The Buffalo Bills and Indianapolis Colts delivered a decisive November 10, 2024 matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium, where the buffalo bills vs colts match player stats revealed Buffalo’s commanding 30-20 victory. Taron Johnson’s pick-six on the first play from scrimmage set the tone for a Bills defense that intercepted Joe Flacco three times. Josh Allen rushed for a touchdown while throwing for 280 yards, though his two interceptions kept the Colts within striking distance until the fourth quarter.
The turnover battle defined this AFC clash. Buffalo forced four turnovers while surrendering two, with defensive scoring and field position advantages creating separation. Jonathan Taylor’s 114 rushing yards couldn’t overcome Indianapolis’ three-interception performance from veteran quarterback Joe Flacco.
What This Article Covers
This breakdown examines complete player statistics from the Bills’ November 2024 road victory. You’ll find detailed offensive production from both quarterbacks, rushing totals, receiving leaders with target distribution, and defensive impact measurements including sacks, tackles, and forced turnovers. The analysis reveals how individual performances shaped scoring drives and determined the final outcome at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Game Overview and Team Statistics
Buffalo secured its first Indianapolis road victory since 1998, improving to 8-2 while extending its winning streak to five consecutive games. The Bills defense dominated from the opening snap, logging four sacks and three interceptions against Joe Flacco.
Complete Game Statistics:
- Final Score: Bills 30, Colts 20
- Total Yards: Buffalo 415, Indianapolis 361
- Time of Possession: Buffalo 32:08, Indianapolis 27:52
- Turnovers: Bills 2, Colts 4
- First Downs: Buffalo 21, Indianapolis 19
- Third-Down Conversions: Buffalo 7/14 (50%), Indianapolis 4/11 (36%)
- Fourth-Down Attempts: Buffalo 2/3, Indianapolis 2/3
- Red Zone Efficiency: Buffalo 2/4 touchdowns, Indianapolis 2/4 touchdowns
- Penalties: Buffalo 8-54, Indianapolis 5-25
The Bills dominated yards per play at 5.9 while matching Indianapolis’ efficiency. Buffalo’s offensive scheme generated 280 passing yards and 135 rushing yards through balanced play-calling. The Colts managed 240 net passing yards and 121 rushing yards but couldn’t sustain drives after halftime adjustments.
Josh Allen’s Dual-Threat Production
Buffalo’s quarterback delivered another signature performance combining arm talent with scrambling ability. Allen finished 22-of-37 passing for 280 yards with two interceptions while rushing eight times for 50 yards and one touchdown.
Josh Allen Complete Stats:
- Passing: 22/37 completions, 280 yards, 0 passing TDs, 2 interceptions
- Rushing: 8 carries, 50 yards, 1 rushing touchdown
- Completion Percentage: 59.5%
- Yards Per Attempt: 7.6
- Passer Rating: 66.3
- Longest Completion: 34 yards (to Dawson Knox)
Allen’s 13-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter represented his 57th career rushing score, tying O.J. Simpson for second-most in Bills franchise history. His pocket presence under pressure allowed him to extend plays despite facing consistent Colts pass rush. The two interceptions came on deep throws, with E.J. Speed picking off a pass intended for Khalil Shakir in Buffalo territory.
Allen’s ability to convert fourth-down situations kept drives alive, though one failed fourth-down attempt at Indianapolis’ 42-yard line gave the Colts momentum. His command of Buffalo’s offensive scheme maintained tempo control throughout four quarters.
Joe Flacco’s Turnover-Plagued Performance
The 39-year-old veteran started for Indianapolis following Anthony Richardson’s benching but struggled with ball security. Flacco completed 26-of-35 attempts for 272 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions in his second start replacing Richardson.
Joe Flacco Complete Stats:
- Passing: 26/35 completions, 272 yards, 2 TDs, 3 interceptions
- Completion Percentage: 74.3%
- Yards Per Attempt: 7.8
- Passer Rating: 78.9
- Touchdown Passes: Tyler Goodson (2 yards), Alec Pierce (unknown yardage)
Flacco’s first pass of the game—intended for Josh Downs—was intercepted by Taron Johnson and returned 23 yards for a touchdown. His second interception came to defensive tackle Austin Johnson near midfield. Taylor Rapp secured the third interception in the second half. The veteran quarterback faced constant pressure from Buffalo’s front seven, absorbing four sacks from Greg Rousseau, A.J. Epenesa, Quinton Jefferson, and Taron Johnson.
Despite high completion percentage and adequate yards per attempt, Flacco’s turnover total erased his efficiency numbers. His quick release helped him complete short-to-intermediate routes, but hurried throws under pressure resulted in tipped passes and interceptions.
Ground Game Analysis
The rushing attack shaped both teams’ offensive rhythm. Jonathan Taylor carried Indianapolis’ ground game while James Cook provided Buffalo’s primary rushing threat alongside Allen’s scrambles.
Bills Rushing Production
James Cook delivered consistent production while Allen’s mobility created additional rushing yards:
- James Cook: 19 carries, 80 yards, 1 touchdown (4.2 yards per carry)
- Josh Allen: 8 carries, 50 yards, 1 touchdown (6.3 yards per carry)
- Ray Davis: 3 carries, 5 yards (1.7 yards per carry)
Cook’s 2-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter sealed Buffalo’s victory. His ability to serve as a check-down option for Allen added 15 receiving yards on three receptions. Cook broke multiple tackles in open space, generating yards after contact against Indianapolis’ front seven. The Bills rushed 31 times for 135 total yards, averaging 4.4 yards per carry.
Colts Ground Game
Jonathan Taylor dominated carries but couldn’t generate enough production after halftime:
- Jonathan Taylor: 21 carries, 114 yards, 0 touchdowns (5.4 yards per carry)
- Tyler Goodson: 3 carries, 7 yards (2.3 yards per carry)
Taylor’s 59-yard burst in the first quarter set up a Matt Gay field goal and demonstrated his explosiveness. He gained 78 yards before halftime but managed just 36 second-half yards as Buffalo’s defense adjusted gap assignments. The Colts’ offensive line created running lanes early but couldn’t sustain blocking against Buffalo’s defensive front. Indianapolis rushed 22 times for 121 yards (5.5 average), but Taylor’s workload without touchdown production limited scoring opportunities.
Receiving Leaders and Target Distribution
Pass-catching production revealed each team’s aerial attack effectiveness. Buffalo spread targets across multiple receivers while Indianapolis featured concentrated volume to specific players.
Bills Receiving Production:
| Player | Targets | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns | Longest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mack Hollins | 9 | 6 | 86 | 0 | 25 |
| Dawson Knox | 5 | 4 | 52 | 0 | 34 |
| Khalil Shakir | 7 | 3 | 42 | 0 | 18 |
| Amari Cooper | 4 | 3 | 30 | 0 | 13 |
| James Cook | 3 | 3 | 15 | 0 | 8 |
Mack Hollins led Buffalo’s receiving corps with 86 yards on six receptions, averaging 14.3 yards per catch. His route-running created separation on intermediate routes. Dawson Knox’s 34-yard reception set up Allen’s rushing touchdown. The Bills distributed 37 targets across the receiving group, preventing Indianapolis from keying on any single weapon.
Colts Receiving Production:
| Player | Targets | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns | Longest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alec Pierce | 6 | 4 | 81 | 1 | 29 |
| Adonai Mitchell | 9 | 6 | 71 | 0 | 22 |
| Josh Downs | 7 | 5 | 48 | 0 | 15 |
| Michael Pittman Jr. | 4 | 3 | 32 | 0 | 14 |
| Tyler Goodson | 3 | 3 | 8 | 1 | 4 |
Alec Pierce caught four passes for 81 yards including one touchdown reception. Rookie Adonai Mitchell posted his best professional performance with 71 yards on six catches, demonstrating contested-catch ability. Josh Downs absorbed seven targets but Taron Johnson’s first-play interception on a throw intended for Downs set a disastrous tone. Tyler Goodson’s 2-yard touchdown reception came on a short pass where he found the end zone.
Defensive Impact Players
Individual defensive statistics determined momentum shifts and scoring opportunities. Buffalo’s defense created turnovers while Indianapolis struggled generating consistent pressure.
Bills Defensive Standouts
Buffalo’s defense logged four sacks, three interceptions, and one defensive touchdown:
- Taron Johnson (CB): 1 interception (23-yard return for TD), 1 sack, 3 total tackles
- Dorian Williams (LB): 9 total tackles, 4 solo tackles
- Terrel Bernard (LB): 9 total tackles
- Taylor Rapp (S): 1 interception, 5 total tackles
- Austin Johnson (DT): 1 interception (second career), 4 total tackles
- Greg Rousseau (DE): 1 sack, 3 quarterback hits
- A.J. Epenesa (DE): 1 sack, 2 quarterback hits
- Quinton Jefferson (DT): 1 sack
Taron Johnson’s pick-six on Indianapolis’ first play from scrimmage immediately gave Buffalo a 7-0 lead. His additional sack showcased versatility beyond coverage responsibilities. Dorian Williams and Terrel Bernard combined for 18 tackles, controlling Indianapolis’ intermediate passing game. The Bills’ pass rush generated consistent pressure, forcing Flacco into hurried throws and bad decisions.
Colts Defensive Contributors
Indianapolis’ defense made plays but couldn’t overcome offensive turnovers:
- Nick Cross (S): 12 total tackles, 7 solo tackles
- Zaire Franklin (LB): 10 total tackles
- E.J. Speed (LB): 1 interception, 8 total tackles
- Grover Stewart (DT): 1 sack, 5 total tackles
- DeForest Buckner (DT): 4 total tackles, 2 quarterback hits
Nick Cross led all tacklers with 12 total tackles from his safety position. E.J. Speed’s interception of Josh Allen in the second quarter led to a Matt Gay field goal that gave Indianapolis a brief 13-10 lead. Grover Stewart’s sack represented the Colts’ only takedown of Allen. DeForest Buckner disrupted Buffalo’s interior running game with gap penetration but couldn’t generate sacks despite quarterback hits.
Special Teams Performance
Field position and kicking accuracy contributed to the final margin. Both kickers made field goals while punt coverage influenced drive starting positions.
Bills Special Teams:
- Tyler Bass (K): 3/3 field goals (longest 29 yards), 3/3 extra points
- Sam Martin (P): 2 punts, 46.5-yard average, 1 inside 20
Colts Special Teams:
- Matt Gay (K): 3/3 field goals (longest 27 yards), 2/2 extra points
- Rigoberto Sanchez (P): 4 punts, 43.8-yard average, 2 inside 20
Tyler Bass converted all six kicks, providing automatic scoring when Buffalo drives stalled. Matt Gay matched Bass on field goals but had fewer opportunities due to turnovers. Punt coverage from both teams generally prevented explosive returns, though field position battles slightly favored Buffalo’s average starting position.
November 2024 Game Context
This matchup occurred during Week 10 of the 2024 NFL season. Buffalo entered 7-2 while Indianapolis sat at 4-5, making this a critical game for both AFC division standings. The Bills represented the AFC East leaders while the Colts battled within the competitive AFC South.
Joe Flacco started his second consecutive game after the Colts benched second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson. The decision generated controversy but Indianapolis hoped Flacco’s veteran experience would reduce turnovers. Instead, Flacco threw six interceptions across two starts, validating concerns about the quarterback change.
Buffalo’s defense played its most impactful game of the season. The pick-six opening represented the fastest score the Bills defense had generated all year. The three interceptions and four sacks demonstrated complete defensive execution against a struggling Colts offense.
Statistical Trends and Efficiency Metrics
Advanced metrics beyond box score statistics reveal performance quality. Yards per play, third-down conversion rates, and red zone efficiency separate winning from losing efforts.
Buffalo Offensive Efficiency:
- Yards Per Play: 5.9
- Third-Down Conversion Rate: 50% (7/14)
- Fourth-Down Conversion Rate: 67% (2/3)
- Red Zone Touchdown Rate: 50% (2/4 trips)
- Passing Yards Per Attempt: 7.6
Indianapolis Offensive Efficiency:
- Yards Per Play: 5.9
- Third-Down Conversion Rate: 36% (4/11)
- Fourth-Down Conversion Rate: 67% (2/3)
- Red Zone Touchdown Rate: 50% (2/4 trips)
- Passing Yards Per Attempt: 7.8
Despite matching yards per play, Buffalo’s superior third-down conversion rate sustained drives. The Bills converted 50% of third-down attempts compared to Indianapolis’ 36%, creating additional possession time. Both teams struggled finishing drives with touchdowns, each converting half their red zone trips into scores.
Buffalo’s offensive scheme featured play-action passes and designed quarterback runs that kept Indianapolis’ defense guessing. The Colts relied heavily on Jonathan Taylor’s rushing but couldn’t establish enough balance to prevent Buffalo’s pass rush from teeing off on Flacco.
Key Momentum Shifts
Three specific sequences altered game flow and determined the final outcome.
First Quarter Pick-Six: Taron Johnson’s 23-yard interception return for a touchdown on Indianapolis’ first offensive play created immediate pressure. The Colts faced a deficit before establishing offensive rhythm, forcing aggressive play-calling that led to additional mistakes.
Second Quarter Lead Change: After Matt Gay’s field goal gave Indianapolis a 13-10 lead following E.J. Speed’s interception, Josh Allen responded with a 13-yard touchdown run. The score gave Buffalo a 17-13 halftime advantage and momentum heading into locker rooms.
Fourth Quarter Seal: James Cook’s 2-yard touchdown run with 11:47 remaining extended Buffalo’s lead to 30-13. The score essentially ended Indianapolis’ comeback hopes, as the Colts needed multiple possessions to overcome the deficit.
Coaching Decisions Impact
Fourth-down attempts and timeout management influenced scoring opportunities. Buffalo’s aggressive fourth-down conversion attempt at Indianapolis’ 42-yard line failed, giving the Colts excellent field position. However, the Bills’ subsequent defensive stop minimized damage.
Indianapolis’ decision to continue starting Joe Flacco backfired as his three interceptions outweighed his completion percentage. The Colts’ offensive scheme couldn’t protect Flacco from Buffalo’s pass rush, leading to sacks and hurried throws.
Buffalo’s defensive game plan attacked Flacco with blitz packages and coverage disguises. The Bills showed zone coverage pre-snap before rotating to man coverage, creating confusion that led to interceptions. Indianapolis never adjusted adequately to Buffalo’s defensive scheme changes.
Featured Snippet: Buffalo Bills vs Colts Player Stats Summary
Josh Allen passed for 280 yards and rushed for 50 yards plus one touchdown as Buffalo defeated Indianapolis 30-20 on November 10, 2024. Joe Flacco threw three interceptions including a pick-six to Taron Johnson on the game’s first play. Jonathan Taylor rushed for 114 yards while James Cook added 80 yards and one touchdown for Buffalo’s fifth consecutive victory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Bills vs Colts November 2024 game? Buffalo defeated Indianapolis 30-20 at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 10, 2024.
Who threw the pick-six for the Bills? Taron Johnson intercepted Joe Flacco’s first pass and returned it 23 yards for a touchdown.
How many rushing yards did Jonathan Taylor have? Taylor carried 21 times for 114 yards but failed to score a touchdown.
What was Josh Allen’s rushing touchdown record? Allen’s scoring run was his 57th career rushing touchdown, tying O.J. Simpson for second in Bills history.
How many turnovers did Joe Flacco have? Flacco threw three interceptions and was sacked four times in the loss.
Conclusion
The buffalo bills vs colts match player stats from November 10, 2024 demonstrate how turnovers and defensive scoring determine NFL outcomes. Taron Johnson’s opening pick-six set the tone for Buffalo’s dominant defensive performance that generated four takeaways. Josh Allen’s dual-threat production and James Cook’s consistent rushing complemented the defensive effort, securing Buffalo’s first Indianapolis road victory since 1998.
Joe Flacco’s three-interception performance highlighted Indianapolis’ quarterback struggles following Anthony Richardson’s benching. Despite Jonathan Taylor’s 114 rushing yards and Adonai Mitchell’s breakout receiving game, the Colts couldn’t overcome field position disadvantages created by turnovers. The statistics reveal Buffalo’s balanced offensive attack and opportunistic defense outclassed Indianapolis across all phases, extending the Bills’ winning streak to five games while improving their playoff positioning in the competitive AFC East.
