Brief

Raiders’ defense faces Bills’ rushing attack as Josh Allen returns to Las Vegas

Las Vegas must tighten its defense against a Bills offense that leads the league in rushing as Josh Allen prepares to play at Allegiant Stadium.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 17 Oct 2026 08:24:22 GMT

The Las Vegas Raiders will host the Buffalo Bills at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, a matchup that the New York Post says could expose the Raiders’ defensive shortcomings against a high‑powered Bills rushing attack led by quarterback Josh Allen.

What happened

In recent weeks the Raiders have generated pressure on opposing quarterbacks, ranking ninth in the league with 13 sacks and second with 62 pressures, but have struggled to stop big plays. They have surrendered 35 explosive plays, the seventh‑most in the NFL, and allowed 21 gains of 10 or more yards against the New England Patriots last Sunday. The Bills entered the game after Allen and running back James Cook combined for 232 rushing yards in a Monday‑night overtime win, with Allen accounting for 121 yards on the ground.

What the reports add

The Post notes that the Raiders now rank ninth in points allowed per game, down from seventh two weeks ago, and sit ninth in total yards allowed, ninth in passing yards, and fourth in rushing yards allowed. While the team has been effective at pressuring quarterbacks, the article argues that this has not translated into stopping opponents from gaining large chunks of yardage.

What was said

Defensive end Maxx Crosby described the recent loss as “a bad game overall” and called for accountability among teammates. Defensive coordinator Rob Leonard said the unit must “keep improving” and “stack good plays.” Linebacker Nakobe Dean referred to the Bills’ offense as “backyard football.”

How it came about

Earlier in the season the Raiders’ defense led the league in takeaways, forcing nine turnovers in the first three games (Felo coverage). However, a two‑game losing streak has revealed a gap between creating pressure and preventing big gains. The upcoming game follows Buffalo’s recent overtime victory over the Rams (Felo coverage) and continues the narrative of Allen’s dual-threat impact.

Key facts

The Raiders rank ninth in points allowed per game after a two‑game losing streak. (nypost.com)
Josh Allen and James Cook combined for 232 rushing yards in the Bills' previous overtime win. (nypost.com)
The Raiders have recorded 13 sacks (ninth in the NFL) and 62 pressures (second in the NFL). (nypost.com)
Maxx Crosby called the recent loss a "bad game overall" and urged accountability. (nypost.com)
Rob Leonard said the defense must "keep improving" and "stack good plays." (nypost.com)