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Week 6 breakdown: Josh Allen vs. Maxx Crosby and the keys to pivotal AFC clash

Josh Allen’s historic Week 5 performance—where he became the first quarterback to average over 10 yards per pass attempt (11.1) and per carry (12.1)—sets the stage for a high-stakes AFC showdown against the Raiders in Week 6. Buffalo’s under-center play-action attack, featuring Allen and James Cook, has been a league-leading weapon, with Allen running it on 25.5% of his dropbacks, second-highest in the NFL.

On those plays, he’s completing 64.5% of his throws for 9.0 yards per attempt, while his scrambles have added another layer of danger, including six rushes for 65 yards and a touchdown. The Bills’ 57.1% success rate on these plays ranks fifth in the league, but the Raiders’ defense has struggled to contain them, allowing a 75% completion rate and two touchdowns on under-center play-action passes this season—including a 36-yard scramble, fifth-most allowed in the NFL.

To counter Allen’s dual-threat attack, Las Vegas may need to ramp up the blitz pressure. While Allen has maintained a league-average passer rating (93.2) when facing blitzes overall, the Raiders could exploit his play-action tendencies by disrupting his rhythm and forcing quicker decisions.

With the Bills returning to action after a narrow overtime win, how effectively Maxx Crosby and the Raiders’ defense can disrupt Allen’s timing—and whether they can limit his explosive rushing—will decide this pivotal matchup.

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