The Buffalo Bills made quick work of the Dallas Cowboys, going up seven early in the game and never looking back. The Bills were up 31 - 3 in the fourth quarter before the Cowboys found the end zone for their first touchdown. Buffalo dominated the Cowboys, 31 - 10. The beauty of this win is it was on the ground and not the arm of Josh Allen, showing a diverse offense, which will be a problem for opposing defenses as we get closer to the playoffs. This win also moved the Bills up our latest AFC rankings.
In a game like this, you'd expect several high marks from the players and your expectations would be accurate, particularly on the defensive side, with three players earning grades well over 80. On the offensive side, we had two players graded over 80. Now, keep in mind, I only included players that played in on at least a third of the snaps.
I want to give a shoutout to a couple of players though that didn't quite make the top five but were tied at six. Tim Settle and rookie Dorian Williams, both with PFF grades of 71.8. Remember, Settle was in the top five last week with a grade of 82.4, which was tops among the defense. Settle has been playing well as of late and now it's looking like a DaQuan Jones return may be just around the corner, which would be huge heading into the playoffs, assuming the Bills make it to the postseason.
Bills top-5 PFF offensive grades from week 15
James Cook - 87.2
What a performance from James Cook. He had 25 carries, 179 rushing yards, and a touchdown. He also added 42 yards receiving and a touchdown with two receptions on three targets. He was the engine that ran the Bills' offense and opposing defenses will have to be aware and game plan, knowing the Bills can win on Cook's legs or Allen's arm.
Spencer Brown - 81.0
Can I just say that I told you so? I've been the conductor on the Spencer Brown train. When so many fans were against him and ready to write him off, I stood firm and backed him. I'm not right very often but this is one I called. Brown has been terrific this season and helped solidify this offensive line. This line is without question the best offensive line Allen has played behind in his career.
Josh Allen - 78.4
If you had told me that Josh Allen was going to throw only 15 passes, completing seven of these, I would have asked if he got injured and assumed the Bills lost. It's a beautiful place when Buffalo shows they can win in the fashion that they did. It's huge down the stretch because opposing defenses have to game plan for both a great run game and passing game. Also, Allen added another game with at least one passing touchdown and rushing touchdown to his career resume. He holds the record for the most such games in a season and is second all-time.
Ty Johnson - 77.7
Ever since Joe Brady took over, Ty Johnson has become an important part of the Bills offense, and a big reason Leonard Fournette remains on the practice squad. Johnson had nine carries for 54 yards, for a 6.0 yards per carry. He also had one reception for four yards. I expect Johnson to continue to be a big part of this offense going forward.
Stefon Diggs - 66.1
Despite the production not being what it was throughout the first half of the season, Stefon Diggs is still an integral part of the offense. Defenses continue to shift coverage to Diggs and double-team him. With the continued emergence of Dalton Kincaid and now a strong running game with James Cook, teams will have to either reconsider how they play defense or continue to get chewed up by the Bills' offensive line and Cook.
Bills top-5 PFF defensive grades from week 15
Jordan Poyer - 88.1
I couldn't be more excited for Jordan Poyer as of late. A lot of fans have questioned Poyer's ability to perform at a high level this season, but he's been outstanding once again. Against the Cowboys, he recorded six tackles with a pass defensed. He's a leader and a rock on this Bills' defense.
Taron Johnson - 84.6
Is there a better nickel corner in the league? Let me answer that for you...no. Taron Johnson has been stellar all season and throughout his career and in my opinion has solidified himself as the best in the NFL. He recorded seven tackles, third-most in this game for the Bills. He also added a pass defensed.
Christian Benford - 82.2
I love the Christian Benford story but I'm also a sucker for late-round draft pick success stories, except the one about Tom Brady. Benford has been terrific all season and even last season as a rookie. If not for a mid-season injury, he would have locked down the number two corner as a rookie. This season, he's now solidified the corner room for the Bills. Benford, opposite Rasul Douglas, has formed one of the better corner duos in the league. Benford had two passes defensed and an interception against the Cowboys.
Cam Lewis - 78.9
Cam Lewis came into this game, filling in for injured Micah Hyde, and played exceptionally well. Lewis has been with this team for several years and knows the defense as well as anyone. He has experience at both safety positions and has played some corner and nickel as well. He's a valuable asset to the Bills defense. Lewis had five tackles and a pass defensed.
Tyrel Dodson - 72.0
There are few players this coaching staff bet on, even when the fans weren't willing to do that. Tyrel Dodson is one of those and has come on big-time and is playing extremely well. We all want Matt Milano back and no one can replace the All-Pro but Dodson has done a wonderful job in doing so. Dodson was tied for first on the team with eight tackles, recorded half a sack, and a quarterback hit.