An Unprecedented Setback for the Bills
The Buffalo Bills experienced a historic defeat that stunned not just their fans, but also the entire NFL community. In a fascinating, high-octane contest against the Los Angeles Rams, the Bills managed an impressive 44 points without committing a single turnover. Despite this rarity, they ended up on the losing side with a 44-42 scoreline. This marked the first time in the Super Bowl era that a team lost under these circumstances, breaking their astounding 245-0 record when scoring 44 or more points without turning the ball over.
The Bills' defeat is all the more surprising due to the outstanding performance of their quarterback, Josh Allen. Responsible for all six of the Bills' touchdowns, Allen notched three passing and three rushing touchdowns—a feat that has never been accomplished before in NFL regular-season history. Yet, even with these stellar efforts, the game slipped away in a high-scoring thriller, finishing as the highest-scoring game of the 2024 season with a combined total of 86 points.
Unique Circumstances Around the League
The clash between the Bills and Rams stood out not just for its scoreline but also for being only the second game in NFL history to feature five touchdown passes, five rushing touchdowns, and no turnovers. While the Bills processed their unexpected loss, other teams across the league faced their own unique scenarios.
The Atlanta Falcons found themselves struggling offensively, recording zero passing touchdowns while surrendering eight interceptions over four games. Their defense also faltered, allowing eight touchdowns thrown by opposing quarterbacks in the same period. Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions reveled in an 11-game winning streak, emerging as one of the hottest teams this season.
New Records and Streaks
Amidst a season of surprises, Saquon Barkley set a new single-season rushing record for the Philadelphia Eagles with 1,623 yards, contributing to his team's nine-game winning streak. Such performances have revitalized the Eagles, keeping them in contention for major honors. This resilient form aligns with other notable developments in the NFC East, where 2024 marks the 20th consecutive year with a change of ruler for the divisional title, following the elimination of the Dallas Cowboys from the race.
Meanwhile, the Jets continued their pursuit of postseason action, which has eluded them since 2010. Their 14-year playoff drought now stands as the longest active streak in major professional sports in the United States. Despite these challenges, their recent matchup against the Miami Dolphins concluded with a "scorigami," a term for unconventional final scores, with a 32-26 result favoring the Dolphins.
Notable Performances and Struggles
Around the league, individual performances caught the eye. Aaron Rodgers delivered a throwback performance by passing for 339 yards against the Dolphins, marking his first 300-plus-yard game since December 2021. Conversely, Kirk Cousins faced difficulties, throwing eight interceptions without a single touchdown over four games.
On the brighter side for newcomers, Brock Bowers set a new record for rookie tight ends by securing 87 receptions this season—a promising indicator of his potential and skill at such an early stage in his NFL career.
In a season filled with unexpected twists and standout moments, the NFL continues to captivate fans with its drama and record-breaking performances, setting the stage for an intriguing conclusion in the coming weeks.