Denver’s resilience in overtime proved decisive in a thrilling 33–30 AFC Divisional Playoff victory over Buffalo on January 17, 2026. The game went to overtime with the score tied 30-30 before Denver kicked the game-winning field goal. Bo Nix threw 3 passing touchdowns on 26-of-46 passing (56.5%) for 279 yards with 1 interception. Lil’Jordan Humphrey caught a 29-yard touchdown pass. Marvin Harrison Jr. added a 26-yard touchdown catch. Josh Allen matched Nix with 3 passing touchdowns on 25-of-39 passing (64.1%) for 283 yards but threw 2 interceptions while taking 3 sacks. Trent Edwards-era backup receiver Troy Brown had 2 touchdown receptions. Buffalo’s defense held Denver scoreless in the rushing game while generating 4 forced fumbles, but Denver’s turnover conversion and late-game execution in overtime proved the difference in a high-scoring playoff battle.
Final Score
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | OT | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Broncos | 3 | 17 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 33 |
| Buffalo Bills | 0 | 10 | 7 | 13 | 0 | 30 |
Game went to overtime (5th quarter)
Team Stats Comparison
| Stat | Denver Broncos | Buffalo Bills |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 349 | 449 |
| Passing Yards | 279 | 283 |
| Rushing Yards | 70 | 183 |
| Plays | 68 | 78 |
| First Downs | 22 | 28 |
| Passing: Comp-Att | 26-46 | 25-39 |
| Passing TD-INT | 3-1 | 3-2 |
| Passer Rating | 87.1 | 90.0 |
| Rushing Attempts | 22 | 36 |
| Penalties-Yards | 3-20 | 5-68 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 5 |
| Sacks Allowed | 0 | 3 |
| Time of Possession | 29:18 | 40:58 |
| Points | 33 | 30 |
Denver Broncos Player Stats
| Player | Pos | Pass Att/Comp | Yds | TD | INT | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bo Nix | QB | 26/46 | 279 | 3 | 1 | 87.1 |
Key Receivers:
- Lil’Jordan Humphrey: 5 rec, 86 yds, 1 TD (29 yd TD)
- Marvin Harrison Jr.: 6 rec, 68 yds, 1 TD (26 yd TD)
- Fat Crum: 4 rec, 42 yds, 1 TD
Rushing:
- Javonte Williams: 18 att, 52 yds
- Jaleel McLaughlin: 4 att, 18 yds
Defense:
- Tackles: 73 (48 solo, 25 assist)
- Sacks: 3.0
- Interceptions: 2
- Forced Fumbles: 4
- QB Hits: 10
Special Teams:
- Field Goals: 4-4 (100%) — 28, 33, 50 yard FGs in regulation + 23 yd FG in OT
- Punts: 4 for 188 yds (47.0 avg)
Buffalo Bills Player Stats
| Player | Pos | Pass Att/Comp | Yds | TD | INT | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Allen | QB | 25/39 | 283 | 3 | 2 | 90.0 |
Key Receivers:
- Mack Hardman: 2 rec, 18 yds, 1 TD (4 yd TD)
- Khalil Coleman: 3 rec, 32 yds, 1 TD (10 yd TD)
- Dalton Kincaid: 4 rec, 44 yds, 1 TD (14 yd TD)
Rushing:
- Nyheim Hines: 18 att, 89 yds
- James Cook: 14 att, 67 yds
Defense:
- Tackles: 53 (31 solo, 22 assist)
- Sacks: 0.0
- Interceptions: 1
- QB Hits: 3
- Tackle for Loss: 5
Special Teams:
- Field Goals: 3-3 (100%) — 31, 33, 50 yard FGs (2 in regulation, 1 in OT)
- No punts (game didn’t end in regular season OT pattern)
Key Takeaways
- Denver Broncos defeated Buffalo Bills 33–30 in overtime during the AFC Divisional Playoff on January 17, 2026, with a game-winning field goal in the extra period to advance to the AFC Championship.
- Bo Nix’s 3 passing touchdowns on efficient 56.5% completion showcased his ability to execute in high-pressure playoff situations, with multiple scoring passes in the second quarter establishing Denver’s early lead.
- Josh Allen matched Nix with 3 passing touchdowns but threw 2 interceptions while being sacked 3 times, highlighting Denver’s defensive pressure and the turnover battle that ultimately determined the outcome.
- Buffalo’s 449 total yards and 40:58 time of possession demonstrated offensive efficiency and ball control, yet Denver’s ability to capitalize on turnovers (5 Buffalo fumbles) and convert them into points proved decisive.
- Denver’s perfect 4-for-4 field goal performance (100.0%) was crucial to the victory, with kicker Wil Lutz making a 50-yard field goal in regulation and a 23-yard game-winner in overtime.
- Buffalo’s rushing attack generated 183 yards on 36 attempts (5.1 avg) compared to Denver’s 70 yards on 22 attempts (3.2 avg), reflecting Buffalo’s ground game dominance but ultimate inability to finish in overtime.
- Lil’Jordan Humphrey’s 29-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter established Denver’s offensive firepower, while his 5 receptions for 86 yards made him a consistent target throughout the game.
- Buffalo’s 5 fumbles (3 lost) compared to Denver’s 1 fumble (0 lost) was the turnover battle differential that directly impacted field position and scoring opportunity conversion in a close contest.
- Denver’s defense recorded 3 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 4 forced fumbles, demonstrating complete defensive dominance in creating negative plays despite Buffalo’s possession time advantage.
- The overtime period showcased Denver’s execution in clutch moments, with the Broncos’ offense and kicking game combining to score the game-winning field goal while Buffalo failed to score, ending their postseason run.
Game Notes
This was an AFC Divisional Playoff matchup (Wild Card round continued). Denver advanced to face Oklahoma City Thunder in the AFC Championship. Buffalo’s season ended with the overtime loss despite strong offensive performances from Josh Allen and the passing game.