Raiders vs. Bills score: Josh Allen's big plays, Buffalo's defensive stops keep Bills undefeated in Week 4

The Bills are 4-0 and atop the AFC East after their latest win

Another sterling effort from quarterback Josh Allen, and a timely forced turnover by a former All-Pro, helped the Bills remain undefeated after defeating the Raiders in Las Vegas, 30-23. Allen, who suffered an injury scare near the end of the first half, threw a pair of first-half touchdowns as Buffalo took a 17-13 halftime lead. With the Bills ahead 23-16 in the fourth quarter, Josh Norman's forced fumble of Raiders tight end Darren Waller set up Devin Singletary's touchdown run. The score was also set up by Allen's 49-yard bomb to Stefon Diggs, who caught six passes for 115 yards. 

The Raiders, 2-2 after winning their first two games, relied on three Daniel Carlson field goals that included a 54-yarder in the first quarter. Las Vegas finally hit pay dirt when David Carr found Jason Witten for a three-yard touchdown just before halftime. The score, Witten's first as a Raider, was the 150th career touchdown pass for Carr, which tied him with Hall of Fame quarterback Ken Stabler for the franchise record. Carr eventually broke Stabler's record when he hit Nelson Agholor for a seven-yard score with 1:23 left. 

Buffalo's defense came up with two turnovers and a turnover on downs on the Raiders' next three possessions. The biggest play came when Norman stripped Waller, who led the Raiders with 88 yards on nine receptions. Las Vegas did make things somewhat interesting after Carr hit Agholor for his second touchdown pass of the game. The Bills iced the game, however, after receiving the ensuing onside kick. 

Here's a deeper look at how the Bills were able to remain atop the AFC East division. 

Why the Bills won 

Buffalo's defense got three key defensive stops during the second half. And while it allowed the Raiders to put together several lengthy drives, the Bills' defense forced three Las Vegas field goals while holding the Raiders to just 2-of-4 red zone efficiency. The Bills also received big plays from Diggs, John Brown, Gabriel Davis and Cole Beasley. Davis and Beasley each caught first-half touchdown passes, while Brown's incredible 14-yard catch set up the Bills' first score of the second half. 

Why the Raiders lost

The Raiders, as they did a week ago in New England, lost the turnover ratio to the Bills, 2-0. The Raiders also struggled to get their running game going, as Josh Jacobs rushed for just 48 yards on 15 carries. Carr also had several misfires, including an overthrow of Zay Jones that would have extended a second-half drive. Defensively, Las Vegas allowed the Bills to convert on over 50% of their third down opportunities. They also failed to force a turnover after forcing just one during last week's loss to the Patriots. 

Turning point 

Norman's forced fumble occurred with the Raiders down just six points with the ball inside the Bills' 40-yard-line with 12:39 left. Three plays after Norman's created turnover, the Bills were ahead by two touchdowns, as Allen and the Bills' offense took full advantage. 

Play of the game

While it didn't receive as much attention as some other offseason acquisitions, the Bills' trade for Diggs has paid major dividends over the first four weeks. Diggs, a two-time 1,000-yard receiver in Minnesota, made the game's biggest play on Sunday, as his 49-yard catch set up the game-clinching score. 

Quotable 

"I bided my time, and I was able to see [Waller] in the flat again ... I know he always likes to get extra yardage, so when I went to knock the ball out, I struck it ... Coach was saying, 'Somebody make a play.' I said, 'I'll make a play!' Like having an old [Terrell Owens] mindset." -- Josh Norman on his forced fumble of Waller

Norman said Waller actually got the better of him on an earlier play, but the cornerback more than made up for it with his forced fumble. 

What's next 

Buffalo is scheduled to head to Tennessee to take on the also-undefeated Titans, who had their Week 4 game against Pittsburgh postponed due to the team's COVID-19 outbreak. The Raiders will head to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs, who are slated to host the Patriots on Monday night. 

To relive Sunday's action in real time, out our live blog below for instant updates, highlights and analysis. 

[Oct 4, 2020 at 7:52 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Thanks again for joining us! Be sure to stay with CBS Sports.com for all your NFL news, highlights and updates!

[Oct 4, 2020 at 7:51 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Impressive win for the Bills, who improve to 4-0 and are still atop the AFC East. Josh Allen had another great game, while Buffalo's defense came up with three big stops in the fourth quarter. The Raiders fought, but ultimately fell to 2-2. Las Vegas' defense gave up too many big plays, while its offense didn't get enough from Josh Jacobs or their receivers.

[Oct 4, 2020 at 7:34 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Carr comes off gingerly, but under his own power. He took quite a shot after throwing that touchdown pass to Agholor. Onside kick coming up. The game will essentially be over the Bills recover, as the Raiders only have one timeout left.

[Oct 4, 2020 at 7:21 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Buffalo's defense may give up more points than it did last year, but it is still one of the league's best units. On the last three drives, the Bills have forced two fumbles along with a turnover on downs. Their pass rush is also getting to Carr, who has been sacked twice and has been hit numerous other times.

[Oct 4, 2020 at 7:13 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Big stand by the Raiders' defense, giving their team a chance with 7:20 left. Not sure why the Bills did not try to pound the rock on that drive; worse case you kill time and pin the Raiders deep. Instead, Allen takes a sack and the Raiders will get the ball at their own 20.

[Oct 4, 2020 at 7:02 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Great play call by the Bills immediately after Josh Norman's forced fumble. On the very next play, Allen threw a 49-yard bomb to Diggs. Singletary punches it on the next play. That forced fumble could very well be the turning point.

[Oct 4, 2020 at 6:54 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

This is a big challenge. It appeared Waller was able to make the catch before falling to the ground. If so, the Raiders will have a first down in Buffalo territory with about 14 minutes left. Waller has caught twice as many passes as the next Raiders receiver today, with Agholor is second on the Raiders with three catches thus far. Renfrow is still looking for his second catch.