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NFL RecordsJosh Allen· 2 min read· in Sports

Josh Allen Ties Jim Kelly's Buffalo Bills Career Passing Touchdown Record in 33-30 Win Over Raiders

Josh Allen matched Jim Kelly's franchise record of 237 career passing touchdowns on Sunday, leading the Buffalo Bills to a 33-30 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. The milestone came on a fourth-quarter strike that helped Buffalo secure the win despite a late Las Vegas rally.

By Meera Iyer

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The claim that Jim Kelly's passing records would stand untouchable in Buffalo has met the reality of Josh Allen's arm. Allen threw his 237th career touchdown pass on Sunday, tying the Hall of Famer for the most in Bills franchise history.[1][5]

The milestone came during a 33-30 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 6, securing Buffalo's position in the AFC standings. Allen reached the mark in his 100th career regular-season start, significantly faster than Kelly, who needed 160 games to set the original benchmark.[1][4][5]

Allen's record-tying throw arrived in the fourth quarter, a critical strike that extended Buffalo's lead before a late Raiders surge. The pass immediately went viral across social media platforms, highlighting the physical tools that have defined Allen's tenure in Western New York.[2][3]

Allen reached the 237-touchdown mark in 60 fewer starts than Kelly.

“It’s a surreal feeling,” Allen told reporters after the game, acknowledging the weight of the achievement. “Jim is a legend here, and to even be mentioned in the same sentence as him is an honor, but the most important thing today was getting the win.”[1]

Holding Off the Raiders

The Bills needed every point to hold off Las Vegas. Running back James Cook added a late rushing touchdown that proved decisive, as the Raiders mounted a frantic comeback attempt in the final minutes that ultimately fell three points short.[3][4]

Las Vegas capitalized on defensive lapses to close the gap, testing a Buffalo unit that has shown vulnerability late in games this season. The Raiders' offense found rhythm in the second half, turning what appeared to be a comfortable Bills lead into a one-possession contest.[1][3]

James Cook's late rushing touchdown provided the decisive margin in Buffalo's 33-30 victory.

Despite the defensive struggles, Buffalo's offense generated enough production to secure the result. The victory improves the Bills' standing in a competitive AFC East, where early-season wins carry significant weight for playoff positioning.[4]

A New Era in Buffalo

Allen now sits on the verge of claiming the record outright, a milestone he is likely to achieve in Buffalo's next matchup. The transition of the franchise's passing crown underscores the shift in offensive philosophy since Kelly's era, with Allen's dual-threat capability redefining the quarterback position for the Bills.[1][5]

The focus now turns to whether Allen can translate these individual accolades into the postseason success that defined Kelly's four consecutive Super Bowl appearances. For now, the Bills leave Week 6 with both a historic achievement and a crucial conference victory.[1][5]

The essentials

  1. Josh Allen threw his 237th career touchdown pass, tying Jim Kelly for the most in Buffalo Bills franchise history.
  2. Allen reached the milestone in his 100th career regular-season start, 60 games faster than Kelly.
  3. The record-tying pass came in the fourth quarter of a 33-30 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.
  4. James Cook scored a late rushing touchdown to help Buffalo hold off a frantic Las Vegas comeback attempt.

Timeline

  1. 1986-1996

    Jim Kelly sets the Buffalo Bills franchise record with 237 career passing touchdowns over 160 starts.

  2. 2018

    The Buffalo Bills draft Josh Allen in the first round, beginning his tenure as the franchise quarterback.

  3. Oct 18, 2026

    Josh Allen throws his 237th career touchdown pass in the fourth quarter against the Raiders, tying Kelly's record.

  4. Oct 18, 2026

    James Cook scores a late rushing touchdown, securing a 33-30 victory for Buffalo despite a Raiders comeback.

Buffalo Bills Organization 50%NFL Analysts 30%Las Vegas Raiders Perspective 20%
Buffalo Bills Organization
Celebrates the historic milestone while emphasizing the importance of securing the Week 6 victory.
NFL Analysts
Focuses on the statistical comparison between Allen and Kelly, noting the speed at which Allen achieved the record.
Las Vegas Raiders Perspective
Views the game as a missed opportunity following a strong late-game comeback attempt that fell short.

Perspectives this story doesn't cover

  • Jim Kelly's reaction to the record being tied

Sources

Source coverage

5 outlets

3 viewpoints surfaced

Buffalo Bills Organization 50%NFL Analysts 30%Las Vegas Raiders Perspective 20%
  1. [1]AP NewsBuffalo Bills Organization

    Josh Allen ties Jim Kelly's Bills TD pass record as Buffalo holds off Raiders 33-30

    Read on AP News →
  2. [2]Heavy.comBuffalo Bills Organization

    Josh Allen's Unreal Touchdown Pass Goes Viral

    Read on Heavy.com →
  3. [3]YardbarkerLas Vegas Raiders Perspective

    Josh Allen Makes History

    Read on Yardbarker →
  4. [4]Football Nation USANFL Analysts

    Josh Allen tied Jim Kelly's Bills touchdown pass record, James Cook scored late, and Buffalo held off Las Vegas 33 to 30 in Week 6

    Read on Football Nation USA →
  5. [5]Pro Football ReferenceNFL Analysts

    Buffalo Bills Career Passing Leaders

    Read on Pro Football Reference →
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