Buffalo Bills beat the Rams 37-34 in overtime

The Buffalo Bills defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-34 in overtime on October 12, 2026, at SoFi Stadium. For readers looking for the result and Josh Allen’s role, the short answer is this: Greg Rousseau blocked a Rams field-goal attempt, Allen rushed for 32 yards on the ensuing possession and Tyler Bass made the 45-yard kick that ended the game. It was Allen’s first victory in eight career games that reached overtime.

The fourth quarter transformed the game

The teams combined for only 20 points in the first half. The dynamic changed after halftime and culminated in an exchange of touchdowns in the fourth quarter. The NFL’s analysis counted six lead changes and 890 combined yards of offense over the course of the game.

Buffalo moved ahead 27-20 on Allen’s one-yard run and a two-point conversion to Dalton Kincaid. The Rams answered, but the Bills reclaimed a 34-27 lead when James Cook ran five yards into the end zone.

Los Angeles received the ball with 1:39 left. The drive ended with Kyren Williams’ one-yard touchdown run, tying the score at 34-34 and sending the game to overtime.

The fumble that nearly decided overtime

Buffalo received the opening possession and immediately generated an explosive play: Khalil Shakir took a short pass 57 yards to the Rams’ 22-yard line. On the next snap, however, Cook fumbled and Los Angeles recovered. It was a clear opportunity for the Rams to end the game.

The home team advanced to Buffalo’s 30-yard line with two 21-yard gains. On fourth down, Harrison Mevis attempted a 48-yard field goal. Rousseau broke through the protection and blocked the kick. The play gave Buffalo a decisive reprieve after it had surrendered the ball in dangerous territory.

Special teams influenced the entire night. Ray Davis had returned the opening kickoff 70 yards to set up Bass’ first field goal. Mevis also missed a 50-yard attempt in the first quarter, while Bass missed an extra point. In overtime, though, Rousseau’s block and Bass’ accuracy determined the winner.

Allen won with his legs

The Bills’ passing game took time to find traction, so Buffalo leaned on its rushing attack. Allen ran for 121 yards on 10 attempts and scored one touchdown; Cook added 111 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries. Together, they produced 232 rushing yards.

After the block, Allen ran twice for 32 yards to move Buffalo into kicking range. Bass converted from 45 yards five plays after the Rams’ blocked attempt. That finish explains why the result carries particular weight in the quarterback’s career: Allen had lost each of his previous seven overtime games, including the playoffs.

The game also exposed risks Buffalo cannot overlook. According to the Bills’ official recap, the team committed two turnovers and 13 penalties for 112 yards. Cook fumbled twice, losing one, and Allen threw an interception. Buffalo won despite those errors, not because they were absent.

Stafford and the receivers kept the Rams alive

Matthew Stafford completed 40 of 54 passes for 383 yards and three touchdowns. Puka Nacua caught 17 of 24 targets for 138 yards and one score. Davante Adams finished with five catches, 51 yards and two touchdowns.

That production illustrates the pressure Buffalo faced: the Rams scored touchdowns on three consecutive possessions before the blocked attempt in overtime. Even so, Los Angeles chose a run on third-and-5 from the Bills’ 30 before sending Mevis out for the ensuing kick. Rousseau turned that decision into the recovery opportunity Allen seized.

Allen’s first overtime victory

In addition to ending a seven-loss overtime streak, the result was Allen’s 100th total career win, according to the Bills’ account. In his postgame interview, he addressed his first overtime victory, the need to limit turnovers and what he told Cook after the fumble.

The decisive element also fits his historical profile. The Pro Football Hall of Fame noted that Allen entered 2026 as the career leader in rushing touchdowns by a quarterback, including regular-season and playoff games. Against the Rams, his mobility was not merely an additional tool: it sustained the offense and created the position for the winning kick.

The Bills’ next game

The result moved Buffalo to 4-1 and dropped the Rams to 2-3. The Bills remain on the West Coast to face the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Week 6 on October 18.

Buffalo’s official schedule lists kickoff at 4:25 p.m. Eastern Time. Times and operational details can change, so readers should confirm them through the official link. Buffalo’s clearest assignment before the next game is to retain the strength of its ground attack without repeating the turnovers and high penalty count seen in Los Angeles.