Fernando Mendoza throws 3 TDs as Las Vegas Raiders beat Buffalo Bills 36-29 in Week 6

Las Vegas, NV - Fernando Mendoza threw for 334 yards and three touchdowns, Jack Bech delivered a 158-yard receiving performance and the Las Vegas Raiders defeated the Buffalo Bills 36-29 in Week 6.

Las Vegas amassed 508 offensive yards and 26 first downs in a game that featured two very different forms of offensive production. The Raiders leaned on Mendoza's passing, while Buffalo rushed for 256 yards and received a 200-yard, three-touchdown performance from James Cook III.

Mendoza completed 25 of 35 passes, averaged more than nine yards per attempt and finished with a 118.0 passer rating. He threw one interception, but his three touchdown passes represented the clearest contrast with Buffalo's passing line. Bech was his most productive target, catching 10 passes and accounting for nearly half of Mendoza's completions.

Both teams found the end zone on the ground or through the air during the second quarter. Mendoza connected with Bech for a 2-yard touchdown, and Matt Gay made the extra point. Cook scored twice on the ground for Buffalo in the quarter, including a 26-yard touchdown run.

Bech finished with two touchdown receptions and a long catch of 28 yards. Tyreek Hill added a 20-yard touchdown reception, while Jalen Nailor caught four passes for 56 yards. That receiving production gave Las Vegas several options around its leading target without diminishing Bech's central role in the passing game.

"Jack gave me a dependable target, and the whole group contributed in different ways," Mendoza said. "Three touchdown passes feels good, but there are still throws and the interception that I want back. The important part is that we finished with the win."

The Raiders also generated 181 rushing yards. Mike Washington Jr. carried 23 times for 124 yards and two touchdowns, including a 62-yard run. Las Vegas finished with both a 300-yard passer and a 100-yard rusher while averaging more than 14 yards per completion.

Buffalo's offense was built around Cook's explosive afternoon. He gained 200 yards on 18 carries, scored three times and broke a 61-yard run. He also led the Bills with four receptions, adding 38 receiving yards to his workload. Cook accounted for 238 yards from scrimmage as Buffalo finished with 397 offensive yards.

"There were opportunities in the run game, and I wanted to make the most of every touch," Cook said. "But 200 yards doesn't change how this feels. We're still looking for that first win, and that's what matters to us."

Josh Allen completed 15 of 22 passes for 141 yards but was intercepted twice and finished with a 47.7 passer rating. Buffalo recorded 19 first downs and converted four of eight third downs, but its only fourth-down attempt was unsuccessful. The Bills' defense registered one sack and one interception.

Las Vegas was more productive in several other team categories. The Raiders recorded 111 more offensive yards, collected seven more first downs and converted nine of 14 third downs. They also succeeded on their lone fourth-down attempt. Las Vegas intercepted two passes without recording a sack.

The red-zone results offered another notable statistical split. Buffalo made five trips inside the 20 but recorded one touchdown and one field goal from those possessions. Las Vegas reached the red zone six times, scoring two touchdowns and no field goals.

"Ten catches means the quarterback kept trusting me to be available," Bech said. "I wanted to turn those chances into something useful for the offense. Getting into the end zone twice and leaving with a seven-point win is a good day, but there's plenty for us to clean up."

The outcome moved Las Vegas beyond its Week 5 loss and left Buffalo still searching for a breakthrough. The Bills entered the game 0-5 and fell to 0-6 despite Cook producing one of the season's strongest individual rushing lines.

Up Next

The Las Vegas Raiders will remain home to face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7, while the Buffalo Bills return home to host the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8 as they continue their search for their first victory.