A Perfect Throw That Changed Everything
With the game tied in overtime, Bills quarterback delivered a deep pass to wide receiver Brandin Cooks that appeared to put Buffalo in prime position for a walk-off
field goal. Cooks secured the ball as he went to the ground, but in a split-second twist, the ball shifted just enough for Broncos defensive back Ja’Quan McMillian to rip it away.
Officials reviewed the play, but ruled that McMillian had partial control before Cooks was fully down, allowing the interception to stand. The decision immediately sparked backlash across social media, with many fans insisting the play should have been ruled a completed catch.
Bo Nix Takes Advantage
The controversial call gave the ball back to Denver — and rookie quarterback wasted no time capitalizing. Nix calmly led the Broncos downfield, aided by a pair of costly pass interference penalties against the Bills’ secondary.
Veteran kicker Matt Prater sealed the win with a clutch 50-yard field goal, sending Empower Field at Mile High into a frenzy and punching Denver’s ticket to the AFC title game for the first time in a decade.
Turnovers Doom Buffalo
While the interception call dominated headlines, the bigger story was Buffalo’s inability to protect the football. Allen finished the night with four turnovers — two interceptions and two lost fumbles — after entering the game having gone six straight playoff appearances without a turnover.
Denver’s defense consistently pressured Allen, with Nik Bonitto recording two strip-sacks and P.J. Locke adding another interception earlier in the game. Despite throwing for 283 yards and three touchdowns, Allen’s mistakes proved too much to overcome.
Emotional Ending for Josh Allen
After the loss, Allen took full responsibility, fighting back tears as he addressed reporters.
“I feel like I let my teammates down,” Allen said. “You can’t win playoff games when you turn the ball over that many
times. That one’s on me.”
Allen declined to criticize the officiating, emphasizing that missed opportunities throughout the game ultimately cost the Bills a chance to advance.
Broncos Eye AFC Championship Glory
With the win, Denver will host the AFC Championship Game next Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High, where the Broncos have been nearly unbeatable this season. It marks their first conference title appearance since the legendary “No Fly Zone” defense led them to a Super Bowl 50 victory.
For Buffalo, the loss adds another painful chapter to a long list of playoff heartbreaks. For Denver and Bo Nix, it represents a defining moment — one step away from the Super Bowl.
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