Bills 27–6 Vikings: Score, Stats & Recap | Week 3, 2018

Q: How did the quarterbacks play in Buffalo Bills vs Minnesota Vikings?

K. Cousins (Minnesota Vikings), 65.6% completion, -1.6% CPOE, -0.36 EPA per dropback, -21.95 total passing EPA. J. Allen (Buffalo Bills), 48.4% completion, +1.0% CPOE, +0.39 EPA per dropback, +12.22 total passing EPA.

Q: Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Buffalo Bills vs Minnesota Vikings?

J. Allen (Buffalo Bills) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +12.22 total EPA on Passing plays. across 31 snaps. Their top snap (+4.68 EPA): (:37) 17-J.Allen pass short right to 33-C.Ivory to MIN 6 for 55 yards (34-A.Sendejo, 21-M.Hughes)..

Quick answer

Winner: Buffalo Bills
Final score: Buffalo Bills 27–6 Minnesota Vikings
Halftime: Buffalo Bills 27–0 Minnesota Vikings at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP: Jonathan Allen
Top passer: Kirk Cousins
Biggest EPA play: (6:04) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins sacked at MIN 19 for -8 yards (55-J.Hughes). FUMBLES (55-J.Hu…
Game date: 2018-09-23

Game summary

The Buffalo Bills beat the Minnesota Vikings 27–6 on 2018-09-23. Jonathan Allen posted a game-high +12.22 total EPA in the passing.

The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 17 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

	Q1	Q2	Q4	—	—	T
Buffalo Bills	17	10	0	0	0	27
Minnesota Vikings	0	0	6	0	0	6

Scoring Map

Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.

BUFBuffalo Bills

MIN 26

MIN 1

+3MIN 31

BUF 4

MINMinnesota Vikings

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

9 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

BUFBuffalo Bills
Q1 10:11TD
Jonathan Allen
Points+6
Yard line
MIN 10
Score
6-0
(10:11) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen scrambles left end for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
BUFBuffalo Bills
Q1 10:01XP
SHS. Hauschka
Points+1
Yard line
MIN 15
Score
7-0
4-S.Hauschka extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-9-C.Bojorquez.
BUFBuffalo Bills
Q1 7:27FG
SHS. Hauschka
Points+3
Yard line
MIN 11
Score
10-0
(7:27) 4-S.Hauschka 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-9-C.Bojorquez.
BUFBuffalo Bills
Q1 5:15TD
JCJ. Croom
Points+6
Yard line
MIN 26
Score
16-0
(5:15) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass deep right to 80-J.Croom for 26 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
BUFBuffalo Bills
Q1 5:09XP
SHS. Hauschka
Points+1
Yard line
MIN 15
Score
17-0
4-S.Hauschka extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-9-C.Bojorquez.
BUFBuffalo Bills
Q2 12:16TD
Jonathan Allen
Points+6
Yard line
MIN 1
Score
23-0
(12:16) 71-M.Newhouse reported in as eligible. 17-J.Allen up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
BUFBuffalo Bills
Q2 12:14XP
SHS. Hauschka
Points+1
Yard line
MIN 15
Score
24-0
4-S.Hauschka extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-9-C.Bojorquez.
BUFBuffalo Bills
Q2 6:21FG
SHS. Hauschka
Points+3
Yard line
MIN 31
Score
27-0
(6:21) 4-S.Hauschka 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-9-C.Bojorquez.
MINMinnesota Vikings
Q4 3:03TD
KRK. Rudolph
Points+6
Yard line
BUF 4
Score
27-6
(3:03) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 82-K.Rudolph for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

1Jonathan Allen · Buffalo Bills · Passing · +12.22 total EPA · 31 snaps · +0.39 EPA/play
2C. Ivory · Buffalo Bills · Receiving · +6.05 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.51 EPA/play
3J. Croom · Buffalo Bills · Receiving · +3.39 total EPA · 1 snaps · +3.39 EPA/play
4Laquon Treadwell · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +3.03 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.76 EPA/play
5K. Rudolph · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +2.89 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.41 EPA/play
6C. Clay · Buffalo Bills · Receiving · +0.85 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.28 EPA/play
7Alton Robinson · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +0.56 total EPA · 1 snaps · +0.56 EPA/play
8K. Benjamin · Buffalo Bills · Receiving · +0.44 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.09 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Jonathan Allen — BUF · Passing

Jonathan Allen posted the highest total EPA (+12.22) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Buffalo Bills. Across 31 counted snaps, they averaged +0.39 EPA per play.

Jonathan Allen's top snap (+4.68 EPA): (:37) 17-J.Allen pass short right to 33-C.Ivory to MIN 6 for 55 yards (34-A.Sendejo, 21-M.Hughes).

Biggest single play (-4.80 EPA): Kirk Cousins — (6:04) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins sacked at MIN 19 for -8 yards (55-J.Hughes). FUMBLES (55-J.Hughes) [55-J.Hughes], RECOVERED by BUF-58-M.Milano at MIN 25. 58-M.Milano to MIN 25 for no gain (74-M.Remmers).

Quarterback report card

Kirk Cousins led all passers in efficiency for Minnesota Vikings, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) · 61 dropbacks · 65.6% completion · -1.6% CPOE · -0.36 EPA/play · -21.95 total EPA
Jonathan Allen (Buffalo Bills) · 31 dropbacks · 48.4% completion · +1.0% CPOE · +0.39 EPA/play · +12.22 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

Stat	Buffalo Bills	Minnesota Vikings
Offensive EPA/play	-0.003	-0.370
Offensive success rate	39.3%	32.9%
Pass EPA/play	+0.394	-0.360
Rush EPA/play	-0.314	-0.538
Defensive EPA/play	+0.370	+0.003
Defensive success rate	67.1%	60.7%

Drive & efficiency notes

Despite the final score, Buffalo Bills generated the better offensive EPA per play (-0.00 vs -0.37), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

Buffalo Bills: -0.00 EPA/play (49th percentile vs. 2018 team-game averages)
Minnesota Vikings: -0.37 EPA/play (2nd percentile vs. 2018 team-game averages)

Buffalo Bills: 11 drives, -0.28 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Minnesota Vikings: 12 drives, -29.27 total EPA, 1 scoring drives

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

Buffalo Bills — Jonathan Allen (Q1 10:11)
Buffalo Bills — J. Croom (Jonathan Allen pass) (Q1 5:15)
Buffalo Bills — Jonathan Allen (Q2 12:16)
Minnesota Vikings — K. Rudolph (Kirk Cousins pass) (Q4 3:03)

Field goals

Buffalo Bills — S. Hauschka (Q1 7:27)
Buffalo Bills — S. Hauschka (Q2 6:21)

Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Buffalo Bills won the period 17–0. Buffalo Bills found the end zone from the MIN 10 (Q1 10:11) — (10:11) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen scrambles left end for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Buffalo Bills added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q1 10:01) — 4-S.Hauschka extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-9-C.Bojorquez.; Buffalo Bills connected on a field goal from the MIN 11 (Q1 7:27) — (7:27) 4-S.Hauschka 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-9-C.Bojorquez.; Buffalo Bills found the end zone from the MIN 26 (Q1 5:15) — (5:15) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass deep right to 80-J.Croom for 26 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Buffalo Bills added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q1 5:09) — 4-S.Hauschka extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-9-C.Bojorquez..

The second quarter: Buffalo Bills won the period 10–0. Buffalo Bills found the end zone from the MIN 1 (Q2 12:16) — (12:16) 71-M.Newhouse reported in as eligible. 17-J.Allen up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Buffalo Bills added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q2 12:14) — 4-S.Hauschka extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-9-C.Bojorquez.; Buffalo Bills connected on a field goal from the MIN 31 (Q2 6:21) — (6:21) 4-S.Hauschka 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-9-C.Bojorquez..

The fourth quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 6–0. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the BUF 4 (Q4 3:03).

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

Minnesota Vikings (Q1 9:30) — (9:30) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins sacked at MIN 10 for 0 yards (93-T.Murphy). FUMBLES (93-T.Murphy) [93-T.Murphy], RECOVERED by BUF-57-L.Alexander at MIN 15. [WPA -8.9% · EPA -4.46]
Buffalo Bills (Q1 5:15) — (5:15) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass deep right to 80-J.Croom for 26 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +7.3% · EPA +3.39]
Buffalo Bills (Q2 12:16) — (12:16) 71-M.Newhouse reported in as eligible. 17-J.Allen up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +6.5% · EPA +2.41]
Buffalo Bills (Q1 14:18) — (14:18) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen sacked at BUF 24 for -7 yards (50-E.Wilson). PENALTY on MIN-98-L.Joseph, Lowering the Head to Initiate Contact, 15 yards, enforced at BUF 31 - No Play. [WPA +5.4% · EPA +2.09]
Buffalo Bills (Q1 0:37) — (:37) 17-J.Allen pass short right to 33-C.Ivory to MIN 6 for 55 yards (34-A.Sendejo, 21-M.Hughes). [WPA +4.9% · EPA +4.68]

Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

Minnesota Vikings (Q1 6:04) — (6:04) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins sacked at MIN 19 for -8 yards (55-J.Hughes). FUMBLES (55-J.Hughes) [55-J.Hughes], RECOVERED by BUF-58-M.Milano at MIN 25. 58-M.Milano to MIN 25 for no gain (74-M.Remmers). [WPA -3.6% · EPA -4.80]
Buffalo Bills (Q1 0:37) — (:37) 17-J.Allen pass short right to 33-C.Ivory to MIN 6 for 55 yards (34-A.Sendejo, 21-M.Hughes). [WPA +4.9% · EPA +4.68]
Minnesota Vikings (Q3 9:30) — (9:30) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle intended for 25-L.Murray INTERCEPTED by 58-M.Milano (49-T.Edmunds) at BUF 34. 58-M.Milano to BUF 34 for no gain (82-K.Rudolph). [WPA -0.1% · EPA -4.59]
Minnesota Vikings (Q1 9:30) — (9:30) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins sacked at MIN 10 for 0 yards (93-T.Murphy). FUMBLES (93-T.Murphy) [93-T.Murphy], RECOVERED by BUF-57-L.Alexander at MIN 15. [WPA -8.9% · EPA -4.46]

Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

Buffalo Bills TD (+6) — Q1 10:11 · MIN 10 · Score 6-0
(10:11) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen scrambles left end for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Buffalo Bills XP (+1) — Q1 10:01 · MIN 15 · Score 7-0
4-S.Hauschka extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-9-C.Bojorquez.
Buffalo Bills FG (+3) — Q1 7:27 · MIN 11 · Score 10-0
(7:27) 4-S.Hauschka 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-9-C.Bojorquez.
Buffalo Bills TD (+6) — Q1 5:15 · MIN 26 · Score 16-0
(5:15) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass deep right to 80-J.Croom for 26 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Buffalo Bills XP (+1) — Q1 5:09 · MIN 15 · Score 17-0
4-S.Hauschka extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-9-C.Bojorquez.
Buffalo Bills TD (+6) — Q2 12:16 · MIN 1 · Score 23-0
(12:16) 71-M.Newhouse reported in as eligible. 17-J.Allen up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
Buffalo Bills XP (+1) — Q2 12:14 · MIN 15 · Score 24-0
4-S.Hauschka extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-9-C.Bojorquez.
Buffalo Bills FG (+3) — Q2 6:21 · MIN 31 · Score 27-0
(6:21) 4-S.Hauschka 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-9-C.Bojorquez.
Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 3:03 · BUF 4 · Score 27-6
(3:03) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 82-K.Rudolph for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.

Buffalo Bills earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
Jonathan Allen (Buffalo Bills) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Buffalo Bills vs Minnesota Vikings on 2018-09-23?

The Buffalo Bills beat the Minnesota Vikings 27-6 in Week 3, 2018.

What was the score by quarter in Buffalo Bills vs Minnesota Vikings?

Q1: Buffalo Bills 17, Minnesota Vikings 0; Q2: Buffalo Bills 10, Minnesota Vikings 0; Q4: Buffalo Bills 0, Minnesota Vikings 6; Final: Buffalo Bills 27, Minnesota Vikings 6.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Buffalo Bills vs Minnesota Vikings?

Buffalo Bills touchdown — J. Allen (Q1 10:11) Buffalo Bills touchdown — J. Croom (J. Allen pass) (Q1 5:15) Buffalo Bills touchdown — J. Allen (Q2 12:16) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — K. Rudolph (K. Cousins pass) (Q4 3:03) Buffalo Bills field goal — S. Hauschka (Q1 7:27, 3 pts) Buffalo Bills field goal — S. Hauschka (Q2 6:21, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Buffalo Bills vs Minnesota Vikings?

Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings), 65.6% completion, -1.6% CPOE, -0.36 EPA per dropback, -21.95 total passing EPA. Jonathan Allen (Buffalo Bills), 48.4% completion, +1.0% CPOE, +0.39 EPA per dropback, +12.22 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Buffalo Bills vs Minnesota Vikings?

Jonathan Allen (Buffalo Bills) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +12.22 total EPA on Passing plays. across 31 snaps. Their top snap (+4.68 EPA): (:37) 17-J.Allen pass short right to 33-C.Ivory to MIN 6 for 55 yards (34-A.Sendejo, 21-M.Hughes)..

Season records after this game

Buffalo Bills

Entered 0-2 Now 1-2 W

Minnesota Vikings

Entered 1-0 Now 1-1 L

Buffalo Bills vs. Minnesota Vikings: 2018 Week 3 Recap

Top fantasy performers · Bills

Top fantasy performers · Vikings

Quick answer

Game summary