The Ups and Downs: A Monday Night Analysis
The Buffalo Bills (4-2) entered their Week 6 Monday Night Football matchup against the Atlanta Falcons (3-2) on a high after a turbulent start to the season. Coming off a low point of losing to the New England Patriots, the Bills needed to assert themselves once again as contenders—but they fell short, losing 24-14, raising serious questions about their readiness to tackle challenges ahead.
“In order to contend for a championship, you have to beat teams you're favored against,” Josh Allen commented after the game. “We obviously did not do that tonight.”
Game Breakdown
The matchup started off rocky for the Bills, who found themselves down 21-7 in the first half as Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. orchestrated drives that seemed to exploit the Bills' defensive gaps. Allen, who has shown flashes of brilliance this season, struggled to maintain rhythm, throwing two interceptions that ultimately stymied Buffalo's attempts to mount a comeback.
Defensive Difficulties
The defensive unit appears to be in disarray, particularly against the run. Falcons' Bijan Robinson racked up 238 scrimmage yards and a touchdown, commanding respect from the Bills' front seven. Drake London also had a field day, contributing 158 receiving yards and a touchdown of his own.
Stock Report: Who's Hot and Who's Not
Let's dive into the stock report to assess the key players whose performances either boosted their prospects or left them on shaky ground.
Stock Up: RB James Cook

Despite being targeted for the first time this season, Cook emerged as a crucial cog in the offense, rushing 17 times for 87 yards. His ability to find gaps and gain momentum provided the Bills some much-needed balance, helping them slow down Atlanta's explosive offensive onslaught.
Stock Down: QB Josh Allen

Allen's performance was decidedly uneven; with a completion rate of only 57.7%, he struggled to hit consistent throws. This was a stark contrast to earlier games and showcases the need for improvement as their Super Bowl hopes heavily depend on having him play at a high level.
Stock Up: DT Deone Walker

With the unexpected absence of Da'Quan Jones, rookie Deone Walker did not shy away from responsibilities. Making five tackles and a pass deflection, Walker's performance showcased his potential as a future cornerstone of the defensive line.
Stock Down: CB Christian Benford

As the Bills' premier cornerback, Benford faced the challenge of covering London, a feat that proved too daunting at times. While some of his struggles can be attributed to the caliber of the opposing player, need for defensive adjustments is evident.
Stock Up: WR Josh Palmer

Palmer's reliability proved vital in the passing game, making important receptions when it counted. His existing rapport with Allen suggests his role may need to expand as the season progresses.
Stock Down: WR Keon Coleman

After a spectacular debut against the Ravens, Coleman has struggled to contribute, managing only 11 yards against the Falcons. If Buffalo is to regain momentum, they need Coleman to recapture his early-season form.
Looking Ahead
The loss on a national stage highlights key areas of concern for the Bills. As they continue to aim for the Super Bowl, these players will need to elevate their game. If Allen can cut down on turnovers and the defense can bolster its performance, there's still hope for this team to turn things around. The upcoming matchups will be pivotal as they attempt to regain their footing in the competitive AFC.
Source reference: https://billswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/bills/2025/10/14/stock-up-stock-following-buffalo-bills-24-14-loss-atlanta-falcons-monday-week-6-nfl/86684107007/