The Denver Broncos and Buffalo Bills went head-to-head in Saturday’s AFC Divisional round, with the Broncos emerging victorious 33-30 thanks to a strong defensive performance.
The Broncos scored first, cashing in a field goal on the opening drive. After their own lengthy drive, the Bills responded with a 4-yard touchdown catch from WR Mecole Hardman.
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As the second quarter commenced, Broncos LB Alex Singleton forced Bills RB James Cook to fumble before it was recovered by Denver safety Talanoa Hufanga.
The Broncos capitalized with a lead-taking touchdown, but the Bills tied it up 10-10 with a field goal.
With less than 30 seconds left in the first half, Broncos WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey pulled in a 29-yard touchdown catch to take a seven-point lead.
Just moments later, Denver LB Nik Bonitto forced QB Josh Allen into a fumble, setting up a last second field goal that gave the Broncos a 10-point advantage at halftime.
Denver’s defense hit the ground running in the third, forcing Josh Allen into another fumble and making the subsequent field goal.
The Bills weren’t done yet though, as Keon Coleman’s 10-yard touchdown catch cut the lead to six. Both squads then threw an interception in the following minutes, keeping the score at 23-17 to begin the final frame.
Buffalo’s offense led a strong drive to open the fourth quarter, capped off by a 14-yard touchdown catch by TE Dalton Kincaid.
After being down by 13, the Bills were now in front by one.
Denver’s offense failed to respond, and Allen led the Bills on another solid drive before settling for a field goal.
With just over a minute to play, Broncos WR Marvin Mims Jr. broke out for a spectacular 26-yard toe-tap TD catch to take a 30-27 advantage.
But the Bills’ strong offense was just enough for Matt Prater to make a 50-yard field goal with 10 seconds left to play, forcing overtime.
Denver’s defense stood strong in the extra period, forcing the Bills’ fifth turnover of the night. Two untimely pass interference calls against the Bills put Denver well into field goal range.
A 23-yard field goal by Wil Lutz secured the victory for the Broncos. They will now be the host team for next week’s AFC conference championship.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
