Broncos Overtime Victory Over Bills Sends Denver to AFC Championship, Nix Injured
Updated (5 articles)
Broncos Secure 33‑30 Overtime Win to Reach AFC Championship The Denver Broncos defeated the Buffalo Bills 33‑30 in overtime, with Wil Lutz’s 23‑yard field goal sealing the victory and advancing Denver to host the AFC championship next Sunday[3][1]. Ja’Quan McMillian intercepted Josh Allen in the extra period, providing the decisive turnover that set up Lutz’s kick[3]. Denver will meet either the New England Patriots or the Houston Texans in the conference title game[1].
Allen’s Turnover Spree Undermines Bills’ Playoff Run Josh Allen threw two interceptions and lost two fumbles, a stark reversal from his previous six playoff appearances without turnovers[3]. The fifth Denver takeaway, McMillian’s pick, halted Buffalo’s attempt to win with a field goal and swung momentum to Denver[3]. The loss extended Allen’s postseason overtime record to 0‑3[1].
Bo Nix’s Ankle Break Forces Broncos Quarterback Shuffle Late in overtime Bo Nix suffered a right‑ankle fracture that will require surgery and ends his participation for the remainder of the playoffs[2]. Earlier, Nix engineered a 26‑yard touchdown pass to Marvin Mims Jr., sparking the late rally that forced overtime[3]. His injury leaves Denver uncertain about the quarterback who will start the AFC championship game.
Late‑Game Kicking Heroics Extend Denver’s Playoff Momentum Matt Prater nailed a 50‑yard field goal with five seconds left in regulation to tie the game at 30‑30, setting up overtime[3]. Wil Lutz then delivered the 23‑yard game‑winner in the extra period[1]. The special‑teams sequence underscored Denver’s clutch performance in the closing moments.
Allen Shows Visible Distress After Defeat After the final play Allen sat on the sideline, threw a towel to the ground and covered his face, visibly upset by the loss[1]. He later wiped away tears while speaking about letting his teammates down, and coach Sean McDermott defended him, citing missed opportunities as a team issue[2][2]. The emotional reaction was captured on video and highlighted the personal impact of the defeat.
Sources (4 articles)
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[1]
Newsweek: Bills' Josh Allen visibly upset after controversial playoff loss to Broncos: Details Allen’s on‑field anguish, the contested overtime catch, back‑to‑back pass‑interference penalties, and Denver’s advance to the AFC championship, noting Allen’s 0‑3 postseason overtime record.
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[2]
Associated Press: Bills fall to Broncos in playoff game as Allen wipes away tears and Bo Nix breaks right ankle: Emphasizes Allen’s tearful post‑game interview, Bo Nix’s ankle fracture requiring surgery, and Wil Lutz’s decisive field goal, while quoting coach McDermott’s defense of Allen.
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[3]
Associated Press: Broncos beat Bills in overtime to reach the AFC championship: Provides a play‑by‑play recap, highlighting McMillian’s interception, Nix’s late rally, Prater’s 50‑yard field goal, the turnover barrage, and Denver’s upcoming AFC title game at home.
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[4]
Associated Press: Bills beat Jaguars 27‑24 on the road for Buffalo's first road playoff win in 33 years: Recaps Buffalo’s earlier wild‑card victory, Allen’s turnover‑free performance, key passes to Brandin Cooks, and the historic road‑win milestone that set up the Denver matchup.
Timeline
Dec 7, 2025 – Buffalo rallies from a 10‑point fourth‑quarter deficit to beat Cincinnati 39‑34 in a snow‑laden home game. Josh Allen throws three touchdown passes, adds a rushing score and a 17‑yard scramble, finishing 22‑for‑28 for 251 yards, while safety Jordan Benford seals the win with a 63‑yard pick‑six off Joe Burrow with 5:25 left. The comeback lifts the Bills to 9‑4 and keeps them in the AFC playoff hunt. [5]
Jan 11, 2026 – The Bills earn their first road playoff victory in 33 years, defeating Jacksonville 27‑24 in the wild‑card round. Allen delivers a turnover‑free performance (28‑of‑35, 273 yds, 1 TD pass, 2 TD runs) and engineers a late go‑ahead drive, hitting Brandin Cooks for 36 yards before a 1‑yard quarterback sneak and a rushing TD clinch the win. Defensive plays by Tre’Davious White and Cole Bishop lock down the Jaguars’ final drive. [4]
Jan 18, 2026 – In regulation, Broncos kicker Matt Prater nails a 50‑yard field goal with five seconds left to tie the game at 30‑30, sending it to overtime. Quarterback Bo Nix sparks a late rally, delivering a 26‑yard touchdown pass to Marvin Mims Jr. with 55 seconds remaining, while Josh Allen’s turnover binge (two interceptions, two fumbles) erodes Buffalo’s lead. [3]
Jan 18, 2026 – In overtime, Denver’s Ja’Quan McMillian intercepts Allen, setting up Wil Lutz’s 23‑yard game‑winning field goal and propelling the Broncos to a 33‑30 victory and a home AFC Championship berth – the franchise’s first conference‑title game since the “No Fly Zone” era that produced Super Bowl 50. [3]
Jan 18, 2026 – Josh Allen sits on the Bills’ sideline visibly distraught, throws a towel to the ground and covers his face after the loss, later wiping away tears while saying, “the loss was extremely difficult and I felt I let my teammates down.” [2]
Jan 18, 2026 – Broncos quarterback Bo Nix suffers a broken right ankle late in overtime and will undergo surgery, ending his postseason run and forcing Denver to adjust its quarterback depth chart for the upcoming AFC Championship. [2]
Jan 18, 2026 – Allen’s postseason overtime record slips to 0‑3, and his eight playoff wins become the most ever by a quarterback who has never appeared in a Super Bowl, underscoring Buffalo’s continued quest for a championship despite regular‑season success. [1][2]
All related articles (5 articles)
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Newsweek: Bills' Josh Allen visibly upset after controversial playoff loss to Broncos
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AP: Bills fall to Broncos in playoff game as Allen wipes away tears and Bo Nix breaks right ankle
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AP: Broncos beat Bills in overtime to reach the AFC championship
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AP: Bills beat Jaguars 27-24 on the road for Buffalo's first road playoff win in 33 years
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WBNS (Columbus, OH): Bills rally for 39-34 win over Bengals as Benford seals victory
External resources (10 links)
- https://twitter.com/BuffaloBills/status/2010450739521372303 (cited 1 times)
- https://twitter.com/BuffaloBills/status/2010454970424861103 (cited 1 times)
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- https://twitter.com/BuffaloBills/status/2010458380805025993 (cited 1 times)
- https://x.com/Bengals/status/1997772952520237247?s=20 (cited 1 times)
- https://x.com/NFL/status/2012692527359651953 (cited 1 times)
- https://x.com/NFLonFOX/status/1997734957402435995?s=20 (cited 1 times)
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- https://x.com/NFLonFOX/status/1997766643104330237?s=20 (cited 1 times)
- https://x.com/NFLonFOX/status/1997768507661091122?s=20 (cited 1 times)