The Buffalo Bills defeated the Denver Broncos 31-7 at home on Sunday afternoon to advance to the AFC Divisional Round. Denver kept the game close in the first half, but Buffalo exerted its dominance to cruise to victory in the second half. The Broncos offense could never muster any consistency as their defense wore down the longer they were on the field.
Buffalo finished with a whopping 41-19 edge in time of possession. It is nearly impossible to win any game, especially a playoff game with a disparity like that. Denver’s defense could not continue holding up against a high-flying Buffalo Bills offense. Bills Quarterback Josh Allen was exemplary going 20-of-26 for 272 passing yards and 2 passing touchdowns. He added 46 yards on the ground. Will the Buffalo Bills be able to carry this momentum into next week’s game?
Buffalo Bills Led After An Even First Half
The Denver Broncos and Quarterback Bo Nix wasted no time getting into this game. Nix connected with Wide Receiver Troy Franklin on a 43-yard touchdown to take a 7-0 lead a few minutes into the contest. Buffalo responded with a field goal after Denver’s defense had a red zone stand. Denver led 7-3 halfway through the opening quarter.
After Denver went three-and-out on their ensuing drive, Buffalo crafted a 13-play 81-yard drive to take a 10-7 lead early in the second quarter. A five-yard touchdown by Buffalo Bills Running Back James Cook punctuated the drive. Denver was set to punt on its next drive, but then Head Coach Sean Payton pulled a rabbit out of his hat with a fake punt to extend the drive. Ultimately, the Broncos punted the ball three plays later. Buffalo then punted the ball back to the Denver Broncos with 1:52 remaining in the half.
Denver’s offense came alive on the drive after doing nothing outside of their opening drive. A 60-yard drive got them into field goal range. Broncos Kicker Will Lutz hit the upright and the ball fell to the ground. The Buffalo Bills took a 10-7 lead into halftime. The Bills had a first half gameplan that not many would have expected coming into this game. They made a concerted effort to run the football in the first 30 minutes. Denver was third in the league during the regular season surrendering 96 yards on the ground per game. Buffalo rushed for 128 yards in the first half.
Buffalo Dominates the Second Half
The Buffalo Bills began the second half with a tremendous drive, but Denver’s defense again stiffened in the red zone. A sack on Allen on third down forced Buffalo to kick a field goal. Buffalo led 13-6 with 10:00 left in the quarter. The Bills put together another solid drive, and this time were able to finish the job. Josh Allen connected with Ty Johnson for a 24-yard touchdown.
Buffalo went for the two-point conversion and was successful in taking a 21-7 lead late in the third quarter. Allen’s touchdown pass made him the franchise leader in postseason touchdown passes with 22. The Buffalo Bills continued their second half onslaught by scoring a touchdown on their next drive after Allen connected with Curtis Samuel on a 55-yard pass to extend their lead to 28-7. Denver’s offense showed signs of life on its next drive but turned the ball over on downs. Buffalo took over with 12 minutes left in the game.
The Bills continued having their way with the Denver defense driving the ball 70 yards for a field goal to make it 31-7. That signaled the end of Allen’s afternoon. Denver turned it over on downs once again and Buffalo took over near the red zone. Buffalo could have scored again, but they knelt ball after the two minute warning. The Buffalo Bills finished the game with 31 unanswered points.
Final Thoughts
Today’s win sets up a marquee matchup next weekend when the Baltimore Ravens come to town. Allen and Lamar Jackson will be the top two finishers in the MVP race, and they will have a chance to go head-to-head for a spot in the AFC Championship Game. Both quarterbacks will be under immense pressure in this game as they look to finally break through in the AFC.
