The Bills made an early scare seem like a small blip.
And now, they’ll have to get through the Ravens if they want another potential crack at the Chiefs.
After quickly giving up a touchdown on the opening drive of the game, the Bills took over and cruised to a 31-7 home win over the Broncos on Sunday in the wild-card round of the NFL playoffs, setting up a matchup of the top two MVP candidates in Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson.
The Bills lost to the Ravens in Baltimore, 35-10, in Week 4.
4 Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) throws a pass against the Broncos on Jan. 12, 2025. Getty Images
4 Bills running back James Cook (4) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Broncos on Jan. 12, 2025. Getty Images
Allen finished 20-for-26 passing with 272 yards, two touchdowns and zero turnovers, adding 46 yards rushing on eight carries.
Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix hit Troy Franklin for a 43-yard touchdown just 2:24 into the game, giving Denver a 7-0 lead and stunning Bills Mafia.
And the Broncos even converted a fake punt in the second quarter, though they had to punt four plays later.
The Bills recovered from the early blow and scored on their first two possessions to take a 10-7 lead and never looked back, stifling the Broncos the rest of the afternoon.
Nix finished 13-for-22 with 144 yards, the one touchdown and zero turnovers.
Bills running back James Cook ran 23 times for 120 yards and a 5-yard touchdown that put Buffalo ahead in the second quarter.
After Broncos kicker Wil Lutz missed a 50-yard field goal attempt right before halftime that would’ve tied the game, Bills kicker Tyler Bass finished Buffalo’s first drive of the third quarter with a 27-yard field goal.
Ty Johnson caught a 24-yard touchdown from Allen later in the quarter to put Buffalo up 21-7.
4 A Bills fan looks on in a “Mafia” mask on Jan. 12, 2025. Getty Images
4 Bills fans hold a Josh Allen MVP sign on Jan. 12, 2025. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Brooklyn native Curtis Samuel’s 55-yard catch-and-run put the Bills up 28-7 on the first play of the fourth quarter.
The Bills lost to Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in the AFC Championship game four years ago, in overtime in the divisional round three years ago and again in the divisional round last year by three points.
For another chance at revenge, they’ll have to vanquish the dangerous Ravens.
The top-seeded Chiefs, who earned a bye into the divisional round, will host the Texans next weekend.
Bills cruise to playoff win over Broncos to set up Ravens matchup
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