The NFL MVP race heated up significantly as Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills made a compelling case for the award during the team’s dominant 35-10 win over the San Francisco 49ers. Allen delivered an electrifying performance that included several historical milestones, making his MVP bid hard to ignore. One of the most unique moments came when Allen threw a touchdown pass to himself—a rarity in the NFL. The play involved Amari Cooper pitching the ball back to Allen, who ran it in for the score. Remarkably, Allen became only the fourth player in NFL history to achieve this feat, earning both a touchdown pass and reception in the process.
Allen’s night was made even more memorable by achieving what no quarterback had accomplished since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970: recording a passing touchdown, a receiving touchdown, and a rushing touchdown in a single game. This trifecta of scoring methods highlighted his versatility and cemented his place in NFL lore. Moreover, Allen joined Tony Canadeo as the only quarterback in NFL history to register at least two passing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown, and one receiving touchdown in the same game—a feat not seen since 1943.
The Bills’ win also placed them in elite company historically, as they became the fourth NFL team to defeat both previous Super Bowl participants in consecutive games. This victory followed their Week 11 triumph over the Kansas City Chiefs before a bye week. Allen’s standout performance and the team’s strong record underscore why he and the Bills are considered serious contenders this season.
Elsewhere in the NFL, Week 13 was notable for an array of statistical oddities and milestones. For instance, Leonard Williams of the Jets set a record with a 92-yard pick-six, the longest by any player weighing 300 pounds or more. Aaron Rodgers, on the other hand, suffered his first-ever loss in a home game where his team held a lead of 14 points or more. These moments added to the dramatic twists of a week packed with historic outcomes.
Several teams and players continued to rewrite NFL history books during Week 13. Trey McBride of the Cardinals became the first tight end to record at least 12 receptions in consecutive games, while Jayden Daniels of the Commanders joined an exclusive group of rookie quarterbacks with multiple passing and rushing touchdowns in consecutive games. Additionally, Joe Burrow of the Bengals endured a rough streak, becoming only the second quarterback to throw for 300+ yards and three touchdowns in three consecutive games yet lose all three.
The week also saw unique team achievements and struggles. Washington snapped a seven-year streak without a December home win, while the Bengals became one of only five teams in NFL history to lose multiple games in a season despite scoring 38 points or more. These statistical anomalies and individual accomplishments reflect a thrilling week in the NFL, one that further solidifies Josh Allen’s MVP-caliber season.
