ORCHARD PARK – The Buffalo Bills may not welcome the absence of Tennessee Titans starting quarterback Will Levis this Sunday afternoon.
Levis, a 2023 second-round draft pick, has had a challenging start to his NFL career, leading the league with seven interceptions and eight turnovers in the first six weeks of the 2024 season. He was officially ruled out on Saturday night due to a shoulder injury.
Mason Rudolph, in his fifth NFL season and first with the Titans after four years with the Steelers, will take Levis’ place. Rudolph previously faced the Bills in a wild-card playoff game last January, where he completed 22 of 39 passes for 229 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, during a game Buffalo won 31-17.
While Rudolph isn’t considered a breakout star, he might provide the Titans with a more stable performance against the Bills.
Live updates from Highmark Stadium throughout the game:
Bills 14, Titans 10: Amari Cooper scores first touchdown with Buffalo
Amari Cooper made his mark with the Bills, catching a touchdown on his first reception. Following a 17-yard completion from Josh Allen to Dalton Kincaid on a crucial third-and-12, Allen found Cooper, who had just been acquired through trade, for a 12-yard touchdown.
Titans turn ball over on downs to start second half
Jha’Quan Jackson returned the second-half kickoff to the Titans’ 36-yard line. Faced with a fourth-and-2 from their own 44-yard line, Tennessee head coach Brian Callahan decided to attempt conversion, but Tony Pollard was stopped for a 3-yard loss.
Halftime score: Tennessee Titans 0, Buffalo Bills 7
The Bills offense has struggled, recording four three-and-outs. Meanwhile, the Titans outgained Buffalo 219 yards to 90 and achieved 13 first downs compared to just three for the Bills.
Josh Allen completed 4 of 11 passes for 65 yards, largely due to a 44-yard connection with Keon Coleman, while James Cook rushed for 26 yards and a touchdown on six carries.
Mason Rudolph, now 17 of 22 for 130 yards, secured a touchdown pass, while Pollard contributed 65 rushing yards on 11 carries for the Titans.
Bills fail to capitalize on turnover – 6:07 2nd quarter
After a turnover recovery by linebacker Terrel Bernard on a Mason Rudolph fumble, the Bills were unable to score. Ray Davis had no gain on a rush, and Dalton Kincaid made a 10-yard reception for a first down. However, Allen was sacked by Arden Key for an 8-yard loss, leading to yet another punt.
Bills recover Mason Rudolph fumble – 8:30 2nd quarter
A miscommunication allowed Mason Rudolph to fumble a snap at the Titans’ 43-yard line, which was recovered by Terrel Bernard. This marked the Titans’ 11th turnover of the season.
Titans 10, Bills 7: James Cook scores touchdown as Buffalo responds
After a slow start, the Bills finally began to answer back. Following a kickoff return to the Bills 39, Josh Allen connected with Khalil Shakir for six yards, before hitting Keon Coleman on a deep seam route for 44 yards to the Titans’ 11. Cook then burst through the middle for a touchdown, narrowing the score to 10-7.
Titans 10, Bills 0: Mason Rudolph throws touchdown to Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
The Bills found themselves in a difficult position against the struggling one-win Titans, trailing 10-0 after a series of mistakes. Tennessee scored after marching 75 yards down the field, capped off by Rudolph’s touchdown pass to Westbrook-Ikhine.
With three consecutive three-and-outs, Buffalo’s offense struggled significantly.
Bills go three-and-out again – 1:16 1st quarter
Buffalo was again unable to generate offense, resulting in their third straight three-and-out. Following a few short runs and incomplete passes, Allen’s third-down attempt missed the mark, leading to another punt.
Curtis Samuel questionable to return
Curtis Samuel has been marked as questionable to return after sustaining a shoulder injury.
Titans 3, Bills 0: Nick Folk makes short field goal
The Titans managed to get on the board, thanks to Nick Folk’s 25-yard field goal after a series of plays included a mix of short passes and runs, moving into scoring range.
Curtis Samuel injured and heads into medical tent
Samuel requires medical attention after sustaining an injury during a tipped pass play.
Bills go three-and-out – 10:00 1st quarter
Josh Allen’s initial plays resulted in another three-and-out for the Bills, showcasing the offense’s inability to find rhythm early in the game.
Tennessee punts on first possession – 11:14 1st quarter
The Titans’ first drive saw a few completions, but ultimately ended in a punt after failing to convert on third down.
Amari Cooper drops first target with Bills – 13:31 1st quarter
Despite a strong start with James Cook carrying the ball twice, the drive failed when Josh Allen targeted Cooper, who dropped the pass, marking his 11th drop this season.
Bills, Titans inactives announced
Running back Ray Davis will be active today despite a calf injury, while the Bills are mostly healthy aside from five non-playing players. The team has welcomed back both Cook and Ed Oliver, with Cooper set to make his debut.
The Titans will be without quarterback Will Levis, star cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, and backup running back Tyjae Spears.
Ray Davis injury could change running game
Davis’ calf injury sustained last week may affect his workload today, with James Cook returning to serve as the No. 1 running back.
What time is the Bills vs Titans game?
Date: Sunday, Oct. 20
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Highmark Stadium
Who is favored to win Bills vs. Titans game
Betting line: Bills -9
Bills -9 Over-under: 41.5
Money line: Bills minus-450, Titans plus-350.
As the Bills return home, they are expected to earn a solid win against a Titans team still struggling to find their footing under Callahan. With Levis out, Buffalo’s defense is nearly back to full strength, enhancing their chances for a favorable outcome. Sal Maiorana predicts a final score of Bills 27, Titans 13.
Bills vs Titans preview stories
Who is announcing the Bills vs. Titans game
Play-by-play: Andrew Catalon
Analysts: Tiki Barber, Jason McCourty
Sideline reporter: AJ Ross
How to watch Buffalo Bills vs Tennessee Titans game on TV, streaming
The game will be broadcast on CBS and available on various local networks, including WROC, WIVB, and others.
Online streaming services will also carry the game through multiple platforms, requiring a subscription.
On the radio: How to listen to the Bills vs Titans game
Listeners can tune into SiriusXM and various traditional radio stations across New York, providing coverage of the game.