The Denver Broncos faced off against the Buffalo Bills in a thrilling NFL Wild Card playoff game on January 12, 2025, at Highmark Stadium. The Bills dominated with a final score of 31-7, advancing to the Divisional Round. This article breaks down the key player stats, standout performances, and critical moments from the game in a way that’s easy to understand for fans of all ages. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just curious about the matchup, we’ve got you covered with all the details
Game Overview: Bills Dominate with Balanced Attack
The Buffalo Bills showcased their offensive firepower and defensive strength in a one-sided victory over the Denver Broncos. Led by quarterback Josh Allen, the Bills controlled the game from start to finish, outgaining the Broncos 471 to 224 total yards and holding the ball for over 41 minutes. The Broncos, powered by rookie quarterback Bo Nix, started strong but couldn’t keep up with Buffalo’s relentless attack. Let’s dive into the player stats that defined this exciting playoff clash.
Buffalo Bills: Key Offensive Performances
Josh Allen Shines Bright
Josh Allen was the star of the show, proving why he’s considered one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks and a strong MVP candidate. He completed 20 of 26 passes for 272 yards, throwing two touchdown passes without a single interception. Allen also added 46 yards rushing, showcasing his dual-threat ability. His highlight plays included:
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A 24-yard touchdown pass to running back Ty Johnson on a fourth-and-1 play, where Allen bought time and delivered a precise throw to the back of the end zone.
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A 55-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Curtis Samuel to open the fourth quarter, effectively sealing the game.
Allen’s ability to spread the ball to eight different receivers kept the Broncos’ defense guessing. His performance also made history, as he surpassed Hall of Famer Jim Kelly’s franchise record with his 23rd playoff passing touchdown.
James Cook Runs Wild
Running back James Cook was another standout, becoming the first Bills player since Thurman Thomas in 1995 to rush for over 100 yards in a playoff game. Cook racked up 120 yards on the ground, including a 5-yard touchdown run. His explosive runs helped Buffalo control the game’s pace and wear down Denver’s defense. Cook’s performance was a key part of the Bills’ balanced attack, which combined for 210 rushing yards.
Receiving Corps Spreads the Wealth
The Bills’ passing game was a team effort, with multiple players contributing. Wide receiver Curtis Samuel led the team with 68 receiving yards, including the game-changing 55-yard touchdown catch. Khalil Shakir was a reliable target, hauling in 6 catches for 61 yards. Tight end Dalton Kincaid also made an impact with a 35-yard reception that showcased Allen’s deep-ball accuracy. This spread-the-wealth approach made it tough for Denver to focus on any single receiver.
Tyler Bass Adds Points
Kicker Tyler Bass was perfect on the day, nailing a 34-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to extend Buffalo’s lead to 28-7. His consistency helped the Bills capitalize on their offensive drives.
Denver Broncos: Offensive Struggles
Bo Nix’s Playoff Debut
Rookie quarterback Bo Nix showed flashes of potential but faced heavy pressure in his first playoff game. He completed 17 of 27 passes for 165 yards, with one touchdown and no interceptions. Nix started strong, connecting with former college teammate Troy Franklin for a 43-yard touchdown pass on Denver’s opening drive. However, the Bills’ defense pressured Nix on 14 of his 27 dropbacks (a 51.9% pressure rate), the highest he faced all season, limiting his ability to find a rhythm.
Running Game Stalls
The Broncos’ running game couldn’t get going, managing just 59 yards on 17 carries. Javonte Williams led the team with 32 yards, but Denver’s ground attack lacked the explosiveness needed to keep up with Buffalo’s offense. The Bills’ time-of-possession dominance (41:43 to 18:17) also meant fewer opportunities for Denver to establish their run game.
Troy Franklin’s Bright Spot
Wide receiver Troy Franklin was a highlight for Denver, catching the 43-yard touchdown pass from Nix on the opening drive. He finished with 4 receptions for 62 yards, showing chemistry with his former Oregon Ducks teammate. However, the rest of Denver’s receiving corps struggled to make an impact against Buffalo’s stout defense.
Buffalo Bills: Defensive Dominance
The Bills’ defense was relentless, holding the Broncos to just one touchdown and forcing a turnover-on-downs in the fourth quarter. Linebacker Terrel Bernard led the team with 6 tackles, while linebacker Matt Milano and defensive end Greg Rousseau each recorded 1.0 sack. Safety Damar Hamlin nearly intercepted a pass late in the game, further showcasing Buffalo’s defensive intensity. The Bills’ ability to pressure Nix and limit Denver’s offense was a major factor in their victory.
Denver Broncos: Defensive Efforts
Denver’s defense started strong, keeping the game close in the first half by limiting Buffalo’s big plays. However, they couldn’t sustain that momentum. The Broncos allowed 471 total yards, including 210 rushing yards, as Buffalo’s balanced attack wore them down. Defensive lineman Zach Allen led the team with 5 tackles, but the unit struggled to stop Allen’s passing and Cook’s running. The Bills’ 23-minute edge in time of possession further exposed Denver’s defensive fatigue.
Key Team Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats Comparison
Here’s a quick look at how the two teams stacked up statistically:
|
Stat |
Buffalo Bills |
Denver Broncos |
|---|---|---|
|
Total Yards |
471 | 224 |
|
Passing Yards |
272 | 165 |
|
Rushing Yards |
210 | 59 |
|
First Downs |
26 | 13 |
|
Turnovers |
0 | 0 |
|
Possession |
41:43 | 18:17 |
The Bills’ dominance in total yards and time of possession highlights their control over the game.
Standout Moments from the Game
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Denver’s Hot Start: The Broncos opened the game with a five-play, 70-yard drive, capped by Nix’s 43-yard touchdown pass to Franklin. It was a promising start, but Denver couldn’t maintain the momentum.
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Allen’s Fourth-Down Magic: Facing fourth-and-1 at the Denver 24-yard line, Allen delivered a pinpoint touchdown pass to Ty Johnson, showcasing his poise under pressure.
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Samuel’s Game-Sealing TD: Curtis Samuel’s 55-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter put the game out of reach, as Buffalo extended their lead to 24-7.
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Bills’ Ground Dominance: James Cook’s 120-yard rushing performance, combined with Allen’s 46 yards, overwhelmed Denver’s defense and kept the clock ticking in Buffalo’s favor.
What This Means for Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats Both Teams
Buffalo Bills: On to the Divisional Round
The Bills’ convincing win sets up a highly anticipated Divisional Round matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, a rematch of a Week 4 game where Baltimore dominated 35-10. Josh Allen will face off against fellow 2018 draft pick Lamar Jackson in a battle of MVP-caliber quarterbacks. Buffalo’s ability to execute a balanced game plan—passing, rushing, and defense—makes them a formidable playoff contender.
Denver Broncos: A Promising Future
For the Broncos, the loss marks the end of their first playoff appearance since their 2015 Super Bowl win. Despite the lopsided score, there’s plenty of optimism in Denver. Rookie Bo Nix showed potential, and his connection with Troy Franklin could be a building block for the future. Under head coach Sean Payton, the Broncos have their quarterback and a foundation to build on as they aim to close the gap with the AFC’s elite teams.
Why This Game Matters for Fans
This matchup was a classic example of a veteran-led team (the Bills) taking on a young, up-and-coming squad (the Broncos). For Bills fans, the game was a statement that their team is ready for a deep playoff run. For Broncos fans, it was a chance to see their rookie quarterback compete on the big stage, offering hope for brighter days ahead. The player stats tell the story of Buffalo’s dominance but also highlight Denver’s potential for growth.
How to Use These Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats for Fantasy Football
If you’re a fantasy football player, here’s how the performances from this game could impact your decisions:
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Josh Allen (QB, Bills): His 272 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, and 46 rushing yards make him a must-start in playoff fantasy leagues. His dual-threat ability is unmatched.
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James Cook (RB, Bills): Cook’s 120 rushing yards and a touchdown show he’s a reliable RB1 option, especially in favorable matchups.
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Curtis Samuel (WR, Bills): Samuel’s 68 yards and a touchdown make him a sneaky flex play, particularly in deeper leagues.
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Bo Nix (QB, Broncos): While Nix’s 165 yards and 1 touchdown were modest, his potential makes him a dynasty league stash for 2025 and beyond.
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Troy Franklin (WR, Broncos): Franklin’s 62 yards and a touchdown suggest he could emerge as a key target for Nix next season. Keep an eye on him in dynasty formats.
Conclusion: A Game of Dominance and Promise
The Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats was a tale of two teams at different stages. Josh Allen and James Cook led a Buffalo squad that was simply too much for Denver’s defense, while Bo Nix and Troy Franklin offered glimpses of a bright future for the Broncos. The stats—471 yards for Buffalo, 224 for Denver, and a 41:43 to 18:17 time-of-possession split—tell the story of a one-sided affair. Yet, for fans of both teams, there’s plenty to take away from this game, whether it’s Buffalo’s playoff dominance or Denver’s building blocks for 2025.