The Buffalo Bills improved to 2-0 in preseason with a dominant 31-7 win over the Cleveland Browns, who fell to 0-2.
The Buffalo Bills rolled to a 31-7 preseason victory over the Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026, improving to 2-0 while the Browns dropped to 0-2. The Bills’ balanced attack, highlighted by a 71-yard touchdown pass from Shane Buechele to Ja’Mori Maclin, proved decisive in a game that featured several standout performances on both sides.
Bills’ Offense Shines
Kyle Allen was sharp under center, completing 10 of 12 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown. His 9-yard scoring strike to Mecole Hardman Jr. helped the Bills build an early lead. Ian Wheeler led the ground game with 14 carries for 56 yards, while Ray Davis added a 1-yard touchdown run. Tyler Bass connected on a 52-yard field goal, and Buechele added a 5-yard rushing score to cap the rout.
Browns Show Promise in Spots
The Browns’ offense showed flashes, particularly from quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who went 9-for-11 for 74 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He found Luke Floriea for an 8-yard score. Raheim Sanders rushed 12 times for 31 yards. Defensively, linebacker Nathaniel Watson was all over the field with 10 tackles, and Mike Hall Jr. recorded a sack.
Turning Point
The turning point came in the second half when Buechele connected with Maclin on a 71-yard touchdown pass, extending the Bills’ lead to 24-7 and effectively putting the game out of reach. The explosive play highlighted the Bills’ depth at receiver and sealed the outcome.
Key Stats
- Kyle Allen: 10/12, 128 yards, 1 TD
- Ja’Mori Maclin: 2 receptions, 108 yards, 1 TD
- Shedeur Sanders: 9/11, 74 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
- Nathaniel Watson: 10 tackles
- Ian Wheeler: 14 carries, 56 yards
What It Means
The Bills (2-0) will host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday, August 27, with starters expected to see extended action in the preseason dress rehearsal. The Browns (0-2) will face the New England Patriots on Friday, August 28, in their preseason finale, with coach Todd Monken expected to name a starting quarterback on Monday. Cleveland also faces roster decisions after placing Alex Wright on injured reserve and signing veteran defensive end Derek Barnett.
🎧 Listen daily to both teams
Beatline Sports covers every team, every day — new episodes each morning.