NFL: Bills blow out the Saints to retake the AFC East lead

New Orleans, Louisiana - The Buffalo Bills are back on top of their division after a dominating win over the New Orleans Saints on the road.

Bills quarterback Josh Allen threw four touchdowns against the Saints on Thursday night.
Bills quarterback Josh Allen threw four touchdowns against the Saints on Thursday night.  © imago/Icon SMI

The Bills beat down the Saints 31-6, getting back in the win column after a poor showing last week to retake the lead of the AFC East division temporarily held by the Patriots after last weekend.

This game belonged to the Bills and the Bills only as Buffalo controlled the tempo, dominating their way to what would become an easy win.

While they didn’t put up a lot of points early, their defense kept New Orleans from getting on the scoreboard through the first three quarters.

Opening the fourth quarter, the Bills were up 24-0 before the Saints finally scored their only touchdown.

New Orleans just didn’t have anything to throw at the Bills, and Buffalo ended up gaining nearly twice as many yards of total offense as the Saints, a 361-190 advantage.

The player spotlight

Bills tight end Dawson Knox became the franchise leader in TD catches with two on Thursday night.
Bills tight end Dawson Knox became the franchise leader in TD catches with two on Thursday night.  © imago/Icon SMI

Bills tight end Dawson Knox (25) had a career night, making a name for himself in his franchise’s record books.

While he didn’t put up monster numbers, nor was he his team’s leader in reception yards, he caught two of his quarterback Josh Allen’s four touchdown passes in the game.

Knox had three catches for 32 yards and two touchdowns.

With his two scores, Knox now has the most touchdowns in a single season by a Bills tight end.

The big picture

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott.
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott.  © IMAGO/ZUMA Wire

After Thursday’s win, the Bills have regained their division lead, but it’s very much at stake next weekend as their rivals, the New England Patriots, are up next on the schedule.

Just one win against the Patriots would give the Bills an edge in vying for their second-straight division title by the time the regular season concludes in January.

Next Monday, the Bills (7-4) are back at home the host the Patriots (7-4), while the Saints (5-6) stay at home to take on the Cowboys (7-4).

Cover photo: imago/Icon SMI

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