The 49ers vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats on December 1, 2024, in what became a decisive victory for the Bills. In this snowy showdown at Orchard Park, Josh Allen and the Bills dominated the 49ers with a final score of 35-10. This comprehensive analysis breaks down the key player stats, memorable performances, and game-changing moments that defined this important NFL contest between two powerhouse teams.
Table of Contents
Game Overview and Final Score Analysis
The Buffalo Bills delivered a commanding performance against the San Francisco 49ers, securing a 35-10 win that clinched their fifth consecutive AFC East title. The December snowfall in Orchard Park created challenging conditions that the home team capitalized on effectively.
Turnovers proved decisive in this matchup, with the Bills forcing three fumbles while committing zero giveaways themselves. This 3-0 turnover advantage allowed Buffalo to build momentum early and maintain control throughout all four quarters.
Bills fans celebrated wildly as their team put together a complete performance in both rushing and passing attacks. Buffalo racked up 372 total yards, with 220 coming on the ground and 152 through the air.
The snowy conditions favored the Bills’ physical style of play, especially in the run game, where James Cook exploited gaps in the 49ers’ defense. San Francisco saw its chances diminish further when star running back Christian McCaffrey exited with a PCL injury early in the contest.
Quarterback Performance Breakdown: Josh Allen vs. Brock Purdy
Josh Allen delivered one of the most complete quarterback performances in recent NFL history during the Bills’ victory over the 49ers. Allen finished with 13 completions on 17 attempts for 148 yards and two passing touchdowns.
Brock Purdy, by contrast, struggled mightily against the Bills’ aggressive defense. The 49ers quarterback completed just 11 of 18 passes for a mere 94 yards with no touchdowns and a mediocre 74.8 passer rating.
Allen’s efficiency stood out dramatically, posting a stellar 141.3 passer rating while making plays with both his arm and legs. His 18 rushing yards included a touchdown run that showcased his dual-threat capabilities.
Red zone execution highlighted the gap between the quarterbacks. Allen led the Bills to perfect efficiency, scoring touchdowns on all four red zone trips. Purdy and the 49ers made just one red zone trip all game, settling for a field goal.
Running Back Battle: James Cook and Christian McCaffrey
James Cook emerged as the standout running back of the night, rushing for 107 yards on just 14 carries. His explosive 65-yard touchdown run in the third quarter effectively sealed the victory for Buffalo.
Christian McCaffrey’s night ended prematurely when he suffered a PCL injury early in the game. Before his exit, McCaffrey had accumulated 53 rushing yards on seven carries and added 14 receiving yards on two catches.
The Bills’ rushing attack dominated throughout the contest, totaling 220 yards on the ground. Ray Davis complemented Cook with 63 yards and a touchdown on 11 attempts, demonstrating Buffalo’s impressive backfield depth.
San Francisco still managed 153 rushing yards despite McCaffrey’s injury, but lacked the explosive plays needed to keep pace with Buffalo’s offense. The 49ers’ inability to establish a consistent ground attack forced Purdy into obvious passing situations.
Receiving and Defensive Highlights
Dawson Knox led all Bills receivers with 56 yards on just two receptions, showcasing his big-play ability in the passing game. Knox’s contributions included a critical third-down conversion that extended a scoring drive.
Jauan Jennings emerged as the lone bright spot for the 49ers’ passing attack, matching Knox with 56 receiving yards on three catches. Jennings displayed toughness over the middle and reliable hands despite the difficult weather conditions.
Buffalo’s defense forced three fumbles, recovered all three, and constantly disrupted San Francisco’s offensive rhythm. The Bills generated consistent pressure without needing to blitz heavily, allowing their secondary to focus on coverage.
Third-down efficiency told much of the story, with Buffalo converting 7 of 11 attempts (64%) while holding San Francisco to just 3 of 10 (30%). This disparity allowed the Bills to control possession and wear down the 49ers’ defense.
Key Players and Standout Performances
Josh Allen cemented his MVP candidacy with a historic four-touchdown performance. His versatility was on full display as he scored as a passer, rusher, and receiver – a rare feat that showcased his unique skill set.
James Cook’s breakout rushing performance included a game-changing 65-yard touchdown run that showcased his explosiveness and vision. Cook navigated through small creases before finding an open field and outrunning the 49ers’ secondary.
The 49ers suffered another significant injury when Deebo Samuel left the game with an ankle issue, compounding the loss of Christian McCaffrey. These injuries severely limited San Francisco’s typically dynamic offense.
Ray Davis deserves recognition for his complementary role in Buffalo’s ground attack. The backup running back contributed 63 yards and a touchdown, providing fresh legs when Cook needed rest.
Historical Context and Series Impact
The Bills’ dominant win pushed their all-time series lead over the 49ers to 8-6, continuing their recent success against NFC opponents. This victory carried significant playoff implications, improving Buffalo’s record to 10-2 while dropping San Francisco to a concerning 5-7.
Josh Allen’s rare touchdown trifecta joins the list of historic NFL performances. Few quarterbacks in league history have scored passing, rushing, and receiving touchdowns in a single game.
The matchup illustrated the contrasting fortunes of these franchises in 2024. Buffalo has established itself as a model of consistency with five straight AFC East titles, while San Francisco has struggled with injuries and inconsistent play.
Christian McCaffrey’s PCL injury could have long-term implications for the 49ers’ season. The star running back’s absence significantly limits San Francisco’s offensive ceiling, as evidenced by their struggles against Buffalo.
Conclusion
Looking back at this pivotal December 2024 matchup from our vantage point in 2025, we can now see how this game shaped both teams’ seasons. The Bills’ dominant 35-10 victory over the 49ers proved to be a defining moment in their campaign.
Josh Allen’s historic three-way touchdown performance foreshadowed his eventual MVP consideration. The Bills built on this momentum, finishing the season with a remarkable 14-3 record before making their deep playoff run.
For the 49ers, this loss marked the beginning of a difficult stretch. McCaffrey’s PCL injury sidelined him for three crucial weeks, during which the team went 1-2. Their 8-9 final record left them just short of playoff contention.
The contrast between these franchises continues into 2025, with Buffalo maintaining its elite status while San Francisco rebuilds. This game stands as a perfect snapshot of two organizations at crucial crossroads – one ascending to championship contention, the other facing the challenges of injuries and inconsistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Bills-49ers game in December 2024?
The Buffalo Bills defeated the San Francisco 49ers 35-10.
What historic achievement did Josh Allen accomplish in this game?
Josh Allen became the first NFL quarterback since 2022 to record passing, rushing, and receiving touchdowns in a single game.
How many rushing yards did James Cook have against the 49ers?
James Cook rushed for 107 yards on 14 carries, including a 65-yard touchdown run.
What injury did Christian McCaffrey suffer during the game?
Christian McCaffrey suffered a PCL injury early in the game, which forced him to exit prematurely.
What did this win mean for the Buffalo Bills’ season?
This win clinched the Bills’ fifth consecutive AFC East title and improved their record to 10-2, strengthening their position in the AFC playoff picture.
How did Brock Purdy perform in the game?
Brock Purdy struggled, completing 11 of 18 passes for only 94 yards with no touchdowns and a 74.8 passer rating.
Who were the leading receivers for both teams?
Dawson Knox led the Bills with 56 receiving yards on two catches, while Jauan Jennings led the 49ers with 56 yards on three receptions.
What was the turnover differential in the game? The Bills forced three fumbles and recovered all three, while committing zero turnovers themselves, giving them a 3-0 turnover advantage.
Who is predicted to win the 49ers vs the Bills?
The game has already been played with the Buffalo Bills winning 35-10 over the San Francisco 49ers on December 1, 2024.
Who is the 49ers’ top touchdown scorer?
Based on this game, the 49ers did not score any touchdowns, only managing a field goal. Christian McCaffrey has been their top touchdown scorer for the season before his injury.
Who is the best player on the Bills?
Josh Allen proved to be the Bills’ best player, becoming the first quarterback since 2022 to score passing, rushing, and receiving touchdowns in a single game while leading his team to clinch the AFC East title.
Are the 49ers out of the playoffs?
Following this loss and subsequent games, the 49ers ultimately finished with an 8-9 record, narrowly missing the playoffs in the competitive NFC.
Stay tuned with NextMagazine.co.uk for more exciting match breakdowns, player stats, and in-depth sports insights you won’t want to miss!
