Bills outlast Rams in overtime thriller, AFC East roundup

The Buffalo Bills cemented their early grip on the AFC East on Monday night with a 37-34 overtime win over the Los Angeles Rams. Behind a big performance from Josh Allen, Buffalo moved to 4-1, ahead of the New England Patriots (3-2), New York Jets (2-3) and Miami Dolphins (0-5).

Buffalo Bills

According to La Presse, Josh Allen threw for 331 yards and two touchdowns, powering the Bills to that 37-34 overtime victory. The matchup headlined Monday Night Football, and CBS Sports framed it as a showdown between quarterbacks Matthew Stafford and Allen. Stafford’s play remains under scrutiny, with CBS Sports separately examining why the 2025 MVP has been struggling this season and looking to the Bills game as a possible springboard.

Tempers flared after the final whistle. As reported by CBS Sports, Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson threw a punch at Bills pass-rusher Bradley Chubb in the aftermath of Buffalo’s wild win. In the lead-up to the game, CBS Sports also noted that Bills wide receiver DJ Moore was initially listed as questionable with a shoulder injury.

Off the field, the Bills were active on the transaction wire. Per Pro Football Rumors, Buffalo signed cornerback Anthony Kendall from the practice squad and released outside linebacker Mike Danna. The team also elevated defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis and wide receiver Trent Sherfield to bolster depth for game day.

New England Patriots

The Patriots had no on-field action but still made news. CBS Sports reports that Bill Belichick was noticeably absent from New England’s celebration of its 2001 Super Bowl championship team. The outlet points out that Belichick had recently attended a Super Bowl reunion for the New York Giants, a contrast that is drawing attention around Foxborough.

New York Jets and Miami Dolphins

For the Jets, there was a bright spot on defense coming out of Week 5. According to CBS Sports, No. 2 overall pick David Bailey delivered a three-sack performance against the Cleveland Browns, the best outing of his young career and one that quieted some early critics as New York sits at 2-3.

The Dolphins, at 0-5, remained out of the headline mix over the last 24 hours, but their winless start continues to loom over the early AFC East picture as Buffalo begins to separate at the top.