Bills vs. Chargers Saturday NFL game highlights: Buffalo escapes LA with crucial victory

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills escaped in what was a surprisingly competitive contest.

Allen led the Bills down the field and kicker Tyler Bass made a short, 29-yard game-winning field goal with 28 seconds to go to lift Buffalo to a 24-22 victory.

Without Justin Herbert, Keenan Allen, Joey Bosa and more, the Chargers put forth an inspired performance in their first game since coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco were let go.

“Give credit where it’s due. That’s a team (that’s had) a coaching change, obviously their quarterback was out but they came out and played hard,” Allen said postgame. “When you’re playing a team with nothing to lose, that’s a dangerous team. That was a dangerous team we played today. We gutted it out and found a way.”

The Chargers stormed out to a 10-0 lead and had a 22-21 advantage with under six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. But Allen guided the Bills on a 13-play, 64-yard drive that ended with a field with under 30 seconds remaining and Buffalo was able to preserve their lead.

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Allen tallied 237 yards passing, one touchdown, one interception and two rushing touchdowns in the win. Wide receiver Gabe Davis had four catches for a game-high 130 yards. Defensive tackle Ed Oliver produced four tackles and two sacks.

Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker made all five of his field goal attempts in the loss.

The Bills (9-6) have now won three straight games and are currently in the No. 6 spot in the AFC playoff race with two games left in the regular season.

“Huge,” Allen said of Buffalo’s three-game winning streak. “Backs against the wall. But again, still some season left. We have to finish on our own terms and try to find a way to get in (the playoffs).”

The Bills have a 75% chance of making the playoffs after Saturday’s win, according to Next Gen Stats. 

— Tyler Dragon

Bills vs. Chargers winners and losers

Winners

Josh Allen: The numbers might not jump off the page — 15-for-21 for 237 yards with a touchdown and pick and two rushing scores — but Allen made huge plays throughout the game, especially late. He converted twice on third down on Buffalo's final drive with an 11-yard strike to Stefon Diggs and 28-yard completion to Khalil Shakir, the latter setting up the Bills' game-winning field goal.

'Big Game' Gabe Davis: Allen's 57-yard TD toss to Davis ignited Buffalo after the Bills had fallen behind 10-0 early, and Davis had catches of at least 20 yards on the Bills' other touchdown drives, including a beautiful sideline grab. Davis finished with four catches for 130 yards and a touchdown.

Chargers' defense: The Bolts' D limited Buffalo to 335 yards and, more crucially, only 24 points one week after yielding a franchise-worst 63 points to the rival Raiders.

Cameron Dicker: The Chargers finally appear to have solved their seemingly never-ending kicking woes. Dicker hit all five of his attempts Saturday night, including a 53-yard go-ahead FG in the fourth quarter. Get this man to the Pro Bowl!

Losers

Josh Allen: What makes Allen spectacular can also make him maddening. His interception was awful. Yes, sometimes he hits those plays — but Saturday's attempt to connect with Stefon Diggs deep while throwing across his body produced an easy turnover the Chargers turned into points and tied Allen with Washington's Sam Howell for the league interception lead (15). His turnovers remain a big reason why the Bills are having to fight their way into the playoffs.

Stefon Diggs: This was an odd game for the Buffalo star. He appeared to be shaken up on the very first play of the game and was notably shown by the Peacock broadcast to be planted firmly on the sidelines during one Bills TD drive. Though he still did lead the Bills in targets (8), he finished with five catches for just 29 yards.

Chargers' red zone offense: The Chargers went 1-for-3 in the red zone and only scored 13 points off three Buffalo turnovers. Los Angeles’ inefficiency in the red zone and its inability to capitalize off turnovers with touchdowns ultimately cost it the game. 

Sean McDermott: The Bills struggled in this game and failed to pull away at any point despite a clear advantage in both talent and momentum. And after a cooling trend under McDermott's coaching seat the last few weeks, there should be some fire burning after a slog of a Buffalo performance on Saturday. Why do the Bills perform so inconsistently? It's a question that could be McDermott's undoing at season's end if Buffalo fails to live up to its lofty expectations. There's still time to silence those doubts, but anytime the Bills post a halfhearted effort, the impatient eyes of Western New York inevitably turn toward McDermott.

Chargers' very slim playoff hopes: The Chargers (5-10) were officially eliminated from playoff contention as a result of Saturday night’s loss. They have two games left in what’s been a disappointing season.

— Jace Evans, Richard Morin, Tyler Dragon

Bills vs. Chargers highlights

Final: Bills 24, Chargers 22

Josh Allen came up big to put the Bills in position to win. He had two critical third-down conversions on Buffalo’s final drive – an 11-yard strike to Stefon Diggs and 28-yard completion to Khalil Shakir. The latter was initially ruled to have been a touchdown after Shakir popped back up after catching the ball, but he was ruled down upon review.

That played into the Bills’ favor, though, as they were able to bleed more clock before trotting out Tyler Bass for a 29-yard field goal to take back the lead with 28 seconds to go.

Ed Oliver derailed the Chargers’ last-gasp drive with a sack of Easton Stick on first down, and LA’s two desperation plays to end the game came up empty.

Watch Chargers' hilarious Cameron Dicker Pro Bowl campaign ad

Chargers 22, Bills 21: Cameron Dicker's fifth field goal after Bills turnover gives LA lead

After yet another field goal by the Chargers, the Bills coughed up the football on the ensuing possession courtesy of a James Cook fumble. Los Angeles took over well into Buffalo territory facing just a two-point deficit.

Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker was already 4-for-4 on field-goal attempts when the possession began and he was called on to rescue L.A. after a false start on third-and-1 and an Easton Stick sack drove the Chargers back.

He nailed it, of course, from 53 yards to put the Chargers back in front. He's 5-for-5 on the night and 24-for-25 on the year.

Bills 21, Chargers 19: Cameron Dicker hits fourth field goal

Another Chargers possession, another Cameron Dicker field goal.

After starting on Buffalo’s 48-yard line, the Chargers' offense moved the football 21 yards to get into field goal range. Dicker was able to make a 45-yard field goal to cut Los Angeles’ deficit to 21-19 with 7:19 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Dicker’s converted all four of his field goals in the game.

Dicker’s made 18 consecutive field goals. He only has one miss this season. 

Bills 21, Chargers 16: Cameron Dicker continues strong night as Chargers cut into Bills' lead

Cameron Dicker converted a 47-yard field goal to trim the Chargers’ deficit to 21-16 with 12:36 left in the fourth quarter.

Dicker’s made all three of his field goals Saturday night.

Dicker entered Week 16 having made 19 of 20 field goals. 

Why Bills vs. Chargers has no fourth quarter ads

No need to change that channel during the fourth quarter of the Buffalo Bills versus Los Angeles Chargers matchup.

Well, not that anybody actually could without exiting an entire app. The game is being exclusively streamed on Peacock, which NBC Sports has dubbed its "Peacock Holiday Exclusive."

But the broadcast will have a unique feature: no advertisements during the fourth quarter. Overall, NBC Sports said, there will be a 40% reduction in ads throughout the game, resulting in an estimated additional 12 minutes of game-related content. — Chris Bumbaca

Bills 21, Chargers 13: Buffalo extends lead with Tush Push

The Bills successfully mimicked the Eagles’ "tush push."

On third-and-goal from the 1-yard line, Josh Allen and the Bills executed the controversial play for a touchdown. Allen’s short touchdown extended Buffalo’s lead to 21-13 with 1:28 remaining in the third quarter.

The Bills have scored touchdowns on three of their last four possessions.

Allen has 186 passing yards, one passing TD, one interception and two rushing TDs.

Who is Ahmed Fareed? Get to know the fill-in host for Maria Taylor

With host Maria Taylor beginning parental leave – her last show was Sunday before Week 15's matchup between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Baltimore Ravens — NBC announced Monday that Ahmed Fareed will step in to fill the position. — Lorenzo Reyes

Bills 14, Chargers 13: LA settles for 3 after Josh Allen's turnover

The Chargers' offense stalled in the red zone, and they were forced to settle for a 40-yard field goal by Cameron Dicker.

Los Angeles has 10 points off two Buffalo turnovers.

Dicker’s made both his field goal attempts.

Bills QB Josh Allen throws 15th interception of season

The Bills just served up their second turnover.

Josh Allen’s deep pass intended for wide receiver Stefon Diggs was intercepted by Chargers safety Alohi Gilman at Los Angeles’ 42-yard line. Allen had Diggs open, but the pass — which Allen threw on the run — was short of the receiver.

The interception was Allen’s 15th of the season, tied for the most this season

Bills 14, Chargers 10: Buffalo overcomes sluggish start to take lead into halftime

The Chargers jumped out to a 10-0 advantage, but the Bills stormed back by scoring 14 unanswered points to end the first half.

On the Bills' final possession of the half, Josh Allen hit wide receiver Gabe Davis for a 20-yard catch. Four plays later, Allen scampered into the end zone for a 2-yard touchdown. Allen’s touchdown capped off an eight-play, 63-yard touchdown drive for Buffalo to end the first half.

The Bills gained 186 total yards and Los Angeles gained 150 yards in the first half.

The Bills punted on their first two drives and Deonte Harty lost a fumble during a punt return. Despite the slow start and turnover, the Bills were able to rally back by scoring touchdowns on their final two possessions.

Allen has 124 passing yards, one touchdown pass and a rushing touchdown.

Chargers QB Easton Stick passed for 101 yards and has a rushing touchdown.

Chargers 10, Bills 7: Bills back in it as Josh Allen hits bomb to Gabe Davis

The Bills were still scoreless in the first half until Josh Allen found Gabe Davis for an explosive, 57-yard touchdown connection. The score cut the Chargers' lead to 10-7 with 9:02 left in the second quarter.

Allen started the game 5-for-9 passing for 95 yards to pace the Buffalo offense. Thus far, the Bills have not solved the Los Angeles rush defense.

For Davis, 2023 marks his fourth consecutive season with at least six touchdowns.

Chargers 10, Bills 0: Easton Stick pushes Chargers' lead to double digits

The Chargers are off to a surprising start.

They capitalized off the short field after Buffalo’s fumble, going 27 yards in four plays. L.A. scored on a 1-yard run by quarterback Easton Stick.

The Chargers have scored on two of their first three possessions.

Chargers come up with huge special teams play

The Chargers are knocking on the door as the first quarter comes to a close thanks to a Bills gaffe on special teams.

AJ Finley forced Deonte Harty to fumble and Amen Ogbongbemiga came up with the recovery at the Bills' 27. Easton Stick hit Gerald Everett for 15 yards to bring the ball to the Bills' 12 as the first quarter ended.

Chargers 3, Bills 0: Chargers' impressive opening drive ends in field goal

Easton Stick and the Chargers had a solid opening drive.

Stick led the Chargers on a 14-play, 90-yard drive that ended in a short 20-yard field goal by kicker Cameron Dicker.

Stick completed five passes during Los Angeles’ opening series. Rookie wide receiver Quentin Johnston had one catch for 21 yards. 

Bills WR Stefon Diggs checks out after first play but returns

Bills star wide receiver Stefon Diggs was shaken up on Buffalo’s first offensive snap. Diggs was injured after he was tripped up by Chargers safety Derwin James following a short completion. Diggs was able to jog off the field. He only missed one play. The Bills were forced to punt the football a few plays later. 

What time is the Bills vs. Chargers game?

Kickoff for the Bills-Chargers game is 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, Dec. 23 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

How can I watch or stream the Bills vs. Chargers game?

The Bills-Chargers game will be streamed live on Peacock.

This is the first NFL regular-season game to air exclusively on Peacock. Peacock — which streams all "Sunday Night Football" games broadcast on NBC — also will stream a wild-card playoff game on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024.

Bills at Chargers: Predictions, picks and odds 

The Bills are favorites to defeat the Chargers, according to BetMGM NFL odds. 

• Spread: Bills (-12) 
• Moneyline: Bills (-700); Chargers (+550) 
• Over/under: 44 

USA TODAY Sports’ staff picks for this game: 

• Lorenzo Reyes: Bills 29, Chargers 14 — It will be interesting to see how the Chargers bounce back from Brandon Staley’s firing. Often, teams can get a little bump in the week following a coaching change. But Buffalo is red hot and looks like the most dangerous team in the AFC right now and Los Angeles is still starting Easton Stick. Logic says back the stronger squad, even with the big line.
• Tyler Dragon: Bills 31, Chargers 13 — The Bills are one of the hottest teams in the NFL right now. Meanwhile, the Chargers, who fired coach Brandon Staley and GM Tom Telesco, are already thinking about next season. One team is pushing for a playoff berth and the other is playing for pride while also thinking about vacation plans. We know how this one will go.
• Safid Deen: Bills 27, Chargers 13 — The Chargers waived the white flag last Thursday against the Raiders in embarrassing fashion, and the end of the year can’t come fast enough. Meanwhile, the Bills see the road to the postseason within their grasp and should win easily in Los Angeles.
• Victoria Hernandez: Bills 27, Chargers 19 — Buffalo has a lot of momentum after an upset win. Josh Allen admitted he had a far-from-stellar outing, but it was perfectly fine that James Cook carried the Bills. Los Angeles doesn’t have enough tools to keep up. This is a massive spread for a road game where the Bills have to travel across the country, so take the moneyline.
• Jordan Mendoza: Bills 33, Chargers 13 — It might be a good thing this game will only be available on Peacock, as it might not be one worth tuning into. The Chargers hit a new low last week, and it won't get any easier going against an offense that has found its rhythm. Buffalo doesn't make this a contest and wins its third straight.

Bills inactives today

Chargers inactives today

Who is Chargers interim coach Giff Smith? 

After the Chargers fired head coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco following the team's 63-21 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, outside linebackers coach Giff Smith was elevated to interim head coach. 

The 55-year-old Smith is a 32-year coaching veteran, with 12 of those years in the NFL. Smith served as the Chargers' outside linebackers coach for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Before that, he was the Chargers' defensive line coach for six seasons (2016-2021). Prior to joining the Chargers (back when the team called San Diego its home), Smith's other NFL stops were with the Tennessee Titans (2014-15 as defensive line coach) and Buffalo Bills (2010-12 as defensive line coach). 

Derwin's disco: Chargers star gets groovy at dance party for older adults 

You're never too old to get your groove on. 

In October, Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James hosted "Derwin's Disco" at Wallis Annenberg GenSpace, a community center for older adults in Los Angeles. His goal was to bring joy to an often forgotten population. 

James rocked an afro and wore a colorful jacket and white bell bottoms for the affair, which was attended by about 100 GenSpace members. He took selfies, led the "Y.M.C.A" and danced with several of the guests individually. — Victoria Hernandez 

Bills at Chargers: Betting advice for Saturday night's NFL game  

The top NFL betting apps list the Los Angeles Chargers as one of the best bets for NFL Week 16 in their marquee matchup with the Buffalo Bills. The Chargers are getting 12.5 points at home, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023.

According to the top NFL betting apps, neither team boasts a player with the best NFL MVP betting odds. Neither team is listed with the best Super Bowl betting odds in 2023.

Not interested in this game? Our guide to NFL betting odds, picks and spreads has you covered with Thursday Night Football odds, Sunday Night Football odds and/or Monday Night Football odds.

If you’re new to sports betting, don’t worry. We have tips for beginners on how to place a bet online. And USA TODAY readers can claim exclusive promos and bonus codes with these online sportsbooks and sports betting sites. — Richard Morin 

NFL playoff picture: Bills on outside looking in entering Week 16 

Despite all the adversity, on and off the field, the Bills are a real threat to make it to the postseason. The division title is even still a possibility with the Miami Dolphins facing a daunting two-game slate (vs. Dallas Cowboys and at the Baltimore Ravens) before hosting the Bills in the regular-season finale. — Nate Davis 

2024 NFL draft order: Chargers in running for top-10 pick 

The Chargers' disappointing season has a decent consolation prize … a possible high pick in the 2024 NFL draft (and with it a prominent place in the seemingly endless run of mock drafts). 

Here is the top 10 2024 draft order heading into Week 16: 

1. Chicago Bears (from Carolina Panthers) 
2. New England Patriots 
3. Arizona Cardinals 
4. Washington Commanders 
5. New York Giants 
6. Chicago Bears 
7. Los Angeles Chargers 
8. Tennessee Titans 
9. New York Jets 
10. Atlanta Falcons 

The last time the Chargers picked in the top 10 was 2020, when the team selected quarterback Justin Herbert with the No. 6 overall pick. — Jim Reineking 

NFL Week 16 picks, predictions and odds 

• Indianapolis Colts at Atlanta Falcons 
• Green Bay Packers at Carolina Panthers 
• Cleveland Browns at Houston Texans 
• Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings 
• Washington Commanders at New York Jets 
• Seattle Seahawks at Tennessee Titans 
• Jacksonville Jaguars at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 
• Arizona Cardinals at Chicago Bears 
• Dallas Cowboys at Miami Dolphins 
• New England Patriots at Denver Broncos 
• Las Vegas Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs 
• New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles 
• Baltimore Ravens at San Francisco 49ers 

Who is the highest-paid NFL player? 

The NFL's top 15 players in average annual salary are all quarterbacks, according to OverTheCap.com. As Joe Burrow proved in his new deal with the Cincinnati Bengals, teams place a huge priority on having a top-flight QB under center. Burrow's five-year, $275 million contract extension made him the league's highest paid player at a staggering average annual value of $55 million. San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa is the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league after signing a five-year, $170 million extension. 

Here’s the complete list of the league’s highest-paid players. 

Who are the highest paid NFL players at each position? 

We have a complete list at every position: 

• Quarterbacks 
• Running back 
• Receivers 
• Tight ends 
• Offensive tackles 
• Offensive guards 
• Centers 
• Edge rushers 
• Interior defensive linemen 
• Linebackers 
• Cornerbacks 
• Safeties 
• Kickers 
• Punters 

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