Cardinals 28–34 Bills: Score, Stats & Recap | Week 1, 2024

Q: How did the quarterbacks play in Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills?

K. Murray (Arizona Cardinals), 55.3% completion, +1.2% CPOE, +0.16 EPA per dropback, +6.04 total passing EPA. J. Allen (Buffalo Bills), 56.2% completion, +9.9% CPOE, +0.53 EPA per dropback, +16.96 total passing EPA.

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

J. Allen (Buffalo Bills) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +16.96 total EPA on Passing plays. across 32 snaps. Their top snap (-6.04 EPA): (5:33) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen sacked at ARI 30 for -11 yards (98-R.Lopez). FUMBLES (98-R.Lopez) [98-R.Lopez], RECOVERED by ARI-93-J.Jones at ARI 29..

Quick answer

Winner: Buffalo Bills
Final score: Buffalo Bills 34–28 Arizona Cardinals
Halftime: Arizona Cardinals 17–16 Buffalo Bills at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP: Jonathan Allen
Top passer: Kenneth Murray, Jr.
Biggest EPA play: (5:33) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen sacked at ARI 30 for -11 yards (98-R.Lopez). FUMBLES (98-R.Lop…
Game date: 2024-09-08

Game summary

The Buffalo Bills beat the Arizona Cardinals 34–28 on 2024-09-08, overcoming Arizona Cardinals's 17–16 halftime lead. Jonathan Allen posted a game-high +16.96 total EPA in the passing.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 26 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	—	T
Arizona Cardinals	7	10	0	11	0	28
Buffalo Bills	0	16	14	10	0	34

Scoring Map

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

ARIArizona Cardinals

+3ARI 19

ARI 7

ARI 6

BUF 35

+3ARI 21

BUFBuffalo Bills

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

18 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

ARIArizona Cardinals
Q1 7:54TD
Kenneth Murray, Jr.
Points+6
Yard line
BUF 5
Score
6-0
(7:54) (Shotgun) 1-K.Murray pass short left to 14-Mi.Wilson for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
ARIArizona Cardinals
Q1 7:47XP
Matt Prater
Points+1
Yard line
BUF 15
Score
7-0
5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-12-B.Gillikin.
ARIArizona Cardinals
Q2 15:00FG
Matt Prater
Points+3
Yard line
BUF 11
Score
10-0
(15:00) 5-M.Prater 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-12-B.Gillikin.
BUFBuffalo Bills
Q2 9:51FG
Tyler Bass
Points+3
Yard line
ARI 19
Score
10-3
(9:51) 2-T.Bass 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.
ARIArizona Cardinals
Q2 2:44TD
James Conner
Points+6
Yard line
BUF 3
Score
16-3
(2:44) (Shotgun) 6-J.Conner right guard for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
ARIArizona Cardinals
Q2 2:40XP
Matt Prater
Points+1
Yard line
BUF 15
Score
17-3
5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-12-B.Gillikin.
BUFBuffalo Bills
Q2 0:25TD
Jonathan Allen
Points+6
Yard line
ARI 7
Score
17-9
(:25) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen right end for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
BUFBuffalo Bills
Q2 0:19TD
Tyler Bass
Points+7
Yard line
ARI 15
Score
17-10
2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.
BUFBuffalo Bills
Q3 9:55TD
Mack Hollins
Points+6
Yard line
ARI 11
Score
17-16
(9:55) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass short middle to 13-M.Hollins for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
BUFBuffalo Bills
Q3 9:51XP
Tyler Bass
Points+1
Yard line
ARI 15
Score
17-17
2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.
BUFBuffalo Bills
Q3 2:43TD
Khalil Shakir
Points+6
Yard line
ARI 11
Score
17-23
(2:43) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass short left to 10-K.Shakir for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
BUFBuffalo Bills
Q3 2:37XP
Tyler Bass
Points+1
Yard line
ARI 15
Score
17-24
2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.
ARIArizona Cardinals
Q4 13:35FG
Matt Prater
Points+3
Yard line
BUF 12
Score
20-24
(13:35) 5-M.Prater 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-12-B.Gillikin. ** Injury Update: ARI-74-I.Adams has returned to the game.
BUFBuffalo Bills
Q4 8:51TD
Jonathan Allen
Points+6
Yard line
ARI 6
Score
20-30
(8:51) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen scrambles right guard for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
BUFBuffalo Bills
Q4 8:44XP
Tyler Bass
Points+1
Yard line
ARI 15
Score
20-31
2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.
ARIArizona Cardinals
Q4 8:44TD
DeeJay Dallas
Points+6
Yard line
BUF 35
Score
26-31
2-T.Bass kicks 61 yards from BUF 35 to ARI 4. 20-D.Dallas for 96 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
ARIArizona Cardinals
Q4 8:31Safety
James Conner
Points+2
Yard line
BUF 2
Score
28-31
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 6-J.Conner rushes right guard. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
BUFBuffalo Bills
Q4 2:00FG
Tyler Bass
Points+3
Yard line
ARI 21
Score
28-34
(2:00) 2-T.Bass 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

1Jonathan Allen · Buffalo Bills · Passing · +16.96 total EPA · 32 snaps · +0.53 EPA/play
2Kenneth Murray, Jr. · Arizona Cardinals · Passing · +6.04 total EPA · 38 snaps · +0.16 EPA/play
3Mack Hollins · Buffalo Bills · Receiving · +3.89 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.95 EPA/play
4Khalil Shakir · Buffalo Bills · Receiving · +3.88 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.29 EPA/play
5Keon Coleman · Buffalo Bills · Receiving · +3.30 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.66 EPA/play
6Greg Dortch · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +2.46 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.31 EPA/play
7James Cook III · Buffalo Bills · Receiving · +2.45 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.82 EPA/play
8Mi. Wilson · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +2.22 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.11 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 (+16.96) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Buffalo Bills. Across 32 counted snaps, they averaged +0.53 EPA per play.

Jonathan Allen's top snap (-6.04 EPA): (5:33) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen sacked at ARI 30 for -11 yards (98-R.Lopez). FUMBLES (98-R.Lopez) [98-R.Lopez], RECOVERED by ARI-93-J.Jones at ARI 29.

Quarterback report card

Kenneth Murray, Jr. led all passers in efficiency for Arizona Cardinals, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

Kenneth Murray, Jr. (Arizona Cardinals) · 38 dropbacks · 55.3% completion · +1.2% CPOE · +0.16 EPA/play · +6.04 total EPA
Jonathan Allen (Buffalo Bills) · 32 dropbacks · 56.2% completion · +9.9% CPOE · +0.53 EPA/play · +16.96 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

Stat	Arizona Cardinals	Buffalo Bills
Offensive EPA/play	+0.141	+0.191
Offensive success rate	44.7%	61.3%
Pass EPA/play	+0.159	+0.530
Rush EPA/play	-0.102	-0.153
Defensive EPA/play	-0.191	-0.141
Defensive success rate	38.8%	55.3%

Drive & efficiency notes

Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Arizona Cardinals +0.14, Buffalo Bills +0.19) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

Arizona Cardinals: +0.14 EPA/play (81st percentile vs. 2024 team-game averages)
Buffalo Bills: +0.19 EPA/play (87th percentile vs. 2024 team-game averages)

Arizona Cardinals: 10 drives, +10.73 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Buffalo Bills: 10 drives, +15.31 total EPA, 6 scoring drives

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

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

Touchdowns

Arizona Cardinals — Kenneth Murray, Jr. (Q1 7:54)
Arizona Cardinals — James Conner (Q2 2:44)
Buffalo Bills — Jonathan Allen (Q2 0:25)
Buffalo Bills — Mack Hollins (Jonathan Allen pass) (Q3 9:55)
Buffalo Bills — Khalil Shakir (Jonathan Allen pass) (Q3 2:43)
Buffalo Bills — Jonathan Allen (Q4 8:51)
Arizona Cardinals — DeeJay Dallas (Q4 8:44)

Field goals

Arizona Cardinals — Matt Prater (Q2 15:00)
Buffalo Bills — Tyler Bass (Q2 9:51)
Arizona Cardinals — Matt Prater (Q4 13:35)
Buffalo Bills — Tyler Bass (Q4 2:00)

Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 7–0. Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the BUF 5 (Q1 7:54) — (7:54) (Shotgun) 1-K.Murray pass short left to 14-Mi.Wilson for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the BUF 15 (Q1 7:47) — 5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-12-B.Gillikin..

The second quarter: Buffalo Bills won the period 16–10. Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the BUF 11 (Q2 15:00) — (15:00) 5-M.Prater 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-12-B.Gillikin.; Buffalo Bills connected on a field goal from the ARI 19 (Q2 9:51) — (9:51) 2-T.Bass 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the BUF 3 (Q2 2:44) — (2:44) (Shotgun) 6-J.Conner right guard for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the BUF 15 (Q2 2:40) — 5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-12-B.Gillikin.; Buffalo Bills found the end zone from the ARI 7 (Q2 0:25) — (:25) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen right end for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Buffalo Bills found the end zone from the ARI 15 (Q2 0:19) — 2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin..

The third quarter: Buffalo Bills won the period 14–0. Buffalo Bills found the end zone from the ARI 11 (Q3 9:55) — (9:55) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass short middle to 13-M.Hollins for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Buffalo Bills added 1 points from the ARI 15 (Q3 9:51) — 2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.; Buffalo Bills found the end zone from the ARI 11 (Q3 2:43) — (2:43) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass short left to 10-K.Shakir for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Buffalo Bills added 1 points from the ARI 15 (Q3 2:37) — 2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin..

The fourth quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 11–10. Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the BUF 12 (Q4 13:35); Buffalo Bills found the end zone from the ARI 6 (Q4 8:51) — (8:51) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen scrambles right guard for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Buffalo Bills added 1 points from the ARI 15 (Q4 8:44) — 2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the BUF 35 (Q4 8:44) — 2-T.Bass kicks 61 yards from BUF 35 to ARI 4. 20-D.Dallas for 96 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals registered a safety from the BUF 2 (Q4 8:31) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 6-J.Conner rushes right guard. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.; Buffalo Bills connected on a field goal from the ARI 21 (Q4 2:00) — (2:00) 2-T.Bass 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

Buffalo Bills (Q3 9:55) — (9:55) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass short middle to 13-M.Hollins for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +15.4% · EPA +2.98]
Buffalo Bills (Q1 5:33) — (5:33) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen sacked at ARI 30 for -11 yards (98-R.Lopez). FUMBLES (98-R.Lopez) [98-R.Lopez], RECOVERED by ARI-93-J.Jones at ARI 29. [WPA -15.4% · EPA -6.04]
Arizona Cardinals (Q4 8:44) — 2-T.Bass kicks 61 yards from BUF 35 to ARI 4. 20-D.Dallas for 96 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +15.3% · EPA +5.80]
Arizona Cardinals (Q3 5:32) — (5:32) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 1-K.Murray sacked at ARI 19 for -5 yards (50-G.Rousseau). FUMBLES (50-G.Rousseau) [50-G.Rousseau], RECOVERED by BUF-42-Do.Williams at ARI 21. [WPA -13.4% · EPA -4.93]
Arizona Cardinals (Q4 0:32) — (:32) (Shotgun) 1-K.Murray pass incomplete deep left to 4-G.Dortch (46-J.Ingram). Receiver and coverage along sideline at BUF 2. [WPA -12.2% · EPA -2.05]

Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

Buffalo Bills (Q1 5:33) — (5:33) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen sacked at ARI 30 for -11 yards (98-R.Lopez). FUMBLES (98-R.Lopez) [98-R.Lopez], RECOVERED by ARI-93-J.Jones at ARI 29. [WPA -15.4% · EPA -6.04]
Arizona Cardinals (Q4 8:44) — 2-T.Bass kicks 61 yards from BUF 35 to ARI 4. 20-D.Dallas for 96 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +15.3% · EPA +5.80]
Arizona Cardinals (Q3 5:32) — (5:32) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 1-K.Murray sacked at ARI 19 for -5 yards (50-G.Rousseau). FUMBLES (50-G.Rousseau) [50-G.Rousseau], RECOVERED by BUF-42-Do.Williams at ARI 21. [WPA -13.4% · EPA -4.93]
Arizona Cardinals (Q3 1:53) — (1:53) (Shotgun) 1-K.Murray scrambles left end ran ob at BUF 38 for 29 yards (47-C.Benford). [WPA +8.6% · EPA +3.16]

Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q1 7:54 · BUF 5 · Score 6-0
(7:54) (Shotgun) 1-K.Murray pass short left to 14-Mi.Wilson for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q1 7:47 · BUF 15 · Score 7-0
5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-12-B.Gillikin.
Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q2 15:00 · BUF 11 · Score 10-0
(15:00) 5-M.Prater 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-12-B.Gillikin.
Buffalo Bills FG (+3) — Q2 9:51 · ARI 19 · Score 10-3
(9:51) 2-T.Bass 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.
Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q2 2:44 · BUF 3 · Score 16-3
(2:44) (Shotgun) 6-J.Conner right guard for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q2 2:40 · BUF 15 · Score 17-3
5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-12-B.Gillikin.
Buffalo Bills TD (+6) — Q2 0:25 · ARI 7 · Score 17-9
(:25) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen right end for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Buffalo Bills TD (+7) — Q2 0:19 · ARI 15 · Score 17-10
2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.
Buffalo Bills TD (+6) — Q3 9:55 · ARI 11 · Score 17-16
(9:55) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass short middle to 13-M.Hollins for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Buffalo Bills XP (+1) — Q3 9:51 · ARI 15 · Score 17-17
2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.
Buffalo Bills TD (+6) — Q3 2:43 · ARI 11 · Score 17-23
(2:43) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass short left to 10-K.Shakir for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Buffalo Bills XP (+1) — Q3 2:37 · ARI 15 · Score 17-24
2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.
Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q4 13:35 · BUF 12 · Score 20-24
(13:35) 5-M.Prater 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-12-B.Gillikin. ** Injury Update: ARI-74-I.Adams has returned to the game.
Buffalo Bills TD (+6) — Q4 8:51 · ARI 6 · Score 20-30
(8:51) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen scrambles right guard for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Buffalo Bills XP (+1) — Q4 8:44 · ARI 15 · Score 20-31
2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.
Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q4 8:44 · BUF 35 · Score 26-31
2-T.Bass kicks 61 yards from BUF 35 to ARI 4. 20-D.Dallas for 96 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Arizona Cardinals Safety (+2) — Q4 8:31 · BUF 2 · Score 28-31
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 6-J.Conner rushes right guard. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
Buffalo Bills FG (+3) — Q4 2:00 · ARI 21 · Score 28-34
(2:00) 2-T.Bass 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.

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.
One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
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).

Frequently asked questions

Who won Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills on 2024-09-08?

The Buffalo Bills beat the Arizona Cardinals 34-28 in Week 1, 2024.

What was the score by quarter in Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills?

Q1: Arizona Cardinals 7, Buffalo Bills 0; Q2: Arizona Cardinals 10, Buffalo Bills 16; Q3: Arizona Cardinals 0, Buffalo Bills 14; Q4: Arizona Cardinals 11, Buffalo Bills 10; Final: Arizona Cardinals 28, Buffalo Bills 34.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills?

Arizona Cardinals touchdown — K. Murray (Q1 7:54) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — J. Conner (Q2 2:44) Buffalo Bills touchdown — J. Allen (Q2 0:25) Buffalo Bills touchdown — M. Hollins (J. Allen pass) (Q3 9:55) Buffalo Bills touchdown — K. Shakir (J. Allen pass) (Q3 2:43) Buffalo Bills touchdown — J. Allen (Q4 8:51) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — D. Dallas (Q4 8:44) Arizona Cardinals field goal — M. Prater (Q2 15:00, 3 pts) Buffalo Bills field goal — T. Bass (Q2 9:51, 3 pts) Arizona Cardinals field goal — M. Prater (Q4 13:35, 3 pts) Buffalo Bills field goal — T. Bass (Q4 2:00, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills?

Kenneth Murray, Jr. (Arizona Cardinals), 55.3% completion, +1.2% CPOE, +0.16 EPA per dropback, +6.04 total passing EPA. Jonathan Allen (Buffalo Bills), 56.2% completion, +9.9% CPOE, +0.53 EPA per dropback, +16.96 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills?

Jonathan Allen (Buffalo Bills) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +16.96 total EPA on Passing plays. across 32 snaps. Their top snap (-6.04 EPA): (5:33) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen sacked at ARI 30 for -11 yards (98-R.Lopez). FUMBLES (98-R.Lopez) [98-R.Lopez], RECOVERED by ARI-93-J.Jones at ARI 29..

Was Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills a close game?

Yes — the margin was 6 points. Buffalo Bills won 34-28 in a game that stayed within one score into the fourth quarter.

Season records after this game

Arizona Cardinals

Now 0-1 L

Buffalo Bills

Now 1-0 W

Arizona Cardinals vs. Buffalo Bills: 2024 Week 1 Recap

Top fantasy performers · Cardinals

Top fantasy performers · Bills

Quick answer

Game summary