The AFC Divisional Round kicked off with a thriller in Denver, where the top-seeded Broncos outlasted the Buffalo Bills in overtime, 33-30. It was a game that had a little bit of everything-turnovers, comebacks, clutch kicks, and postseason drama that lived up to the billing.
With the win, Denver punches its ticket to the AFC Championship Game, where they'll host the winner of Sunday’s Patriots-Texans matchup. For now, the Broncos can breathe a little easier, but they know the toughest test still lies ahead.
Let’s break down how it all unfolded.
Broncos Survive a Wild One
Early on, it looked like Denver might run away with this one-not because their offense was firing on all cylinders, but because Buffalo couldn’t hold onto the football. Three costly fumbles-one by running back James Cook and two by quarterback Josh Allen-put the Bills in a hole. Denver capitalized, building a 23-10 lead early in the third quarter.
But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about this Bills team, it’s that they don’t go quietly. Allen and company bounced back with a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns, flipping the game on its head and briefly taking the lead. The Broncos answered with a late drive of their own, capped by a field goal that made it 30-27 with just 55 seconds left.
Still, Buffalo wasn’t done. A quick march downfield set up a game-tying field goal that sent the contest into overtime.
Overtime Heroics
Once in OT, both teams had a shot to end it. But it was Denver who came through when it mattered most. After exchanging possessions, the Broncos put together a composed, methodical drive that ended with Wil Lutz drilling a 23-yard field goal to seal the win.
It wasn’t pretty, but in the playoffs, style points don’t count. Survive and advance-that’s the name of the game.
What’s Next: AFC Championship Implications
Now, the Broncos turn their attention to the AFC Championship Game. They’ll host the winner of Sunday’s clash between the New England Patriots and the Houston Texans.
If it’s New England that emerges, we’re looking at a heavyweight showdown in Denver next week. The Patriots would come in riding a perfect 8-0 road record this season, and while that stat alone is impressive, it becomes even more intriguing when you consider the history between these two franchises.
The last time they met was back in 2023, when the Patriots edged out a 26-23 win at Mile High. But that was then-since that game, both teams have undergone major changes at head coach and quarterback. What hasn’t changed is the intensity that comes with a spot in the Super Bowl on the line.
But First, Patriots vs. Texans
Before we get ahead of ourselves, there’s still business to handle in Foxborough. The Patriots will host the Texans in their own divisional-round showdown on Sunday at 3 p.m.
ET. New England, the AFC East champs and the last team standing from that division, will look to defend their home turf and punch their own ticket to Denver.
Mike Vrabel’s team knows the stakes. If they get past Houston, they’re heading back to familiar territory-on the road, in the playoffs, with everything on the line.
The table is set. The Broncos are waiting. Now it’s up to the Patriots and Texans to decide who joins them.