WINNERS
NFL Playoffs
The league continues to benefit from edge-of-your-seat finishes. Five of the first seven playoff games have been decided by four points or fewer, reinforcing why January football remains unmatched in intensity and unpredictability.
Denver Broncos Defense
The Broncos allowed significant yardage, but their ability to create turnovers made the difference. Denver forced five takeaways, including the decisive overtime interception by Ja’Quan McMillian that flipped the game and set up the winning drive.
Marvin Mims Jr.
One of Denver’s most surprising heroes, Mims delivered the best performance of his young career. After averaging just 2.5 catches per game during the regular season, he hauled in eight receptions for 93 yards and a crucial fourth-quarter touchdown. His ability to draw a pass interference call in overtime directly helped set up the game-winning field goal.
Sean Payton
In his third season with Denver, Payton guided the franchise to its first playoff victory in a decade. His pursuit of becoming the first head coach to win Super Bowls with two different franchises remains alive, at least for now.
James Cook
Despite Buffalo’s loss, Cook was electric for much of the game, finishing with 141 total yards from scrimmage. At times, he was the most dynamic player on the field and a constant threat to flip momentum in Buffalo’s favor.
Before misfortune struck, Nix delivered one of the strongest performances of the Divisional Round. The second-year quarterback threw for 279 yards and three touchdowns, outdueling Josh Allen for long stretches and showing poise well beyond his experience level.
LOSERS
Bo Nix (Injury Fallout)
The celebration came with a devastating cost. Nix suffered a broken bone in his ankle late in the game, an injury that threatens to derail Denver’s Super Bowl hopes and end his breakout postseason run prematurely.
Buffalo Turnovers
Buffalo simply could not protect the football. Five turnovers directly or indirectly fueled Denver’s scoring chances, turning what could have been a statement win into another chapter of postseason frustration.
James Cook (One Critical Mistake)
While productive overall, Cook’s second-quarter fumble proved costly, leading directly to a Broncos touchdown. In a game decided by three points in overtime, that single miscue loomed large.
Second-Half Broncos
Denver expected altitude and rest to wear down Buffalo after halftime, but the opposite occurred. The Broncos were outscored 20-10 in the second half and needed overtime — plus turnovers — to survive.
Brandin Cooks
The overtime sequence will haunt the veteran receiver. What appeared to be a potential game-winning catch instead became a controversial interception, sealing Buffalo’s fate and adding another painful playoff memory to Cooks’ career.
Sean McDermott
Consistent regular-season success has not translated into postseason breakthroughs. McDermott’s playoff record now sits at an even .500, with Buffalo again falling short of reaching the Super Bowl despite favorable circumstances.
Entering the playoffs as league MVP, Allen carried enormous expectations. While his stat line was impressive — 283 passing yards, three touchdowns, and 66 rushing yards — four turnovers proved fatal. His overtime interception and late missed opportunity in regulation ultimately defined Buffalo’s season.
A Familiar Ending in Buffalo
Once again, the Bills leave the postseason wondering what might have been. With several AFC powerhouses already out of the picture, the path appeared open. Instead, mistakes, missed chances, and overtime heartbreak ensured another long offseason in Western New York.
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