In a game that felt more like a winter wonderland than a football showdown, Josh Allen put on a show for the ages as the Buffalo Bills routed the San Francisco 49ers 35-10 on Sunday night. With snow swirling and temperatures plummeting, Allen delivered a historic performance, becoming the first quarterback and seventh player in the Super Bowl era to score touchdowns passing, rushing, and receiving in the same game.
The win clinched the AFC East for Buffalo (10-2) with five games to spare, marking the earliest division title clinch since the 2009 Colts. It also extended the Bills’ winning streak to seven games, as they continue to establish themselves as a dominant force in the AFC.
Allen’s versatility was on full display. He opened the scoring with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Mack Hollins, followed it with an 8-yard touchdown run, and capped off his trifecta with a remarkable receiving touchdown.
In a trick-play sequence, Amari Cooper made a one-handed grab before lateraling to Allen, who sprinted to the left pylon and dove for the score. Snow flew from the stands as the crowd erupted, celebrating the quarterback’s unique feat. Allen finished the game with 148 yards and two touchdowns on 13-of-17 passing, along with 18 rushing yards and a score.
“I just wanted to make the most of every play,” Allen said postgame, grinning as he made snow angels with head coach Sean McDermott. “It’s a team effort, but tonight was special.”
The night also saw Allen break Hall of Famer Jim Kelly’s franchise record with 247 career touchdowns.
The Bills controlled the game from start to finish, scoring on four of five possessions around halftime. Running back James Cook added to the highlight reel with a career-high 65-yard touchdown run, finishing with 107 yards on the ground. Ray Davis contributed a 5-yard touchdown run to extend the Bills’ lead to 28-3.
On the other side, the defending NFC champion 49ers (5-7) struggled mightily. Star running back Christian McCaffrey suffered a potentially season-ending PCL injury, further hampering a San Francisco team already missing five starters. McCaffrey had 53 rushing yards on seven carries before leaving in the second quarter.
“It’s tough to see him go down like that,” 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said. “We’ve been hit hard by injuries, but we have to keep fighting.”
San Francisco’s offense faltered under the snowy conditions, committing three fumbles and missing two field goals. Brock Purdy, returning from a shoulder injury, completed just 11 of 18 passes for 94 yards and was unable to find a rhythm.
With their division title secured, the Bills became the NFL’s eighth team to clinch with five games remaining. They continue to lead the league in scoring, having surpassed 30 points in six consecutive games.
For the 49ers, the loss was a critical blow to their playoff hopes. Now sitting at 5-7 and on a three-game skid, San Francisco’s postseason aspirations are in jeopardy just a season after their Super Bowl appearance.
The 49ers will return home to host the Chicago Bears next Sunday in a must-win game to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. Meanwhile, the Bills travel to Los Angeles to face the Rams as they look to maintain their dominance in the AFC.
In the snow and under the bright lights, the Bills proved once again why they’re a team to beat, led by their MVP-caliber quarterback who continues to rewrite history.
