |
March 14, 2018[8] |
3-year/$22.5 million |
| QB |
A. J. McCarron |
Cincinnati Bengals |
March 14, 2018[8] |
2-year/$10 million |
| C |
Russell Bodine |
Cincinnati Bengals |
March 19, 2018[9] |
2-year/5 million |
| OT |
Marshall Newhouse |
Oakland Raiders |
March 19, 2018[10] |
1-year |
| WR |
Jeremy Kerley |
New York Jets |
April 16, 2018[11] |
1-year |
| DT |
Tenny Palepoi |
Los Angeles Chargers |
April 16, 2018[11] |
1-year |
| QB |
Matt Barkley |
Cincinnati Bengals |
October 31, 2018[12] |
|
| P |
Colton Schmidt |
Buffalo Bills |
October 31, 2018[12] |
|
Departures
Draft
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Draft trades
- The Bills traded their first- and second-round selections (12th, 53rd and 56th overall) to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for Tampa Bay's first- and seventh-round selections (7th and 255th overall).[18]
- The Bills traded their first- and third-round selections (22nd and 65th overall) to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for Baltimore's first- and fifth-round selections (16th and 154th overall)[19]
- The Bills traded their first- and fifth-round selections (21st and 158th overall) and offensive tackle Cordy Glenn to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for Cincinnati's first- and sixth-round selections (12th and 187th overall).[20]
- The Bills traded their first-round selection in 2017 (10th overall) to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for Kansas City's first-round selection (22nd overall) as well as their first- and third-round selections in 2017 (27th and 91st overall).
- The Bills traded their sixth-round selection (195th overall) and wide receiver Sammy Watkins to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for the Rams' second-round selection (56th overall) and cornerback E.J. Gaines.
- The Bills traded quarterback Tyrod Taylor to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for Cleveland's third-round selection (65th).[20]
- The Bills traded their third-round selection (85th overall), quarterback Cardale Jones and the seventh-round selection they acquired from the Los Angeles Chargers (234th overall) to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin.
- The Bills traded cornerback Ronald Darby to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for Philadelphia's third-round selection (96th overall) and wide receiver Jordan Matthews.
- The Bills traded defensive tackle Marcell Dareus to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a conditional sixth-round selection, which became a fifth-round selection (166th overall) after Dareus remained on Jacksonville's roster for the remainder of the 2017 season and the Jaguars made the playoffs.
- The Bills traded their seventh-round selection (239th overall) to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for linebacker Lerentee McCray.
Trades
Staff
| 2018 Buffalo Bills staff |
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Front office
Head coaches
Offensive coaches
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Defensive coaches
Special teams coaches
Strength and conditioning
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Final roster
| 2018 Buffalo Bills final roster |
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Quarterbacks
Running backs
Wide receivers
Tight ends
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Offensive linemen
Defensive linemen
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Linebackers
Defensive backs
Special teams
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Reserve lists
Practice squad
Rookies in italics
53 Active, 7 Inactive, 10 Practice squad
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Preseason
The Bills' preseason opponents and schedule was announced on April 11, 2018.[25] For the first time since 2001, the Detroit Lions, who the Bills played in Week 15, were not included on the preseason schedule.
Regular season
Schedule
The Bills' 2018 schedule was announced on April 19, 2018.
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
Game summaries
Week 1: at Baltimore Ravens
| Game information |
First quarter
Second quarter
- BAL – Justin Tucker 41-yard field goal, 13:14. Ravens 17–0. Drive: 4 plays, 13 yards, 0:49.
- BAL – Justin Tucker 39-yard field goal, 4:16. Ravens 20–0. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 1:22.
- BAL – Michael Crabtree 12-yard pass from Joe Flacco (pass failed), 0:13. Ravens 26–0. Drive: 9 plays, 85 yards, 2:35.
Third quarter
- BAL – Willie Snead 13-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Justin Tucker kick), 12:28. Ravens 33–0. Drive: 3 plays, 14 yards, 1:20.
- BAL – Javorius Allen 1-yard run (Justin Tucker kick), 11:22. Ravens 40–0. Drive: 1 plays, 1 yards, 0:04.
- BUF – Steven Hauschka 35-yard field goal, 2:38. Ravens 40–3. Drive: 12 plays, 46 yards, 5:31.
Fourth quarter
- BAL – Kenneth Dixon 2-yard run (Justin Tucker kick), 3:52. Ravens 47–3. Drive: 13 plays, 89 yards, 8:03.
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Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
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|
Played in heavy rain, the lopsided game saw a dominant performance from Ravens QB Joe Flacco, who completed 25 of 34 passes for 236 yards and three touchdowns against the Bills defense before handing the reigns off to rookie Lamar Jackson. Buffalo was unable to keep pace on offense, finishing without a first down until the third quarter. Bills QB Nathan Peterman completed just 5/18 attempts for 24 yards and two interceptions, good for a 0.0 passer rating before being benched for rookie Josh Allen in the third quarter. With a final score of 47-3 in favor of Baltimore, Buffalo suffered its worst season-opening loss ever and opened the 2018 season 0-1.[26]
Week 2: vs. Los Angeles Chargers
| Game information |
First quarter
Second quarter
- BUF – Stephen Hauschka 43-yard field goal, 13:38. Chargers 14–3. Drive: 12 plays, 51 yards, 5:40.
- LAC – Melvin Gordon 9-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Caleb Sturgis kick), 10:43. Chargers 21–3. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:55.
- LAC – Melvin Gordon 2-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Caleb Sturgis kick), 1:55. Chargers 28–3. Drive: 12 plays, 81 yards, 6:46.
- BUF – Stephen Hauschka 40-yard field goal, 0:47. Chargers 28–6. Drive: 6 plays, 52 yards, 1:08.
Third quarter
- BUF – Chris Ivory 1-yard run (Stephen Hauschka kick), 11:06. Chargers 28–13. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:54.
Fourth quarter
- LAC – Caleb Sturgis 24-yard field goal, 3:50. Chargers 31–13. Drive: 7 plays, 11 yards, 3:10.
- BUF – Kelvin Benjamin 3-yard pass from Josh Allen (Stephen Hauschka kick), 0:38. Chargers 31–20. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 3:12.
|
Top passers
- LAC – Philip Rivers – 23/27, 256 yards, 3 TD
- BUF – Josh Allen – 18/33, 245 yards, TD, 2 INT
Top rushers
Top receivers
|
|
QB Josh Allen made his first career start in place of Nathan Peterman.[27] This was also CB Vontae Davis' last game in the NFL as he abruptly retired during halftime after 10 seasons. Veteran LB Lorenzo Alexander called Davis' decision "disrespectful" and that he had "never seen it, ever."[28] Star RB LeSean McCoy left the game after suffering a strained rib muscle early in the second half.[27]
Week 3: at Minnesota Vikings
| Game information |
First quarter
- BUF – Josh Allen 10-yard run (Stephen Hauschka kick), 10:01. Bills 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:59.
- BUF – Stephen Hauschka 30-yard field goal, 7:24. Bills 10–0. Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 1:57.
- BUF – Jason Croom 26-yard pass from Josh Allen (Stephen Hauschka kick), 5:09. Bills 17–0. Drive: 2 plays, 25 yards, 0:48.
Second quarter
- BUF – Josh Allen 1-yard run (Stephen Hauschka kick), 12:14. Bills 24–0. Drive: 11 plays, 65 yards, 5:45.
- BUF – Stephen Hauschka 50-yard field goal, 6:16. Bills 27–0. Drive: 8 plays, 17 yards, 3:46.
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
- BUF – Chris Ivory – 3 receptions, 70 yards
- MIN – Adam Thielen – 14 receptions, 105 yards
|
|
In Josh Allen's second NFL start, he went 15/22 for 196 yards and a TD, earning him a 111.2 passer rating. He also added 39 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. The defense also sacked Vikings QB Kirk Cousins four times and intercepted him once. The Bills won this game despite being 16.5-point betting underdogs.[29]
Week 4: at Green Bay Packers
| Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- GB – Aaron Jones 3-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), 11:09. Packers 13–0. Drive: 9 plays, 83 yards, 5:22.
- GB – Mason Crosby 52-yard field goal, 0:03. Packers 16–0. Drive: 7 plays, 40 yards, 0:43.
- Third quarter
- GB – Mason Crosby 36-yard field goal, 11:17. Packers 19–0. Drive: 10 plays, 57 yards, 3:47.
- Fourth quarter
- GB – Mason Crosby 52-yard field goal, 2:00. Packers 22–0. Drive: 7 plays, 39 yards, 2:26.
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- Top passers
- BUF – Josh Allen – 16/33, 151 yards, 2 INT
- GB – Aaron Rodgers – 22/40, 298 yards, TD, INT
- Top rushers
- BUF – LeSean McCoy – 5 rushes, 24 yards
- GB – Aaron Jones – 11 rushes, 65 yards, TD
- Top receivers
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Despite holding the Aaron Rodgers-led Packers offense to just 22 points and forcing two turnovers, which included a Jordan Poyer interception, the Bills were unable to garner any points. With the team's first shutout loss since 2008, Buffalo fell to 1-3.[30]
Week 5: vs. Tennessee Titans
Week Five: Tennessee Titans at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Total |
| Titans |
3 |
3 |
0 |
6 |
12 |
| Bills |
7 |
0 |
3 |
3 |
13 |
at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York
| Game information |
First quarter
- BUF – Josh Allen 14-yard run (Stephen Hauschka kick), 9:03. Bills 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 47 yards, 5:26.
- TEN – Ryan Succop 25-yard field goal, 1:35. Bills 7–3. Drive: 7 plays, 18 yards, 3:27.
Second quarter
- TEN – Ryan Succop 54-yard field goal, 0:00. Bills 7–6. Drive: 11 plays, 52 yards, 5:03.
Third quarter
- BUF – Stephen Hauschka 40-yard field goal, 1:59. Bills 10–6. Drive: 7 plays, 27 yards, 3:47.
Fourth quarter
- TEN – Ryan Succop 39-yard field goal, 10:30. Bills 10–9. Drive: 14 plays, 54 yards, 6:29.
- TEN – Ryan Succop 50-yard field goal, 4:43. Titans 12–10. Drive: 7 plays, 22 yards, 3:08.
- BUF – Stephen Hauschka 46-yard field goal, 0:00. Bills 13–12. Drive: 11 plays, 47 yards, 4:43.
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Top passers
- TEN – Marcus Mariota – 14/26, 129 yards, INT
- BUF – Josh Allen – 10/19, 82 yards, INT
Top rushers
Top receivers
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|
With RB LeSean McCoy back to full health, the Bills maintained a run-heavy offensive game plan. QB Josh Allen scored his third rushing touchdown of the season and the Bills held the Titans offense, led by QB Marcus Mariota, in check in a defensive battle, aided by a Taron Johnson interception in the second quarter. The Bills maintained the lead throughout the game until the fourth quarter, but sealed the win with a 46-yard Steven Hauschka FG as time expired, improving the Bills to 2-3 on the season.[31]
Week 6: at Houston Texans
Week Six: Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Total |
| Bills |
0 |
0 |
6 |
7 |
13 |
| Texans |
7 |
3 |
0 |
10 |
20 |
at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
| Game information |
First quarter
Second quarter
- HOU – Ka'imi Fairbairn 33-yard field goal, 8:33. Texans 10–0. Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 1:40.
Third quarter
- BUF – Stephen Hauschka 23-yard field goal, 10:12. Texans 10–3. Drive: 9 plays, 26 yards, 4:11.
- BUF – Stephen Hauschka 52-yard field goal, 2:12. Texans 10–6. Drive: 5 plays, 45 yards, 2:46.
Fourth quarter
- BUF – Zay Jones 16-yard pass from Nathan Peterman (Stephen Hauschka kick), 13:00. Bills 13–10. Drive: 5 plays, 32 yards, 2:46.
- HOU – Ka'imi Fairbairn 27-yard field goal, 1:34. Tied 13–13. Drive: 9 plays, 84 yards, 2:21.
- HOU – Johnathan Joseph 28-yard interception return (Ka'imi Fairbairn kick), 1:23. Texans 20–13.
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Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
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The Bills defense only allowed 216 yards from the Texans offense, sacking QB Deshaun Watson seven times and forcing three turnovers, but an inept performance by special teams gave the Texans good field position in the first half as Houston jumped to a 10-0 halftime lead. After leading the Bills to a field goal and moving the offense back into Texans territory a few drives later, Josh Allen was injured by a late hit from Texans LB Whitney Mercilus and was replaced by Nathan Peterman, who put the Bills in the lead with a touchdown pass to WR Zay Jones. However, after Houston tied the game at 13-13 late in the fourth quarter, Peterman threw two interceptions, including a pick-six to Texans CB Johnathan Joseph, which sealed the loss for Buffalo, dropping the team to 2-4.[32]
Week 7: at Indianapolis Colts
Week Seven: Buffalo Bills at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Total |
| Bills |
0 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
5 |
| Colts |
0 |
24 |
0 |
13 |
37 |
at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Date: October 21
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
- Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
- Game attendance: 56,848
- Referee: Brad Allen
- TV announcers (CBS): Spero Dedes and Adam Archuleta
- Recap, Gamebook
| Game information |
First quarter
Second quarter
- IND – Erik Swoope 17-yard pass from Andrew Luck (kick failed), 13:38. Colts 6–0. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 6:53.
- IND – Marlon Mack 29-yard pass from Andrew Luck (Marlon Mack run), 9:35. Colts 14–0. Drive: 3 plays, 74 yards, 1:29.
- IND – T. Y. Hilton 5-yard pass from Andrew Luck (Adam Vinatieri kick), 1:48. Colts 21–0. Drive: 9 plays, 82 yards, 5:35.
- IND – Adam Vinatieri 36-yard field goal, 0:03. Colts 24–0. Drive: 3 plays, 14 yards, 0:13.
Third quarter
- BUF – Steven Hauschka 34-yard field goal, 7:46. Colts 24–3. Drive: 12 plays, 56 yards, 7:18.
- BUF – Andrew Luck fumble, ball goes out of bounds in IND end zone for a safety, 0:25. Colts 24–5.
Fourth quarter
- IND – T. Y. Hilton 1-yard pass from Andrew Luck (Adam Vinatieri kick), 13:18. Colts 31–5. Drive: 3 plays, 2 yards, 1:31.
- IND – Marlon Mack 20-yard run (kick failed), 5:32. Colts 37–5. Drive: 1 play, 20 yards, 0:06.
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Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
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After Allen's injury in the previous game against the Texans and Peterman's poor performance in his relief, recently signed third-stringer Derek Anderson was named the starter on October 17, 2018. Sadly, not even Anderson could help the Bills, who suffered their worst loss since Week 1, as they were on the wrong end of a final score of 37-5, dropping to 2-5.[33] This was the first NFL game to ever end in the score of 5-37 [34]
Week 8: vs. New England Patriots
Week Eight: New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Total |
| Patriots |
3 |
6 |
3 |
13 |
25 |
| Bills |
0 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
6 |
at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York
| Game information |
First quarter
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 25-yard field goal, 4:46. Patriots 3–0. Drive: 15 plays, 73 yards, 5:15.
Second quarter
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 40-yard field goal, 11:47. Patriots 6–0. Drive: 11 plays, 63 yards, 4:53.
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 38-yard field goal, 5:42. Patriots 9–0. Drive: 8 plays, 37 yards, 4:27.
- BUF – Stephen Hauschka 47-yard field goal, 1:39. Patriots 9–3. Drive: 10 plays, 46 yards, 4:03.
Third quarter
- BUF – Stephen Hauschka 51-yard field goal, 7:39. Patriots 9–6. Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 1:37.
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 25-yard field goal, 2:03. Patriots 12–6. Drive: 5 plays, 22 yards, 0:52.
Fourth quarter
- NE – James White 1-yard run (pass failed), 9:58. Patriots 18–6. Drive: 10 plays, 94 yards, 4:50.
- NE – Devin McCourty 84-yard interception return (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 5:54. Patriots 25–6.
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Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
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In the first Monday Night Football game hosted by Buffalo since losing to the Cleveland Browns, the Bills defense held up again, holding QB Tom Brady out of the end zone and limiting the Patriots to three Stephen Gostkowski field goals in the first half, but a late rushing touchdown by Patriots RB James White and a subsequent pick-six by CB Devin McCourty sealed yet another Patriots win over the Bills, with McCourty's interception occurring immediately after an overturned touchdown pass from Derek Anderson to Bills TE Jason Croom.[35] The Bills retired RB Thurman Thomas' No. 34 jersey during halftime, with longtime ESPN host Chris Berman delivering the introductory speech.[36]
Week 9: vs. Chicago Bears
Week Nine: Chicago Bears at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Total |
| Bears |
0 |
28 |
3 |
10 |
41 |
| Bills |
0 |
0 |
3 |
6 |
9 |
at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York
| Game information |
First quarter
Second quarter
- CHI – Jordan Howard 1-yard run (Cody Parkey kick), 13:04. Bears 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 37 yards, 2:52.
- CHI – Eddie Jackson 65-yard fumble return (Cody Parkey kick), 7:07. Bears 14–0.
- CHI – Leonard Floyd 19-yard interception return (Cody Parkey kick), 3:32. Bears 21–0.
- CHI – Jordan Howard 18-yard run (Cody Parkey kick), 0:44. Bears 28–0. Drive: 2 plays, 23 yards, 0:39.
Third quarter
- BUF – Stephen Hauschka 41-yard field goal, 11:01. Bears 28–3. Drive: 12 plays, 52 yards, 3:59.
- CHI – Cody Parkey 23-yard field goal, 8:13. Bears 31–3. Drive: 5 plays, 70 yards, 2:48.
Fourth quarter
- CHI – Cody Parkey 45-yard field goal, 13:33. Bears 34–2. Drive: 5 plays, 70 yards, 2:48.
- BUF – Nathan Peterman 1-yard run (pass failed), 5:41. Bears 34–9. Drive: 15 plays, 75 yards, 7:52.
- CHI – Trey Burton 2-yard pass from Mitchell Trubisky (Cody Parkey kick), 4:36. Bears 41–9. Drive: 4 plays, 50 yards, 1:05.
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Top passers
- CHI – Mitchell Trubisky – 12/20, 135 yards, TD, INT
- BUF – Nathan Peterman – 31/49, 189 yards, 3 INT
Top rushers
- CHI – Jordan Howard – 14 rushes, 47 yards, 2 TD
- BUF – Nathan Peterman – 8 rushes, 46 yards, TD
Top receivers
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After Derek Anderson suffered a concussion in the previous game, Nathan Peterman made the start with the team with Josh Allen still out. The Bills continued their losing skid to four games with the 41-9 loss and fell to 2-7, matching their loss total from all of 2017.
Week 10: at New York Jets
| Game information |
First quarter
- BUF – LeSean McCoy 28-yard run (Steven Hauschka kick), 14:20. Bills 7–0. Drive: 2 plays, 75 yards, 0:49.
- BUF - Jason Croom fumble recovery in NYJ end zone (Steven Hauschka kick), 2:25, Bills 14–0. Drive: 14 plays, 73 yards, 7:17.
Second quarter
- BUF – Steven Hauschka 54-yard field goal, 13:57. Bills 17–0. Drive: 5 plays, 37 yards, 2:25.
- BUF – Dion Dawkins 7-yard pass from Matt Barkley (Steven Hauschka kick), 8:02. Bills 24–0. Drive: 9 plays, 64 yards, 4:54.
- BUF – LeSean McCoy 1-yard run (Steven Hauschka kick), 0:45. Bills 31–0. Drive: 7 plays, 54 yards, 3:13.
- NYJ – Jason Myers 55-yard field goal, 0:02. Bills 31–3. Drive: 6 plays, 26 yards, 0:42.
Third quarter
- NYJ – Isaiah Crowell 5-yard run (Jason Myers kick), 6:37. Bills 31–10. Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 3:38.
- BUF – Zay Jones 8-yard pass from Matt Barkley (Steven Hauschka kick), 0:39. Bills 38–10. Drive: 12 plays, 65 yards, 5:59.
Fourth quarter
- BUF – Steven Hauschka 31-yard field goal, 2:47. Bills 41–10. Drive: 9 plays, 35 yards, 5:21.
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Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
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Recently signed quarterback Matt Barkley was named the starter against the New York Jets. The Bills snapped their four-game losing streak, dominating the Jets 41-10.[37] Barkley's efficient performance in the win, coupled with the improving health of Josh Allen, led to the release of Nathan Peterman the following evening.[38]
Week 12: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Week Twelve: Jacksonville Jaguars at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Total |
| Jaguars |
0 |
14 |
0 |
7 |
21 |
| Bills |
14 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
24 |
at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York
- Date: November 25
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
- Game weather: 44 °F (7 °C), cloudy
- Game attendance: 57,799
- Referee: Walt Coleman
- TV announcers (CBS): Spero Dedes and Adam Archuleta
- Recap, Gamebook
| Game information |
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
- BUF – Josh Allen 14-yard run (Steven Hauschka kick), 14:52. Bills 21–14. Drive: 3 plays, 68 yards, 0:43.
- BUF – Steven Hauschka 22-yard field goal, 3:06. Bills 24–14. Drive: 6 plays, 14 yards, 1:55.
- JAX – Dede Westbrook 13-yard pass from Blake Bortles (Josh Lambo kick), 1:20. Bills 24–21. Drive: 8 plays, 70 yards, 1:46.
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Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
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|
In a rematch of the 2017 wild-card game with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Bills attained an early 14-0 lead, thanks to a rushing touchdown by newly-signed WR/KR Isaiah McKenzie and a 75-yard touchdown strike from Josh Allen to WR Robert Foster. However, Jacksonville fought back with two rushing touchdowns from RB Leonard Fournette in the second quarter. Jacksonville was in position to claim the lead in the third quarter following a 30-yard reception by WR Donte Moncrief that put the Jaguars at the Bills 1-yard line, but a brawl that led to Fournette and Bills DE Shaq Lawson getting ejected plus two penalties on the Jaguars and defensive stops by the Bills forced the Jaguars to settle for a field goal attempt by Josh Lambo, who promptly missed.[39] The Bills then reclaimed the lead the following drive with a 14-yard touchdown run by Allen, then iced the game with a Jordan Poyer interception of QB Blake Bortles and subsequent Stephen Hauschka field goal, which was too much for Jacksonville to overcome despite scoring a touchdown afterwards. With the win, the Bills improved to 4-7.[40]
Week 13: at Miami Dolphins
Week Thirteen: Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Total |
| Bills |
0 |
6 |
3 |
8 |
17 |
| Dolphins |
7 |
7 |
0 |
7 |
21 |
at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
- Date: December 2
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
- Game weather: 86 °F (30 °C), partly cloudy
- Game attendance: 65,155
- Referee: Shawn Hochuli
- TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon and James Lofton
- Recap, Gamebook
| Game information |
First quarter
Second quarter
- BUF – Zay Jones 15-yard pass from Josh Allen (kick failed), 11:44. Dolphins 7–6. Drive: 9 plays, 55 yards, 5:05.
- MIA – Kenyan Drake 3-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Jason Sanders kick), 0:40. Dolphins 14–6. Drive: 6 plays, 36 yards, 3:01.
Third quarter
- BUF – Stephen Hauschka 32-yard field goal, 9:02. Dolphins 14–9. Drive: 10 plays, 79 yards, 5:58.
Fourth quarter
- BUF – Zay Jones 25-yard pass from Josh Allen (Josh Allen-Zay Jones pass), 12:00. Bills 17–14. Drive: 6 plays, 83 yards, 3:24.
- MIA – Kenny Stills 13-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Jason Sanders kick), 8:42. Dolphins 21–17. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:18.
|
Top passers
Top rushers
- BUF – Josh Allen – 9 rushes, 135 yards
- MIA – Kenyan Drake – 7 rushes, 31 yards
Top receivers
|
|
Buffalo outgained Miami in terms of total offense, with 415 yards compared to just 175, but their struggles on special teams and penalties gave the Dolphins short fields and allowed QB Ryan Tannehill to pass for three touchdowns, including the eventual 13-yard game winner to WR Kenny Stills. The game came down to the final moments, when Josh Allen, who compiled 366 total yards on the day, attempted a fourth down pass to TE Charles Clay, who dropped it just outside the end zone. The failed conversion sealed the loss for the Bills as the team fell to 4-8.[41]
Week 14: vs. New York Jets
Week Fourteen: New York Jets at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Total |
| Jets |
3 |
10 |
0 |
14 |
27 |
| Bills |
14 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
23 |
at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York
- Date: December 9
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
- Game weather: 31 °F (−1 °C), fair
- Game attendance: 59,119
- Referee: Alex Kemp
- TV announcers (CBS): Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta, and Otis Livingston
- Recap, Gamebook
| Game information |
First quarter
- BUF – Josh Allen 6-yard rush (Steven Hauschka kick), 9:12. Bills 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 73 yards, 5:48.
- NYJ – Jason Myers 47-yard field goal, 4:34. Bills 7–3. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 1:20.
- BUF – Isaiah McKenzie 15-yard rush (Steven Hauschka kick), 1:07. Bills 14–3. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:27.
Second quarter
- NYJ – Jason Myers 21-yard field goal, 11:10. Bills 14–6. Drive: 10 plays, 43 yards, 4:57.
- BUF – Steven Hauschka 31-yard field goal, 7:14. Bills 17–6. Drive: 8 plays, 58 yards, 3:56.
- NYJ – Trenton Cannon 4-yard rush (Jason Myers kick), 6:31. Bills 17–13. Drive: 1 plays, 8 yards, 0:43.
Third quarter
- BUF – Steven Hauschka 29-yard field goal, 13:22. Bills 20–13. Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 1:29.
Fourth quarter
- NYJ – Robby Anderson 7-yard pass from Sam Darnold (Jason Myers kick), 12:06. Tied 20–20. Drive: 11 plays, 85 yards, 6:02.
- BUF – Steven Hauschka 36-yard field goal, 2:31. Bills 23–20. Drive: 9 plays, 62 yards, 3:45.
- NYJ – Elijah McGuire 1-yard rush (Jason Myers kick), 1:17. Jets 27–23. Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 1:14.
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Top passers
- NYJ – Sam Darnold – 16/24, 170 yards, TD, INT
- BUF – Josh Allen – 18/36, 206 yards, 2 INT
Top rushers
- NYJ – Elijah McGuire – 17 rushes, 60 yards, TD
- BUF – Josh Allen – 9 rushes, 101 yards, TD
Top receivers
- NYJ – Robby Anderson – 4 receptions, 76 yards, TD
- BUF – Robert Foster – 7 receptions, 104 yards
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A late touchdown by Jets running back Elijah McGuire proved to be the game-winning score with just over a minute left. With the loss, the Bills fell to 4–9 and were eliminated from playoff contention. Linebacker Matt Milano suffered a broken fibula late in the game, ending his season.[42]
Week 15: vs. Detroit Lions
Week Fifteen: Detroit Lions at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Total |
| Lions |
0 |
13 |
0 |
0 |
13 |
| Bills |
0 |
7 |
0 |
7 |
14 |
at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York
- Date: December 16
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
- Game weather: 39 °F (4 °C), rain
- Game attendance: 59,110
- Referee: Jerome Boger
- TV announcers (Fox): Joe Davis, Brady Quinn and Bruce Feldman
- Recap, Gamebook
| Game information |
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
- BUF – Robert Foster 42-yard pass from Josh Allen (Steven Hauschka kick), 10:26. Drive: 2 plays, 61 yards, 1:17. Bills 14–13.
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Top passers
- DET – Matthew Stafford – 22/29, 208 yards, TD
- BUF – Josh Allen – 13/26, 204 yards, TD
Top rushers
Top receivers
- DET – Kenny Golladay – 7 receptions, 146 yards
- BUF – Robert Foster – 4 receptions, 108 yards, TD
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|
With running backs LeSean McCoy and Chris Ivory both injured, the Bills relied offensively on Josh Allen and backup halfbacks Marcus Murphy and Keith Ford, who both left the game at some point with their own injuries. Allen passed for 204 yards and a touchdown, adding a rushing score on 16 yards on the ground, as the Bills defense stifled the Lions offense throughout the game except the second quarter. Lions kicker Matt Prater missed a field goal and was unable to kick an extra point earlier due to a botched snap, allowing the Bills to win 14-13.[43]
Week 16: at New England Patriots
| Game information |
First quarter
Second quarter
- NE – James White 27-yard rush (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 9:59. Patriots 14–0. Drive: 5 plays, 56 yards, 2:20.
Third quarter
- BUF – Steven Hauschka 35-yard field goal, 13:29. Patriots 14–3. Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 1:19.
- BUF – Steven Hauschka 41-yard field goal, 10:06. Patriots 14–6. Drive: 5 plays, 36 yards, 1:10.
- NE – Julian Edelman 32-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 5:05. Patriots 21–6. Drive: 10 plays, 88 yards, 5:01.
Fourth quarter
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 24-yard field goal, 7:44. Patriots 24–6. Drive: 6 plays, 19 yards, 3:11.
- BUF – Zay Jones 31-yard pass from Josh Allen (pass failed), 1:08. Patriots 24–12. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 1:51.
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Top passers
- BUF – Josh Allen – 20/41, 217 yards, TD, 2 INT
- NE – Tom Brady – 13/24, 126 yards, TD, 2 INT
Top rushers
- BUF – Keith Ford – 7 rushes, 33 yards
- NE – Sony Michel – 18 rushes, 116 yards, TD
Top receivers
- BUF – Zay Jones – 5 receptions, 67 yards, TD
- NE – Julian Edelman – 6 receptions, 70 yards, TD
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|
Allen's first game against the New England Patriots did not fare well for the Bills, as the Patriots won the game 24-12 to clinch the AFC East. In addition, the Bills' special teams unit struggled again.[44] However, the defense was able to limit Tom Brady to just 126 passing yards, one touchdown with two interceptions, but also gave up a massive 273 rushing yards on 47 carries as they were torched by the Patriots rushing offense in the ugly loss.[45]
Week 17: vs. Miami Dolphins
Week Seventeen: Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Total |
| Dolphins |
0 |
14 |
3 |
0 |
17 |
| Bills |
14 |
0 |
14 |
14 |
42 |
at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York
- Date: December 30
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
- Game weather: 33 °F (1 °C), cloudy
- Game attendance: 67,420
- Referee: John Hussey
- TV announcers (CBS): Beth Mowins and Steve Beuerlein
- Recap, Gamebook
| Game information |
First quarter
- BUF – Josh Allen 1-yard run (Stephen Hauschka kick), 10:14. Bills 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 4:46.
- BUF – Zay Jones 18-yard pass from Josh Allen (Stephen Hauschka kick), 8:31. Bills 14–0. Drive: 1 play, 18 yards, 0:07.
Second quarter
Third quarter
- BUF – Robert Foster 5-yard pass from Josh Allen (Stephen Hauschka kick), 9:09. Bills 21–14. Drive: 10 plays, 78 yards, 4:37.
- BUF – LeSean McCoy 9-yard run (Stephen Hauschka), 6:57. Bills 28–14. Drive: 5 plays, 23 yards, 1:48.
- MIA – Jason Sanders 29-yard field goal, 1:28. Bills 28–17. Drive: 11 plays, 55 yards, 5:29.
Fourth quarter
- BUF – Josh Allen 30-yard run (Stephen Hauschka kick), 11:13. Bills 35–17. Drive: 3 plays, 70 yards, 1:17.
- BUF – Zay Jones 26-yard pass from Josh Allen (Stephen Hauschka kick), 7:44. Bills 42–17. Drive: 2 plays, 52 yards, 0:25.
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Top passers
Top rushers
- MIA – Kalen Ballage – 12 rushes, 27 yards
- BUF – Josh Allen – 9 rushes, 95 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
|
|
Similar to the previous year's season finale, a fight broke out between the Bills and Dolphins in the second half. After Dolphins linebacker and former Bill Kiko Alonso collided with Josh Allen, Alonso, along with Dolphins DE Robert Quinn and Bills lineman Jordan Mills, were ejected following the scuffle.[46] Despite a close first half, the Bills won 42–17 to finish the 2018 season at 6–10. This was also the final NFL game for longtime defensive tackle Kyle Williams, as he announced his intention to retire after the season's conclusion.[47]
Standings
Division
Template:2018 AFC East standings
Conference
Template:2018 AFC standings
References
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 27.0 27.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Packers put together complete effort in 22-0 win over Bills
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ [1]. Retrieved 2018-Oct-29.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
External links
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| Franchise |
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| Stadiums |
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| Culture |
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| Lore |
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| Rivalries |
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| Division championships (12) |
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| Conference championships (4) |
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| League championships (2) |
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| Wall of Fame |
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| Media |
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| Owners |
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| Current league affiliations |
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| Former league affiliation |
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