The Buffalo Bills defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 24-16 on Sunday at Highmark Stadium, overcoming an early 10-point deficit behind James Cook III’s 154-yard, one-touchdown rushing performance to remain unbeaten.
Buffalo trailed 10-0 after the opening quarter, but the Bills steadily changed the game with a 10-point second quarter before taking control with 14 unanswered points in the fourth. The result moved Buffalo to 3-0 in the 2026 regular season, while Los Angeles fell to 0-3 after another competitive but incomplete effort.
The Chargers came out with the sharper start in Orchard Park. Justin Herbert guided Los Angeles to 10 first-quarter points, and the Chargers defense kept Buffalo off the board through the opening 15 minutes. Herbert finished 20/34 for 226 yards, one touchdown and one interception, producing enough explosive opportunities to put the visitors in position to steal a road win.
But Buffalo answered before halftime. The Bills put up 10 points in the second quarter to erase the deficit and send the teams into the break tied. That response mattered: after Los Angeles added a field goal in the third quarter, Buffalo’s defense prevented the Chargers from building a two-score cushion and gave its offense a manageable game entering the final period.
The fourth quarter belonged to the Bills. Buffalo scored 14 points while limiting the Chargers to a field goal, turning a tight contest into an eight-point victory. Cook was the centerpiece of that closing formula, handling 24 carries for 154 yards and a touchdown. His workload helped Buffalo control the pace, stay ahead of the chains and make the Chargers defend the run throughout the late-game drives.
Key Performers
James Cook III, Bills: 24 carries, 154 yards, 1 touchdown. Cook supplied the game’s most productive offensive output, averaging more than six yards per carry and giving Buffalo a dependable answer as it mounted its comeback.
Justin Herbert, Chargers: 20/34, 226 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception. Herbert completed several important throws during Los Angeles’ fast start and connected often with Tre’ Harris, but the interception and Buffalo’s fourth-quarter surge left the Chargers chasing late.
Tre’ Harris, Chargers: 6 receptions, 76 yards. Harris was Herbert’s leading target and accounted for the Chargers’ top receiving total, providing a reliable outlet as Los Angeles tried to sustain drives against Buffalo’s defense.
NerdSports Stat: Buffalo scored 24 consecutive points after falling behind 10-0, including the decisive 14-3 fourth-quarter edge.
The Bills did not need overtime, but they did need a resilient response after their slow start. Buffalo’s ability to level the score before halftime and finish with two fourth-quarter touchdowns was the difference in a game that remained within one possession entering the final period.
For Los Angeles, the early lead offers evidence that the offense can compete on the road, but finishing drives and avoiding costly mistakes will be central as the Chargers seek their first win. Buffalo, meanwhile, takes a 3-0 record into an early AFC East measuring-stick game against New England, while the Chargers return home to face Seattle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Buffalo Bills defeated Los Angeles Chargers 24-16 on September 27, 2026.
The supplied game data did not identify Buffalo’s passing leader or provide a Bills quarterback passing line.
No. Buffalo won 24-16 in regulation.
Buffalo Bills is now 3-0; Los Angeles Chargers is 0-3.
Buffalo’s next game is Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 10:00 AM PDT against the New England Patriots.