The Buffalo Bills vs Los Angeles Rams Match Player Stats game on December 8, 2024, was one of the most exciting NFL matchups of the season. With a final score of 44-42 in favor of the Rams, this high-scoring shootout at SoFi Stadium kept fans on the edge of their seats. Both teams showcased incredible offensive firepower, led by quarterbacks Josh Allen and Matthew Stafford. In this article, we’ll dive into the key player stats, break down the game’s highlights, and present the data in an easy-to-read table that anyone can understand. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just curious about the numbers, this guide has you covered.
Why This Game Was a Must-Watch Buffalo Bills vs Los Angeles Rams Match Player Stats
The Bills entered the game with a 10-2 record, riding a seven-game winning streak after clinching the AFC East title. Meanwhile, the Rams, at 6-6, were fighting to stay alive in the NFC West playoff race. The stage was set for a clash of titans, and it didn’t disappoint. Josh Allen made NFL history as the first player to record three passing touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns in a single game. Despite his heroics, the Rams held on, thanks to clutch plays by Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua.
This game wasn’t just about the score—it was a showcase of individual brilliance. Let’s break down the stats and see who stood out.
Key Player Stats: Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen (Quarterback)
Josh Allen was the heart and soul of the Bills’ offense. His historic performance included:
- Passing: 22/37 completions, 342 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
- Rushing: 10 carries, 82 yards, 3 touchdowns
- Notable Achievements:
- First NFL player with 3 passing TDs and 3 rushing TDs in a game
- Set the Bills’ franchise record for most 300-yard passing games (27)
- Reached 4,000 career rushing yards, joining an elite group of quarterbacks
Allen’s dual-threat ability kept the Bills in the game, especially during their fourth-quarter comeback attempt. His 1-yard touchdown run with 1:00 left brought Buffalo within two points, but time ran out.
Khalil Shakir (Wide Receiver)
Shakir was Allen’s go-to target, leading the Bills’ receiving corps:
- Receptions: 5 catches
- Yards: 106 yards
- Touchdowns: 1 (51-yard TD catch)
- Highlight: His 51-yard touchdown in the third quarter showcased his yards-after-catch ability, as he split defenders and powered into the end zone.
Shakir’s big plays were crucial in keeping the Bills’ offense rolling.
Ty Johnson (Running Back)
Johnson made an impact as a pass-catcher:
- Receiving: 41-yard touchdown catch
- Rushing: Limited carries but contributed to the team’s balanced attack
His long TD reception helped spark Buffalo’s rally.
James Cook (Running Back)
Cook supported Allen on the ground:
- Rushing: 8 yards on a key carry in the fourth quarter
- Role: Shared carries with Allen and Johnson, keeping the Rams’ defense honest
Defensive Standouts
- Taylor Rapp (Safety): Led the team with 13 tackles
- Damar Hamlin (Safety): 12 tackles, strong presence in the secondary
- Terrel Bernard (Linebacker): 10 tackles, but noted the defense struggled to contain the Rams’ passing game
The Bills’ defense had a tough day, allowing 44 points and failing to force a turnover for the first time all season.
Key Player Stats: Los Angeles Rams
Matthew Stafford (Quarterback)
Stafford was in complete command, matching Allen’s brilliance:
- Passing: 23/30 completions, 320 yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
- Key Moment: 19-yard TD pass to Puka Nacua with 1:54 left sealed the win
- Efficiency: 144.8 passer rating when not pressured, per Next Gen Stats
Stafford’s ability to convert on third downs (10/11 in the first three quarters) kept the Rams’ offense on the field.
Puka Nacua (Wide Receiver)
Nacua had a career day, torching the Bills’ secondary:
- Receptions: 12 catches
- Yards: 162 yards
- Touchdowns: 1 receiving (19 yards), 1 rushing (4 yards)
- All-Purpose Yards: 178 yards
- Highlight: His 19-yard TD catch late in the fourth quarter was the game-winner
Nacua’s versatility and clutch plays earned him Tom Brady’s “LFG Player of the Game” honors.
Kyren Williams (Running Back)
Williams powered the Rams’ ground game:
- Rushing: 29 carries, 87 yards, 2 touchdowns (3 yards, third quarter)
- Receiving: 6 yards on a key catch
- Role: Controlled the clock, helping the Rams dominate time of possession (17 minutes more than Buffalo)
His early 3-yard TD set the tone for the Rams’ efficient offense.
Cooper Kupp (Wide Receiver)
Kupp remained a reliable target:
- Receptions: Key catches, including a 17-yard TD in the third quarter
- Yards: Supported Nacua’s big day, drawing coverage
Special Teams Heroes
- Jacob Hummel (Linebacker): Blocked a punt in the second quarter
- Hunter Long (Tight End): Recovered the blocked punt for a 22-yard touchdown, the first of his career
This special teams play gave the Rams a 17-7 lead and shifted momentum.
Game Highlights and Turning Points Buffalo Bills vs Los Angeles Rams Match Player Stats
- First Quarter: The Rams struck first with a 70-yard, 12-play drive capped by Kyren Williams’ 3-yard TD run. Allen answered with a 1-yard TD sneak, tying it at 7-7.
- Second Quarter: The Rams’ special teams made a game-changing play when Hummel blocked a punt, and Long scored. Joshua Karty’s 22-yard field goal and Nacua’s 4-yard rushing TD extended the lead to 24-14 at halftime.
- Third Quarter: The Rams pulled ahead 38-21 with Williams’ second TD and Kupp’s 17-yard TD catch. Shakir’s 51-yard TD kept the Bills alive.
- Fourth Quarter: Allen’s heroics fueled a comeback. His 21-yard TD pass to Mack Hollins and a 1-yard TD run made it 38-35. After Nacua’s 19-yard TD, a 34-yard pass interference penalty on Rams’ Quentin Lake gave Buffalo new life. Allen’s final 1-yard TD run came with 1:00 left, but Ronnie Rivers recovered the onside kick, sealing the Rams’ win.
The game featured 902 total yards, 12 touchdowns, and no turnovers or sacks—making it one of the most unique offensive battles in NFL history.
Buffalo Bills vs Los Angeles Rams Match Player Stats Table
Here’s a clear and simple table summarizing the key player stats:
| Player | Team | Position | Passing | Rushing | Receiving | Tackles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Allen | Bills | QB | 22/37, 342 yds, 3 TD, 0 INT | 10 carries, 82 yds, 3 TD | – | – |
| Khalil Shakir | Bills | WR | – | – | 5 rec, 106 yds, 1 TD | – |
| Ty Johnson | Bills | RB | – | Limited carries | 41-yd TD catch | – |
| James Cook | Bills | RB | – | 8 yds | – | – |
| Taylor Rapp | Bills | S | – | – | – | 13 |
| Damar Hamlin | Bills | S | – | – | – | 12 |
| Terrel Bernard | Bills | LB | – | – | – | 10 |
| Matthew Stafford | Rams | QB | 23/30, 320 yds, 2 TD, 0 INT | – | – | – |
| Puka Nacua | Rams | WR | – | 4-yd TD | 12 rec, 162 yds, 1 TD | – |
| Kyren Williams | Rams | RB | – | 29 carries, 87 yds, 2 TD | 6 yds | – |
| Cooper Kupp | Rams | WR | – | – | 17-yd TD catch | – |
| Jacob Hummel | Rams | LB | – | – | Blocked punt | – |
| Hunter Long | Rams | TE | – | – | 22-yd TD (blocked punt) | – |
What Made Buffalo Bills vs Los Angeles Rams Match Player Stats This Game Special?
- Historic Offense: The 86 points and 902 yards made this the highest-scoring game of the 2024 NFL season. It was only the second game in league history with at least five passing TDs, five rushing TDs, and no turnovers.
- Josh Allen’s Milestone: Allen’s six-TD performance was a first in NFL history, yet it wasn’t enough to win—a rare feat, as he became the eighth player to lose despite scoring six or more TDs.
- Rams’ Resilience: Despite a 1-4 start to the season, the Rams improved to 7-6, showing they’re a playoff contender with Stafford and Nacua leading the way.
- No Turnovers or Sacks: Both teams protected the ball and their QBs, making it a clean, high-powered offensive duel.
- Clutch Moments: From Nacua’s game-winning TD to the Rams’ special teams touchdown, big plays defined the outcome.
How the Bills Can Bounce Back
Despite the loss, the Bills remain a Super Bowl contender at 10-3. However, their defense needs to tighten up after allowing 44 points. Allen’s performance proves he’s an MVP frontrunner, but the team must start faster to avoid falling behind early. Coach Sean McDermott emphasized the need to score before and after halftime, a key area for improvement.
Why the Rams Are Dangerous
The Rams’ win showed they’re hitting their stride at the right time. Stafford’s precision, Nacua’s emergence as a star, and a strong offensive line (no sacks allowed) make them a threat in the NFC West. Their special teams unit also proved it can change games, as seen with the blocked punt TD.
Fun Facts About the Game
- Josh Allen’s Legacy: His 60th career rushing TD tied him with Cam Newton as the only QBs with 60+ rushing TDs all-time.
- Rams’ Third-Down Dominance: Converting 10/11 third downs in the first three quarters was a season-high, thanks to the offensive line’s protection.
- Buffalo’s Record: The Bills’ 42 points were the most they’ve ever scored in a loss, highlighting their offensive potential even in defeat.
Conclusion
The Buffalo Bills vs Los Angeles Rams Match Player Stats game was a masterclass in offensive football. Josh Allen’s historic six-touchdown performance and Matthew Stafford’s clutch plays made it unforgettable. Puka Nacua and Khalil Shakir shone as dynamic receivers, while Kyren Williams and the Rams’ special teams provided game-changing moments. Despite the Bills’ loss, both teams proved they’re playoff-caliber.