Jeanty expressed to the media that he is feeling the best he’s felt all year. The running back was dealing with ankle injuries since training camp. The team took that injury off the weekly practice report this week.

That means the Raiders will have their top two weapons, Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers fully healthy. Bowers had a minor knee surgery that sidelined him for the first two weeks of the season.

Jeanty will be key for th Raiders vs Bills

The Buffalo Bills have allowed 117 rushing yards in in their last three games. Hence, having Jeanty fully healthy and ready to go should provide the Raiders with an absolute weapon to capitalize on the Bills’ biggest weakness.

That also will allow Kirk Cousins to establish the play-action threat. When Jeanty is running through the Bills defense, Buffalo will be forced to load the box. This means that Cousins will have more one-on-one encounters between his receivers and Bowers, and the Bills secondary.

Jeanty could also harm the Bills as a pass-catcher

Via play-action or on simple checkdowns that Cousins loves to do, Jeanty could also produce catching the ball. Jeanty has catched at least three passes in all of this year’s games, and has had at least six targets in all but one game.

All in all, out of the 506 scrimmage yards Jeanty’s got, 215 have been by receiving the ball, not carrying it. To make it an even bigger statement, Jeanty’s two touchdowns this year have both been receiving scores.

Key takeaways

• The Raiders removed Ashton Jeanty’s ankle injury from their weekly practice report.
• Buffalo’s defense allowed 117 rushing yards across their last three games combined.
• Ashton Jeanty generated 215 receiving yards of his 506 total scrimmage yards.

Cook fumbled twice during the 37-34 win over Los Angeles at SoFi Stadium. Even though the Rams recovered only one of the two fumbles—a costly one in overtime when the Bills were in field-goal range—head coach Joe Brady made it clear that the issue won’t go unnoticed.

If Cook doesn’t improve his ball security during the 2026 NFL season, there will be consequences. Even the team’s leading running back, who ranks third in the league in rushing yards, may not enjoy total job security. Brady didn’t sugarcoat his plans.

“It’s going to cost us football games. It almost cost us one. We can’t confuse because we won the game that that’s OK. It’s got to improve or the carries are going to decrease,” Joe Brady told reporters in Los Angeles a day after the game, according to ESPN.

Joe Brady acknowledges thing Cook is doing right

Obviously, one doesn’t become the third-leading rusher in the NFL through the first five weeks of the season and one of the league’s top running backs without earning his fair share of credit, and Cook is no exception. He’s made plays consistently and is almost unstoppable when at his best. That isn’t lost on Brady, no matter how upset Cook’s recent fumbling issues make him. Still, he urged the running back out of Georgia to get back on track.

“Look, he’s doing so many good things running the football. I don’t want to lose sight of how great he is running the ball right now. But putting the ball on the ground, it’s negating all the positive,” Brady concluded. “I have all the confidence in him. That’s why I put him right back out there. But obviously, at some point there has to be consequences to when we’re putting negative stuff out there.“

Cook’s stats

Through five games in the 2026 NFL season, Cook has rushed 95 times for 532 yards (third-most in the NFL), averaging 5.6 yards per carry and scoring five touchdowns. However, Cook has also fumbled four times in five weeks, including a multi-fumble outing in primetime against the Rams.

No player has fumbled more than Cook this season, and he’s the only RB among the top five in rushing yards to have more than one fumble. In fact, no other tailback in the top five has even lost a fumble.

Taken together, these numbers paint a clear picture of where Cook stands among the NFL’s elite running backs: he belongs in the room, but he’s still a few pegs below the top tier. If ball security remains a weakness, it could keep Cook from reaching his full potential and force Brady to share the workload with the rest of the RB room or even make a drastic change within it.

Bills’ RB depth chart

In addition to James Cook, the Bills’ running-back depth chart includes Ty Johnson and Ray Davis. Clearly, if Buffalo ever decides to move on from its former second-round pick in 2022, it would have to bring in a true HB1 to fill his shoes, as both current options are more sporadic contributors than reliable solutions in the backfield.

Key takeaways

• James Cook fumbled twice in the Buffalo Bills’ 37-34 overtime victory over the Rams.
• Bills head coach Joe Brady warned that James Cook’s touches could decrease due to fumbles.
• James Cook leads the NFL with four fumbles through five games in 2026.

“Coming across the country, playing on a Monday night, we’re on a short week, we’ve got to go to Vegas next week,” Allen said to the press once the game concluded.

Now, the warning is for the Raiders: “We’re staying here. Trusting our guys to be pros and do the right thing. We’re here to win this week and next week, and we’ve got to get past this one on a short week and find a way to win.”

After defeating the Rams, the Bills improved to 4-1 and took the lead in the AFC East. Can they keep their winning streak alive when they visit Allegiant Stadium next weekend?

A Hollywood ending in Los Angeles

The Bills clinched a memorable 37-34 overtime victory against the Rams at SoFi Stadium in a thrilling, back-and-forth contest. Allen threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding 47 rushing yards and a score on the ground. Stafford matched the intensity with 320 passing yards and three touchdowns, leading Los Angeles to score 13 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to force overtime. Ultimately, Buffalo’s defense held firm when it mattered most, allowing the Bills to execute a decisive game-winning drive in sudden death.

Focused on Las Vegas

Following their thrilling victory at SoFi Stadium, the Buffalo Bills will head to Las Vegas to take on the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, October 18, 2026. After a Bye week, they will return home to Highmark Stadium to host the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, November 1, 2026. They then hit the road again to face the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on Monday, November 9, 2026.

• Week 6: vs. Las Vegas Raiders — Allegiant Stadium (Oct 18, 2026)
• Week 7: Bye Week
• Week 8: vs. Baltimore Ravens — Highmark Stadium (Nov 1, 2026)
• Week 9: vs. Minnesota Vikings — U.S. Bank Stadium (Nov 9, 2026)

Key takeaways

• Buffalo defeated the Rams 37-34 in overtime on Monday Night Football.
• Josh Allen warned the Raiders that the Bills are staying on the West Coast.
• Buffalo will face the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, October 18, 2026.

On the Rams‘ side, there are no surprises at the quarterback position, with Matthew Stafford as the starter seeking his MVP form, Stetson Bennett IV as the primary backup (second string), and Ty Simpson serving as the third-string QB.

For the Buffalo Bills, Josh Allen takes the field as the starter, maintaining an exceptional level over recent seasons while still striving to prove himself in the playoffs. Kyle Allen serves as his backup.

How the Stafford vs Allen matchup stacks up

When Matthew Stafford and Josh Allen are playing their best, they are both top-five quarterbacks in the NFL. These are the 2024 and 2025 NFL MVPs, which puts into perspective what they can deliver on the field.

However, that has not been the case this season, especially for Stafford, who is off to a slow start. From a pure talent standpoint, these two players are pretty even. Based on the first four games, Allen has clearly been the better quarterback. Allen is fifth in EPA per play while Stafford is 18th.

How both teams enter with injuries

Head coach Sean McVay said Lake was making progress in his recovery. Defensive lineman Aaron Donald, cornerback Jaylen Watson, and tight end Colby Parkinson are all back in action after missing Week 4.

For the Bills, receiver Josh Palmer and defensive tackle Ed Oliver have been ruled out. Rookie wideout Sky Bell, a one-time potential Rams draft prospect, will be active for the first time this season. WR1 DJ Moore is also questionable, alongside defensive end Landon Jackson and cornerback Dee Alford.

Key takeaways

• Matthew Stafford is LA’s QB1, backed by Stetson Bennett IV and Ty Simpson.
• Josh Allen leads Buffalo as QB1, backed by Kyle Allen.
• Aaron Donald, Jaylen Watson, and Colby Parkinson return for Los Angeles.

Garrett is not available when the Rams take on quarterback Josh Allen and the Bills, according to McVay: “It’s week to week in terms of how he feels, but I would say it’s more likely that we do not start his clock next week.”

Garrett is still recovering from a knee injury that required surgery after the Rams’ Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Monday night against the Buffalo Bills will mark Garrett’s fourth game missed, meaning he would be eligible to come off IR, but he needs more time before being activated.

When will Garrett return?

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network previously reported that Garrett was given a six-week timeline, which would put him on track to return in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Garrett has only played one game for the Rams this season after being acquired in a trade with the Cleveland Browns back in June. In Garrett’s place, Josaiah Stewart has stepped up as a starter alongside Byron Young. The Rams have also given snaps to rookie Wesley Bailey and Desjuan Johnson.

Assuming Garrett does not play next week, when he is first eligible to return, the Rams‘ next game is against the Raiders in Week 7, followed by their matchup with the Chargers in Week 8. As a result, he is set to miss a fifth game.

Unremarkable numbers for the backups

Stewart has 11 total tackles in four games played, but he has not recorded a sack this season. Desjuan Johnson and Wesley Bailey could also be considered backup options.

Key takeaways

• A knee injury requiring surgery keeps Myles Garrett out of Los Angeles’ Week 5 game.
• Week 8 against the Chargers is targeted for Myles Garrett’s return from injury.
• Josaiah Stewart has stepped up as a starter for the Rams without Myles Garrett.

The Bills have miracle-maker Josh Allen on the roster, but the receiver’s room is not precisely healthy. He could have second-tier weapons having to step up in this game. It will all depend on how the depth chart ends up looking. You can also check on the RB depth charts for the Rams vs Bills game.

As for the Rams, star wideout Puka Nacua has dealt with some sports hernia injury but it seems he is playing through the injury. That is an incredible sign for quarterback Matthew Stafford, whose chemistry with Nacua is unmatched.

Bills WR depth chart vs Rams

Star wideout DJ Moore is out. It all depended on how Moore was feeling regarding his AC joint strain in his shoulder, and it seems he won’t be fit to play. Joshua Palmer and Tyrell Shavers are also out. This is the depth chart for this game:

• DJ Moore (questionable, game-time decision)
• Khalil Shakir
• Keon Coleman
• Greg Dortch
• Skyler Bell
• Trent Sherfield

Rams WR depth chart vs Bills

The Rams have a healthier wide receiver room than the Bills. Also, they are loaded with talent, which means they could go all out in full force against the Bills in this Monday Night Football game. This is their depth chart for MNF vs Bills:

• Puka Nacua
• Davante Adams
• Konata Mumpfield
• Jordan Whittington
• Tutu Atwell
• Alex Bachman
• CJ Daniels

The Rams have an in-form Kyren Williams who is on an absolute roll. In fact, the so-called committee with Blake Corum has been dissipated due to Williams’ talent and proficiency.

As for the Bills, quarterback Josh Allen adds a lot to the running game, but James Cook is fresh off a season where he led the NFL in rushing yards and led the league in rushing touchdowns in 2024.

Rams RB depth chart vs Bills

The Rams are the 11th-best rushing offense so far in the 2026 NFL season. They average 126.8 rushing yards per game, though Williams is also highly-important in the passing game. This is the Rams RB depth chart vs Bills:

• Kyren Williams
• Blake Corum
• Dean Connors

Bills RB depth chart vs Rams

The Bills are a very good offense and James Cook is very talented. He has explosiveness on his side, but the Bills also give a fair share of snaps to their other running backs. This is their depth chart:

• James Cook III
• Ray Davis
• Ty Johnson

Key takeaways

• Kyren Williams’ strong form dissipated his running back committee with Blake Corum.
• James Cook III led the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns in 2024.
• The Rams feature the 11th-best rushing offense in the 2026 NFL season.

Purdy is yet to receive a sack this season and that has obviously helped his case, but his prowess alone is also absolutely a reason for the 49ers being one of three unbeaten teams ahead of Week 5.

Now, both Purdy and Allen have a +300 line to become the 2026 NFL Most Valuable Player. Allen is, once again, playing hero ball to get the Bills wins, but Purdy might be playing the best football in his career.

Purdy’s stats throughout the first four weeks of the 2026 NFL season

Purdy has the best passer rating in the NFL with an otherworldly 126.3. Throughout this stretch, Purdy has passed for at least two or more touchdowns in all four of his games.

Purdy is currently riding a three-game streak with no turnovers as well. Pure and elite football level in all facets of the game. Josh Allen has to do so for his team to win, Purdy is just enjoying himself on the field and winning while he’s at it.

Purdy is defying the AFC QBs for MVP

Purdy is the only NFC quarterback in the top 6 favored to win MVP. That speaks volumes of what he is doing for the 49ers. After all, the AFC is known for their elite QBs. This is the top 6:

• Brock Purdy +300
• ⁠Josh Allen +300
• ⁠Patrick Mahomes +600
• ⁠Lamar Jackson +800
• ⁠Trevor Lawrence +1000
• ⁠Joe Burrow +1400

Key takeaways

• Brock Purdy holds +300 MVP odds, tying Josh Allen as co-favorite entering Week 5.
• Purdy leads the league with a 126.3 passer rating and zero sacks taken.
• Brock Purdy stands as the only NFC quarterback among the top six MVP betting candidates.

“I feel good,” Donald said during his press conference. “I feel a lot better than what I was.” Clearly, this is not good news for Allen, as No. 99 looks to regain the form that once made him the best player at his position.

Through the first four weeks, the Bills’ quarterback has been sacked nine times, resulting in a loss of 50 yards. Heading into a crucial matchup against the Rams, those negative numbers could climb even higher.

Donald wants to return to his former glory

Aaron Donald’s return from retirement with the Rams has been a bit of a gradual grind so far in this 2026 NFL season. After sitting out Week 1 while ramping up, he made his season debut in Week 2 and has racked up 4 total tackles (1 solo, 3 assisted) and 1 tackle for loss through two games before missing Week 4 due to back soreness.

While he hasn’t registered a sack yet and is still fighting through minor physical bumps, the 10-time Pro Bowler is working to shake off the rust, get back into game shape, and regain that dominant, game-disrupting form that defined his legendary career.

Stopping Allen will be the key

Stopping Josh Allen is hands-down the ultimate key for the Rams if they want to secure a huge victory on Monday Night Football. Allen has been putting up absolute video-game numbers so far this 2026 season—racking up 1,039 passing yards with 6 passing touchdowns through 4 games, while staying lethal on the ground with 118 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns.

He’s the engine that powers Buffalo’s entire offense, meaning L.A.’s defense will need to generate relentless pressure, keep him contained inside the pocket, and force him into bad decisions; if the Rams can neutralize his dual-threat magic and limit his explosive plays, they’ll be in prime position to steal a massive win.

Key takeaways

• Aaron Donald declared he feels good ahead of the Rams’ matchup against Buffalo.
• Josh Allen has been sacked nine times through the first four weeks.
• Aaron Donald has recorded 4 total tackles through two games played in 2026.

“Felt great, still gotta go through some things, but we’ll be good,” Moore revealed recently to the press. Skyler Bell is next on the depth chart at the RWR position.

Moore’s injury against the Detroit Lions in Week 2 raised concerns for the Bills, although fortunately for them, it turned out to be less serious than initially feared. Josh Allen has one of his favorite targets in Buffalo at No. 2 through the air.

What happened to Moore?

There was high drama for Buffalo during Thursday night’s game against the Lions when DJ Moore suffered a shoulder injury, later diagnosed as an AC joint sprain. The issue occurred late in the second quarter on a dive into the end zone, where he landed heavily on his side and absorbed the entire force of the impact directly on his shoulder joint.

After being evaluated in the locker room, tests confirmed there were no structural fractures in his shoulder, leaving him day-to-day as he worked to regain full mobility in time for Week 3.

Moore’s numbers so far this season

Through the first two games of his tenure with the Buffalo Bills, DJ Moore has hauled in 5 receptions on 8 targets for 100 receiving yards and 1 touchdown. He burst onto the scene in Week 1 against Houston with a big 100-yard outing and a score, but went catchless in Week 2 against Detroit after being forced out early due to his injury.

Buffalo’s receiving corps

Key takeaways

• Adam Schefter reported that the questionable wide receiver will play.
• Medical tests confirmed no structural fractures in Moore’s shoulder following an AC joint sprain.
• Through two games, he recorded 100 receiving yards and one touchdown on five catches.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Moore’s shoulder injury isn’t as bad, but that doesn’t mean he will come back. Per Schefter, his source said, Moore “has a chance to play next week (vs. the Chargers), but it’s not a lock, either.”

The good news is the injury isn’t considered serious by the doctors. Hence, he has a ‘day-to-day‘ label. Given that the Bills have a long week after dismantling the Lions on Thursday Night Football, they remain hopeful that Moore can suit up.

The Bills still looked great without Moore

While Moore is important and clearly the WR1 of the team, the Bills still had an incredible offensive output. The fact is that when Josh Allen is the quarterback, the offense will produce regardless. With Moore, life’s easier, but without him, the Bills still move the chains.

Against the Lions, they scored 41 points, put up 446 total yards. The Bills are an unstoppable force. With Moore, they just add more firepower in a multidimensional level, as Moore can operate in many ways.

The game vs Chargers should be another shootout

While the Chargers started very slow, the offense projects to be absolutely fireworks too. Both defenses have stuff to clean out, hence, Week 3 could be a third-straight high-scoring game for Buffalo.