September 8, 2025
Buffalo Bills 41–40 Baltimore Ravens: Matt Prater’s Walk-Off Field Goal Caps Historic Comeback
In one of the most electrifying season openers in recent NFL memory, Matt Prater, the Buffalo Bills’ 41-year-old veteran kicker, delivered a performance for the ages. On September 7, 2025, Prater nailed a 32-yard walk-off field goal as time expired, sealing a dramatic 41–40 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.
This was more than just a win; it was a franchise-defining moment, as Buffalo erased a late-game deficit with a furious rally and stunned the Ravens in front of a roaring home crowd.
The Comeback Story
Buffalo trailed by 15 points in the final quarter, but Josh Allen orchestrated a furious comeback, throwing for 394 yards and two passing touchdowns while adding two rushing scores—breaking the franchise record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback (66).
A late fumble recovery by Derrick Henry gave Buffalo one last chance, setting up Matt Prater’s heroics. With the game on the line, the 19-year NFL veteran stepped up and drilled the game-winning 32-yard kick that set Highmark Stadium on fire.
First-Half Momentum: Prater’s 43-Yard Field Goal
Prater’s night of perfection didn’t begin with the walk-off kick. At the end of the first half, he hit a 43-yard field goal as time expired, trimming Baltimore’s lead to three and shifting momentum in Buffalo’s favor going into halftime.
Statistical Context and Historical Impact
- Final Score: 41–40 (First-Ever NFL Scorigami at This Scoreline)
- Allen’s Total Yards: 394 passing, 2 passing TDs, 2 rushing TDs
- Prater’s Field Goals: 2-for-2 (43 yards, 32 yards)
- Comeback Size: Largest 4th-quarter comeback for Buffalo in 57 years
This wasn’t just a game; it was an entry into the NFL history books.
Matt Prater: Career Longevity and Experience
Prater’s performance was a testament to the value of experience:
| Category | Career Total (As of 2024) |
|---|---|
| Field Goals Made | 407 |
| Field Goals Attempted | 487 |
| Career FG % | 83.6% |
| Longest Field Goal | 64 yards (former NFL record) |
| NFL Seasons | 19 |
His ability to deliver under pressure has been a constant theme throughout his career—from setting the then-NFL record for the longest field goal (64 yards) with Denver to his flawless 2024 season with Arizona (6-for-6 on FGs).
Veteran Signing Pays Off
Buffalo signed Prater after Tyler Bass was placed on injured reserve with a hip injury just before the season opener. Rather than risk instability at kicker, the Bills opted for a proven commodity—and it paid immediate dividends.
Fan and Media Reactions
Social media exploded after the game:
- “Matt Prater is HIM. Ice in his veins.”
- “Best signing of the offseason. Period.”
- “41–40 Scorigami! Never been done before. Unreal night in Buffalo.”
Analysts praised Buffalo’s front office for securing a kicker who could deliver in the biggest moments.
Why This Matters for the Bills’ Season
This win doesn’t just add a “1” to the standings—it sets the tone for the season. In a competitive AFC, where playoff seeding often comes down to tiebreakers, stealing a win like this can be the difference between a home playoff game and going on the road.
Conclusion
The Buffalo Bills’ 41–40 victory over the Ravens was about more than points. It was about belief, grit, and veteran composure. Matt Prater’s flawless performance—43-yarder at halftime, 32-yard game-winner—was the backbone of one of the most thrilling comebacks in franchise history.
As the 2025 season unfolds, Bills fans can rest easy knowing that when the game is on the line, they have one of the most reliable legs in NFL history ready to deliver.
Reference
Buffalo Bills Official Website → buffalobills.com/photos
NFL Player Profile → Matt Prater on ESPN
