DENVER — In an intense AFC Divisional Round matchup between the Denver Broncos and the Buffalo Bills, the Broncos secured a dramatic 33–30 overtime victory, led by quarterback Bo Nix.
The game opened with a defensive battle, as Denver struck first with a field goal. Buffalo responded quickly, scoring the first touchdown of the night on a pass to Mecole Hardman Jr. The Broncos answered back, tying the game when Nix connected with offensive lineman Crum for a rare “big man” touchdown.
From there, momentum swung sharply in Denver’s favor late in the first half. Buffalo struggled with turnovers, including a fumble by James Cook, an interception, and another fumble by Josh Allen. Capitalizing on those mistakes, the Broncos scored 10 points in the final 22 seconds of the second quarter, taking a 20–10 lead into halftime.
Jan 17, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) scrambles during overtime of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Buffalo Bills at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Buffalo came out of the break determined to respond. Slowly marching down the field, Allen found rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 23–17. Early in the fourth quarter, Allen struck again, this time connecting with tight end Dalton Kincaid to give the Bills a 24–23 lead.
Denver answered under pressure. With just over a minute remaining, Bo Nix hit Marvin Mims on a 26-yard touchdown pass, putting the Broncos ahead 30–27. Buffalo quickly moved the ball downfield, and Matt Prater tied the game with a field goal, sending it to overtime.
Coming into the game, Josh Allen was 0–6 in overtime games during his career. Meanwhile, second-year quarterback Bo Nix was aiming to lead Denver one step closer to the AFC Championship—and potentially the Super Bowl.
The Broncos received the ball first in overtime but were forced to punt, giving Buffalo a chance to end the game. On the ensuing drive, Allen attempted a deep pass to Brandin Cooks, but the throw was intercepted by Jaquan McMillan in a controversial play. The turnover set Denver up in favorable field position, and Will Lutz sealed the win with a game-winning field goal.
Final score: Denver 33, Buffalo 30.
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix chucks the ball for an incompletion as Buffalo Bills defensive end Greg Rousseau bares down on him during second half action at Empower FIeld at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Jan. 17, 2026.
After the game, Josh Allen took responsibility for the loss, saying he “let his teammates down… It’s been a long season. Hate how it ended. It’s gonna stick with me for a long time.” Allen finished the game with 283 passing yards but fell short of another Super Bowl run.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton also announced postgame that Bo Nix suffered a fractured ankle and will be out for the remainder of the season. Nix threw for 279 yards and three touchdowns in the victory.
The Broncos advance to the AFC Championship Game next week without their starting quarterback. Jarrett Stidham is expected to take the reins in one of the biggest games of the season.
