The Buffalo Bills clocked into work again during the 2026 NFL campaign and came out on top against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football.
In Week 9, the Bills (7-1) took a hard-fought 26-3 win against the Vikings (6-2). For their efforts, how did the Bills earn high marks across the board for their effort?
With that, here are Bills Wire's Week 9 report card:
Pass offense: B-
Bills quarterback Josh Allen started slow but his numbers turned out well. Allen was 21-for-31 passing for 234 yards with a touchdown and interception. Allen spread the ball around as Buffalo had eight different receivers catch a pass. Wide receiver Khalil Shakir ended up leading the Bills against the Vikings with four catches and 58 yards.
Holding Allen's grade back a little is a few
near-miss interceptions.
Rushing offense: A-
Likewise, running back James Cook had a slow start but got going. Cook had just 33 yards on his first 15 carries in the first half. However, Buffalo's offensive line improved in the second half and the Bills kept at it and deserve credit for that. Toward the end of the contest, it was easy to see that wore down the Vikings defense.
Cook finished with 107 yards on 31 carries with a touchdown.
Pass defense: A
You can only play the hand you're dealt. The Bills were tasked with facing backup quarterback Carson Wentz because Kyler Murray could play because of a hamstring injury. Wentz was so poor against Buffalo, the Vikings have since decided to trade for a new quarterback at the 2026 NFL trade deadline in Kirk Cousins.
All that considered, the Bills' secondary played well against Minnesota. To his credit, even with Wentz playing poorly, cornerback Christian Benford played well covering All-Pro receiver Justin Jefferson before his wrist injury. Jefferson finished with just three catches for 58 yards.
Linebackers Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams both had interceptions.
Run defense: A
Because the Bills played so well against the pass and their offense stayed on the field, defensively, Buffalo was not tested much in terms of the Vikings' rushing attack. Minnesota 51 yards on 12 attempts led by Jordan Mason’s 35 yards.
Bernard led the Bills with six tackles.
Special teams: B+
From the get go, the Bills got contributions from their special teamers. Returner Greg Dortch started the game with a 58-yard gain on the opening kickoff.
Punter Tommy Doman had more boots in Week 9 than any other game this season with nine. He did not perform very well kicking the ball with his net average of 35.2 yards. But Doman sure did catch headlines for some tackles he made and for taking over kickoff duties.
Tyler Bass continued his strong season, as he made three more field goals from 39, 25 and 52 yards.
This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: Report card: Bills win 23-6 vs. Vikings in Week 9
