Josh Allen’s jaw-dropping touchdown pass propel Bills’ to a playoff dismantling of Broncos
The Buffalo Bills advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs with a commanding 31-7 victory over the Denver Broncos in the AFC wild-card game. Josh Allen, as always, delivered spectacular plays, including a jaw-dropping touchdown pass, solidifying his place as the team’s leader. With their fifth consecutive wild-card win at home, the Bills now prepare for an exciting showdown against the Baltimore Ravens.
Allen’s Stunning Touchdown That Shifted Momentum
Late in the third quarter, with the Bills holding a narrow lead, Josh Allen pulled off one of the most memorable plays of the season. Facing a fourth-and-1 from Denver’s 24-yard line, Allen scrambled under pressure and launched a daring pass into the end zone. Ty Johnson, diving to his knees, made an incredible catch that held up under replay review, extending Buffalo’s lead to 19-7.
Allen’s decision to take the risk exemplified his MVP-caliber instincts. “I’ve been saying Ty Johnson’s the best third-down back in football,” Allen said. “The way he communicates, blocks, and runs makes him invaluable. I just gave him a chance, and he made an amazing play.” Head coach Sean McDermott echoed the sentiment, praising Allen’s ability to deliver in high-pressure moments.
Buffalo Defense Locks Down the Broncos
The game started with a hiccup for the Bills as Denver capitalized on blown coverage, scoring a 43-yard touchdown pass early in the first quarter. However, the Bills’ defense regrouped quickly and dominated the rest of the game. Denver’s final seven possessions ended with punts, turnovers, or a missed field goal, as the Broncos managed just 224 total yards and only 2-of-9 third-down conversions.
Linebacker Terrel Bernard highlighted the team’s resilience: “We knew Denver had an explosive offense, but we made adjustments and stayed focused. This win reflects our ability to respond to adversity and lock down when it matters most.” Buffalo’s third-down defense, a season-long concern, shined, holding Denver to just 18 minutes of possession time.
Balanced Offense Fuels Buffalo’s Victory
Buffalo’s offense operated at peak efficiency, with James Cook leading the charge on the ground. Cook racked up 120 rushing yards, contributing to the team’s impressive 210 yards on the ground. Allen’s dual-threat ability complemented the rushing attack as he added 46 rushing yards to his 272 passing yards and two touchdowns.
“We leaned on our offensive line, and they delivered,” Allen said. “Incorporating quarterback runs keeps defenses on edge. Cook, Ty, and the rest of the backs ran hard, and it created a balanced attack that’s tough to stop.”
One of the day’s defining moments came early in the fourth quarter when Allen connected with Curtis Samuel for a 55-yard touchdown. Samuel broke tackles and turned a routine crossing route into a game-clinching score. “Curtis has kept working all year, and when his moment came, he made the most of it,” Allen said.
Bills Ready for Ravens Showdown
With the Broncos now behind them, the Bills shift their focus to a highly anticipated divisional-round matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Josh Allen continues to make playoff history, now holding the NFL postseason record for quarterback rushing yards with 609 yards.
The combination of Allen’s leadership, a resurgent defense, and a well-rounded offense positions Buffalo as a serious Super Bowl contender. As they prepare to face Lamar Jackson and the Ravens, the Bills’ momentum and depth make them a formidable opponent. If their wild-card performance is any indication, Buffalo is ready to keep its playoff run alive.