3 Takeaways From Bills’ 24-16 Win Over Chargers

The Buffalo Bills are 3-0, but Sunday’s win over the Los Angeles Chargers was anything but easy.

Buffalo overcame five turnovers and an early 10-0 deficit to rally for a 24-16 victory at HIghmark Stadium. Josh Allen struggled to find consistency through the air, but his legs came through when the Bills needed him most, while Buffalo’s defense made several crucial plays to keep the Chargers from turning turnovers into points.

Here are three key takeaways from Buffalo’s Week 3 victory.

1. The Bills’ turnover problem nearly cost them.

For the first time this season, Buffalo’s offense gave its opponent plenty of opportunities.

James Cook fumbled on Buffalo’s opening offensive play, and Josh Allen threw two interceptions in the first half. The Bills also lost another fumble later in the game, ultimately finishing with five turnovers.

That was a dramatic departure from Buffalo’s first two games, when the Bills had protected the football while scoring 77 points.

The Chargers capitalized early, jumping out to a 10-0 lead, but Buffalo’s defense limited the damage. Los Angeles managed just 10 points off Buffalo’s first-half turnovers, allowing the Bills to remain within striking distance.

Buffalo cannot expect to win many games while committing five turnovers. Sunday’s victory showed the Bills can survive a disastrous turnover day, but it also highlighted an issue that could become much more costly against stronger opponents.

2. Josh Allen didn’t have his best passing game — but he made the plays that mattered

Allen entered Week 3 playing some of the best football of his career, but the Chargers made life difficult for him.

The fourth-round rookie safety Genesis Smith intercepted Allen twice in the first half, including two interceptions on consecutive Buffalo drives. Smith became the first Chargers rookie with multiple interceptions in a game since 2024.

Allen eventually found another way to impact the game.

Here are three scored twice on the ground, including a one-yard touchdown that tied the game at 10-10 before halftime. His second rushing touchdown helped put Buffalo ahead in the fourth quarter.

Allen finishing 13-of-20 passing for 154 yards with two interceptions.

It was not the type of statistical performance Buffalo has become accustomed to from its quarterback. But Allen’s abiltiy to contribute as a runner once the passing game struggled was critical to the Bills escaping with a victory.

3. Buffalo’s defense finally delivered when it mattered most

After allowing at least 30 points in each of its first two games, Buffalo defense entered Week 3 with plenty to prove.

The unit responded with its most important performance of the young season.

The Bills repeatedly prevented Los Angeles from turning Buffalo’s offensive mistakes into a larger advantage. The Chargers had five takeaways to Buffalo’s zero, yet managed only 16 points in the game.

One of the biggest plays came in the fourth quarter, when C.J. Gardner-Johnson intercepted Justin Herbert near the goal line with the Chargers threatening. The turnover helped swing momentum back toward Buffalo and gave the Bills can opportunity to take control.

That was the type of play Buffalo needed from its defense after struggling through the first two weeks.

The Bills still have plenty to clean up, particularly on offense. But when the game was on the line Sunday, Buffalo’s defense made the plays necessary to give Allen and the offense another chance.

Buffalo is now 3-0, but Sunday’s win provided a much different test than the first two weeks. The Bills showed they can win when things go wrong — but the five-turnover performance also made it clear there is plenty to fix before Week 4.