Commanders 21–43 Bills: Score, Stats & Recap | Week 3, 2021

Q: How did the quarterbacks play in Washington Commanders vs Buffalo Bills?

J. Allen (Buffalo Bills), 68.1% completion, +13.9% CPOE, +0.43 EPA per dropback, +20.00 total passing EPA. T. Heinicke (Washington Commanders), 41.2% completion, -6.3% CPOE, -0.08 EPA per dropback, -2.56 total passing EPA.

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

J. Allen (Buffalo Bills) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +20.00 total EPA on Passing plays. across 47 snaps.

Quick answer

Winner: Buffalo Bills
Final score: Buffalo Bills 43–21 Washington Commanders
Halftime: Washington Commanders 14–27 Buffalo Bills at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP: Jonathan Allen
Top passer: Jonathan Allen
Biggest EPA play: (10:06) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short right to 24-A.Gibson for 73 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Game date: 2021-09-26

Game summary

The Buffalo Bills beat the Washington Commanders 43–21 on 2021-09-26. Jonathan Allen posted a game-high +20.00 total EPA in the passing.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 34 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	—	T
Washington Commanders	0	14	0	7	0	21
Buffalo Bills	7	20	9	7	0	43

Scoring Map

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

WASWashington Commanders

BUF 4

BUF 2

BUFBuffalo Bills

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

18 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

BUFBuffalo Bills
Q1 11:01TD
ESEli Sanders
Points+6
Yard line
WAS 28
Score
0-6
(11:01) (Shotgun) 17-Jos.Allen pass deep right to 1-E.Sanders for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Caught along sideline.
BUFBuffalo Bills
Q1 10:53XP
Tyler Bass
Points+1
Yard line
WAS 15
Score
0-7
2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-3-M.Haack.
BUFBuffalo Bills
Q2 13:06TD
Zack Moss
Points+6
Yard line
WAS 7
Score
0-13
(13:06) (Shotgun) 17-Jos.Allen pass short right to 20-Z.Moss for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
BUFBuffalo Bills
Q2 12:59XP
Tyler Bass
Points+1
Yard line
WAS 15
Score
0-14
2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-3-M.Haack.
BUFBuffalo Bills
Q2 10:48TD
Dawson Knox
Points+6
Yard line
WAS 14
Score
0-20
(10:48) (Shotgun) 17-Jos.Allen pass short right to 88-D.Knox for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
BUFBuffalo Bills
Q2 10:42XP
Tyler Bass
Points+1
Yard line
WAS 15
Score
0-21
2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-3-M.Haack.
WASWashington Commanders
Q2 10:06TD
Antonio Gibson
Points+6
Yard line
BUF 73
Score
6-21
(10:06) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short right to 24-A.Gibson for 73 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
WASWashington Commanders
Q2 9:51XP
Dustin Hopkins
Points+1
Yard line
BUF 15
Score
7-21
3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way.
WASWashington Commanders
Q2 7:50TD
Taylor Heinicke
Points+6
Yard line
BUF 4
Score
13-21
(7:50) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke scrambles right end for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
WASWashington Commanders
Q2 7:39XP
Dustin Hopkins
Points+1
Yard line
BUF 15
Score
14-21
3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way.
BUFBuffalo Bills
Q2 1:40FG
Tyler Bass
Points+3
Yard line
WAS 3
Score
14-24
(1:40) 2-T.Bass 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-3-M.Haack.
BUFBuffalo Bills
Q2 0:02FG
Tyler Bass
Points+3
Yard line
WAS 29
Score
14-27
(:02) 2-T.Bass 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-3-M.Haack.
BUFBuffalo Bills
Q3 4:47TD
ESEli Sanders
Points+6
Yard line
WAS 5
Score
14-33
(4:47) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 17-Jos.Allen pass short left to 1-E.Sanders for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN [95-C.Toohill].
BUFBuffalo Bills
Q3 2:15FG
Tyler Bass
Points+3
Yard line
WAS 11
Score
14-36
(2:15) 2-T.Bass 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-3-M.Haack.
BUFBuffalo Bills
Q4 10:36TD
Points+6
Yard line
WAS 2
Score
14-42
(10:36) (Shotgun) 17-Jos.Allen scrambles right tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
BUFBuffalo Bills
Q4 10:29XP
Tyler Bass
Points+1
Yard line
WAS 15
Score
14-43
2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-3-M.Haack.
WASWashington Commanders
Q4 5:27TD
Logan Thomas
Points+6
Yard line
BUF 2
Score
20-43
(5:27) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short left to 82-L.Thomas for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
WASWashington Commanders
Q4 5:21XP
Dustin Hopkins
Points+1
Yard line
BUF 15
Score
21-43
3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

1Jonathan Allen · Buffalo Bills · Passing · +20.00 total EPA · 47 snaps · +0.43 EPA/play
2Eli Sanders · Buffalo Bills · Receiving · +7.95 total EPA · 7 snaps · +1.14 EPA/play
3Antonio Gibson · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +6.25 total EPA · 2 snaps · +3.12 EPA/play
4Dawson Knox · Buffalo Bills · Receiving · +4.56 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.91 EPA/play
5Cole Beasley · Buffalo Bills · Receiving · +3.63 total EPA · 13 snaps · +0.28 EPA/play
6Zack Moss · Buffalo Bills · Receiving · +3.57 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.19 EPA/play
7Gabe Davis · Buffalo Bills · Receiving · +3.56 total EPA · 1 snaps · +3.56 EPA/play
8Logan Thomas · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +3.40 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.85 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 (+20.00) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Buffalo Bills. Across 47 counted snaps, they averaged +0.43 EPA per play.

Biggest single play (+6.67 EPA): Taylor Heinicke — (10:06) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short right to 24-A.Gibson for 73 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Quarterback report card

Jonathan Allen led all passers in efficiency for Buffalo Bills, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

Jonathan Allen (Buffalo Bills) · 47 dropbacks · 68.1% completion · +13.9% CPOE · +0.43 EPA/play · +20.00 total EPA
Taylor Heinicke (Washington Commanders) · 34 dropbacks · 41.2% completion · -6.3% CPOE · -0.08 EPA/play · -2.56 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

Stat	Washington Commanders	Buffalo Bills
Offensive EPA/play	-0.186	+0.111
Offensive success rate	34.3%	47.9%
Pass EPA/play	-0.075	+0.448
Rush EPA/play	-0.448	-0.097
Defensive EPA/play	-0.111	+0.186
Defensive success rate	52.1%	65.7%

Drive & efficiency notes

Buffalo Bills held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.11 vs -0.19), even if the scoreboard told a different story.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

Washington Commanders: -0.19 EPA/play (13th percentile vs. 2021 team-game averages)
Buffalo Bills: +0.11 EPA/play (77th percentile vs. 2021 team-game averages)

Buffalo Bills: 13 drives, +10.70 total EPA, 9 scoring drives
Washington Commanders: 12 drives, -12.99 total EPA, 3 scoring drives

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

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

Touchdowns

Buffalo Bills — Eli Sanders (Q1 11:01)
Buffalo Bills — Zack Moss (Q2 13:06)
Buffalo Bills — Dawson Knox (Q2 10:48)
Washington Commanders — Antonio Gibson (Taylor Heinicke pass) (Q2 10:06)
Washington Commanders — Taylor Heinicke (Q2 7:50)
Buffalo Bills — Eli Sanders (Q3 4:47)
Buffalo Bills — unlisted player (Q4 10:36)
Washington Commanders — Logan Thomas (Taylor Heinicke pass) (Q4 5:27)

Field goals

Buffalo Bills — Tyler Bass (Q2 1:40)
Buffalo Bills — Tyler Bass (Q2 0:02)
Buffalo Bills — Tyler Bass (Q3 2:15)

Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Buffalo Bills won the period 7–0. Buffalo Bills found the end zone from the WAS 28 (Q1 11:01) — (11:01) (Shotgun) 17-Jos.Allen pass deep right to 1-E.Sanders for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Caught along sideline.; Buffalo Bills added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q1 10:53) — 2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-3-M.Haack..

The second quarter: Buffalo Bills won the period 20–14. Buffalo Bills found the end zone from the WAS 7 (Q2 13:06) — (13:06) (Shotgun) 17-Jos.Allen pass short right to 20-Z.Moss for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Buffalo Bills added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q2 12:59) — 2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-3-M.Haack.; Buffalo Bills found the end zone from the WAS 14 (Q2 10:48) — (10:48) (Shotgun) 17-Jos.Allen pass short right to 88-D.Knox for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Buffalo Bills added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q2 10:42) — 2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-3-M.Haack.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the BUF 73 (Q2 10:06) — (10:06) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short right to 24-A.Gibson for 73 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the BUF 15 (Q2 9:51) — 3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the BUF 4 (Q2 7:50) — (7:50) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke scrambles right end for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the BUF 15 (Q2 7:39) — 3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way.; Buffalo Bills connected on a field goal from the WAS 3 (Q2 1:40) — (1:40) 2-T.Bass 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-3-M.Haack.; Buffalo Bills connected on a field goal from the WAS 29 (Q2 0:02) — (:02) 2-T.Bass 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-3-M.Haack..

The third quarter: Buffalo Bills won the period 9–0. Buffalo Bills found the end zone from the WAS 5 (Q3 4:47) — (4:47) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 17-Jos.Allen pass short left to 1-E.Sanders for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN [95-C.Toohill].; Buffalo Bills connected on a field goal from the WAS 11 (Q3 2:15) — (2:15) 2-T.Bass 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-3-M.Haack..

The fourth quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Buffalo Bills found the end zone from the WAS 2 (Q4 10:36) — (10:36) (Shotgun) 17-Jos.Allen scrambles right tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Buffalo Bills added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q4 10:29) — 2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-3-M.Haack.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the BUF 2 (Q4 5:27) — (5:27) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short left to 82-L.Thomas for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the BUF 15 (Q4 5:21) — 3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

Buffalo Bills (Q1 14:17) — (14:17) (Shotgun) 17-Jos.Allen pass deep right to 13-G.Davis to BUF 43 for 23 yards (53-J.Bostic; 29-K.Fuller). [WPA +8.9% · EPA +3.56]
Washington Commanders (Q2 11:48) — (11:48) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short left intended for 17-T.McLaurin INTERCEPTED by 21-J.Poyer [61-J.Zimmer] at WAS 43. 21-J.Poyer to WAS 17 for 26 yards (17-T.McLaurin). [WPA -7.2% · EPA -6.02]
Buffalo Bills (Q2 9:51) — 3-D.Hopkins kicks 41 yards from WAS 35 to BUF 24, impetus ends at BUF 20. RECOVERED by WAS-3-D.Hopkins. Kick touched by K.Hudson at BUF 18 before recovery. [WPA -7.0% · EPA -5.59]
Buffalo Bills (Q1 11:01) — (11:01) (Shotgun) 17-Jos.Allen pass deep right to 1-E.Sanders for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Caught along sideline. [WPA +6.5% · EPA +3.09]
Washington Commanders (Q2 7:50) — (7:50) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke scrambles right end for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +6.4% · EPA +1.70]

Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

Washington Commanders (Q2 10:06) — (10:06) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short right to 24-A.Gibson for 73 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +5.1% · EPA +6.67]
Washington Commanders (Q2 11:48) — (11:48) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short left intended for 17-T.McLaurin INTERCEPTED by 21-J.Poyer [61-J.Zimmer] at WAS 43. 21-J.Poyer to WAS 17 for 26 yards (17-T.McLaurin). [WPA -7.2% · EPA -6.02]
Buffalo Bills (Q2 9:51) — 3-D.Hopkins kicks 41 yards from WAS 35 to BUF 24, impetus ends at BUF 20. RECOVERED by WAS-3-D.Hopkins. Kick touched by K.Hudson at BUF 18 before recovery. [WPA -7.0% · EPA -5.59]
Washington Commanders (Q4 5:27) — (5:27) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short left to 82-L.Thomas for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -0.0% · EPA +3.87]

Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

Buffalo Bills TD (+6) — Q1 11:01 · WAS 28 · Score 0-6
(11:01) (Shotgun) 17-Jos.Allen pass deep right to 1-E.Sanders for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Caught along sideline.
Buffalo Bills XP (+1) — Q1 10:53 · WAS 15 · Score 0-7
2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-3-M.Haack.
Buffalo Bills TD (+6) — Q2 13:06 · WAS 7 · Score 0-13
(13:06) (Shotgun) 17-Jos.Allen pass short right to 20-Z.Moss for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Buffalo Bills XP (+1) — Q2 12:59 · WAS 15 · Score 0-14
2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-3-M.Haack.
Buffalo Bills TD (+6) — Q2 10:48 · WAS 14 · Score 0-20
(10:48) (Shotgun) 17-Jos.Allen pass short right to 88-D.Knox for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Buffalo Bills XP (+1) — Q2 10:42 · WAS 15 · Score 0-21
2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-3-M.Haack.
Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q2 10:06 · BUF 73 · Score 6-21
(10:06) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short right to 24-A.Gibson for 73 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q2 9:51 · BUF 15 · Score 7-21
3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way.
Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q2 7:50 · BUF 4 · Score 13-21
(7:50) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke scrambles right end for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q2 7:39 · BUF 15 · Score 14-21
3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way.
Buffalo Bills FG (+3) — Q2 1:40 · WAS 3 · Score 14-24
(1:40) 2-T.Bass 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-3-M.Haack.
Buffalo Bills FG (+3) — Q2 0:02 · WAS 29 · Score 14-27
(:02) 2-T.Bass 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-3-M.Haack.
Buffalo Bills TD (+6) — Q3 4:47 · WAS 5 · Score 14-33
(4:47) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 17-Jos.Allen pass short left to 1-E.Sanders for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN [95-C.Toohill].
Buffalo Bills FG (+3) — Q3 2:15 · WAS 11 · Score 14-36
(2:15) 2-T.Bass 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-3-M.Haack.
Buffalo Bills TD (+6) — Q4 10:36 · WAS 2 · Score 14-42
(10:36) (Shotgun) 17-Jos.Allen scrambles right tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Buffalo Bills XP (+1) — Q4 10:29 · WAS 15 · Score 14-43
2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-3-M.Haack.
Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q4 5:27 · BUF 2 · Score 20-43
(5:27) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short left to 82-L.Thomas for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q4 5:21 · BUF 15 · Score 21-43
3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way.

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.
Jonathan Allen (BUF) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).
Taylor Heinicke (WAS) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Washington Commanders vs Buffalo Bills on 2021-09-26?

The Buffalo Bills beat the Washington Commanders 43-21 in Week 3, 2021.

What was the score by quarter in Washington Commanders vs Buffalo Bills?

Q1: Washington Commanders 0, Buffalo Bills 7; Q2: Washington Commanders 14, Buffalo Bills 20; Q3: Washington Commanders 0, Buffalo Bills 9; Q4: Washington Commanders 7, Buffalo Bills 7; Final: Washington Commanders 21, Buffalo Bills 43.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Washington Commanders vs Buffalo Bills?

Buffalo Bills touchdown — E. Sanders (Q1 11:01) Buffalo Bills touchdown — Z. Moss (Q2 13:06) Buffalo Bills touchdown — D. Knox (Q2 10:48) Washington Commanders touchdown — A. Gibson (T. Heinicke pass) (Q2 10:06) Washington Commanders touchdown — T. Heinicke (Q2 7:50) Buffalo Bills touchdown — E. Sanders (Q3 4:47) Buffalo Bills touchdown — unlisted player (Q4 10:36) Washington Commanders touchdown — L. Thomas (T. Heinicke pass) (Q4 5:27) Buffalo Bills field goal — T. Bass (Q2 1:40, 3 pts) Buffalo Bills field goal — T. Bass (Q2 0:02, 3 pts) Buffalo Bills field goal — T. Bass (Q3 2:15, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Washington Commanders vs Buffalo Bills?

Jonathan Allen (Buffalo Bills), 68.1% completion, +13.9% CPOE, +0.43 EPA per dropback, +20.00 total passing EPA. Taylor Heinicke (Washington Commanders), 41.2% completion, -6.3% CPOE, -0.08 EPA per dropback, -2.56 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Washington Commanders vs Buffalo Bills?

Jonathan Allen (Buffalo Bills) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +20.00 total EPA on Passing plays. across 47 snaps.

Season records after this game

Washington Commanders

Entered 1-1 Now 1-2 L

Buffalo Bills

Entered 1-1 Now 2-1 W

Washington Commanders vs. Buffalo Bills: 2021 Week 3 Recap

Top fantasy performers · Commanders

Top fantasy performers · Bills

Quick answer

Game summary